Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring?
The following is a list of suggestions to bring with you on your Cottage holiday:
- Drinking water: Our water supply comes from our own well and is tested monthly. If you have any concerns, please bring drinking water with you.
- Linens (Bedroom, Bathroom and Kitchen): You need to bring sheets, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and bath towels. Kitchen linens are provided.
- Personal items: Hand soap, shampoo and all other personal hygiene items.
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFD): If you are renting a boat from us, adult sized PFD’s are included. Children’s PFD are very specific to age and weight, please provide your own.
- Toilet paper, Kleenex and Paper Towels: There may be some of these items at the Cottage to get you started however, you should not count on it and have a supply with you when you arrive.
- Firewood, fire starters & matches: We do not supply these items. The Cottage has a fire pit for your use, you can purchase firewood from us and fire starters and matches at local stores and gas stations. Do not transport wood into the area as you may infect this area with tree diseases found in Southern Ontario. Fire regulations are controlled by each municipality.
- Flashlights: Cottage country is much different from the city when it comes to power outages. Hydro One personnel are quick to respond to issues however if we have severe weather that causes an outage these outages can be lengthy. You should have a flashlight so you can see in the dark when outside the Cottage.
- Sun Tan Lotion and bug repellant are always handy in Cottage Country!
What will be there when I arrive?
Basic items such as dishes, cutlery, utensils, pots, pans, fridge, stove, microwave, kettle, coffee maker with filters, a TV and DVD will be available for your use.
In some cases, the Cottage will have some spices and dry condiments. You are welcome to use these. Please replenish anything that you deplete or use a lot of.
There will be a broom and cleaning supplies including dish soap so that you can leave the Cottage in the same condition as you found it when you check out. Thank you!
What's the Wildlife like?
Well the first thing you need to know is that the wild life love human food. Here are a few "don'ts" to help you be safe and keep the critters outside:
- Do not leave garbage outside your wood box (ever!). This will attract animals! Please make sure that you put your garbage in the bin inside the wood box and close the box.
- Do not leave food out on the kitchen counters or anywhere else in the Cottage. It will attract mice and ants.
- Do not leave doors open. Chipmunks, mice and squirrels will view it as an open invitation to come in.
- Do not leave food near windows. Chipmunks and squirrels will tear the screens to get at it.
- Do not leave many lights on after dark. Lights at night will attract moths and other types of flying insects.
Enjoy the surroundings, the smaller variety of animal life love to scurry around while the larger ones usually keep to themselves. The bugs? Well, they love everybody! It's all part of being here.
What kinds of fish are in the Lake?
We have pike, pickerel and bass. The Ministry of Natural Resources can also be a good place to find lake information.
How can I help take care of the Environment while at the Cottage?
While you're relaxing at the Cottage, just look and listen. Seems if you focus your attention on any spot for a few seconds you will see and/or hear different creatures living in their natural environment. Everything here is food for something else and on up the food chain it goes to the larger animals. Just be respectful that everything you use here is probably a home or food for some of those creatures. Be kind to the land, to the trees and to the lake and they along with the woodland creatures will be here when you come back. Don't forget to reduce, reuse, recycle and reclaim in order to protect this and other environments.
Do I bring my own BBQ gas?
No. The cottages have propane BBQ's and we can provide another if the one already on the BBQ happens to run out.
Can we light fire works off at the Cottage?
No, we do not permit fireworks at the Cottage.
Can I have a campfire at the Cottage?
Each Cottage has it's own fire pit for your use. Please be responsible and keep the fires to a manageable size and keep a water bucket on hand. Please be aware if there is a fire ban and follow the rules to avoid fines or worse a forest fire.
Is firewood provided?
We will have firewood for sale on site to be provided in advance. There are many gas stations and general stores in Cottage country that carry local firewood. Please do not transfer wood from "anywhere" to here. The risk transferring Southern Ontario tree diseases is too great. Please purchase your firewood locally.
Can we play music outside?
We ask for all our Guests to consider the peace and enjoyment of the neighbouring cottagers. Please turn the music, talking and other noise way down by 11:00 pm. Of course, unreasonable noise during the day will also interfere with the enjoyment of others so please be reasonable.
Do I need a license to drive a boat?
Yes. The Federal government has a "Safe Boating Guide" that you need to be aware of for using any watercraft. However, if you are renting a boat, you will only need to carry the rental contract with you instead of a license. You can read about it in the Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide.
Do I need a license to fish?
Yes, if you are between 18 and 65 years old you need a license to fish. You can buy a license online here.
Is there satellite or cable TV?
No. Our cottages have a TV and a DVD player.
Will my cell phone work?
Yes, there is a cell tower across the lake.
Is there WiFi / Internet access at the Cottages?
No, access is not available.
Can I rent a boat from a nearby Marina?
We do not have a Marina or one that is nearby, nor do we know of one that has rentals of every kind. You can check Boating Ontario for Marina info in Ontario.
We have 14' boats with 9.9hp outboard motors for rent at Stan's Cottages, click here for rates.
How do I dispose of garbage?
Garbage is to be put in the bins inside the wood boxes. Please do not leave any food or garbage out side the boxes. Animals love garbage. Please keep the cottage doors closed as the smaller animals (squirrels, mice and chipmunks) will come inside and get into garbage and food left out. If you leave food on a windowsill, they will tear the screen to get in.
Do I have to clean the Cottage?
Yes. It is the responsibility of the Guest to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness while in the cottage. We provide a broom and bags for garbage. Please let us know if you would like to use the vacuum or need a mop. We ask that when you leave, all the dishes are washed, the fridge is emptied, the garbage is in the bins, all the dishes, etc are in the cottage and not left in another cottage. Please return all chairs, picnic tables and indoor furniture to their original location when you arrived.
What do I do if I have a question, concern or something stops working while I'm at the Cottage?
Please call the Primary Contact listed in your Rules and Regulations sheet posted in the cottage. If all else fails contact us at stanscottages1@gmail.com or 416-998-6701. In addition, if there is a small problem that you think might turn into a bigger one, please let us know.
What do I do if I break something?
Things happen. Just call us and we will work out a solution with you. Please tell us when it happens and please don't wait to let us know after you get home. By then we will have to do an emergency resolution for the next Guest. It is easier and more considerate if we know in advance so can plan for it.
Should I worry about Mould Allergies?
We inspect every Cottage we list with a primary eye to validate that they are clean, dry and taken care of. If you have a mould allergy, please contact us before booking to discuss. We cannot guarantee that any Cottage will be completely Mould free.
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