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Looking outside she’s a cloudy morning here waking up in cottage country.
☀️ Weather Summary & Takeaway
Today (July 7):
Expect low-hanging clouds through the morning, then some sunshine peeking through. It’ll stay comfortable, with a high around 73 °F and dropping to a crisp 52 °F tonight.
Tomorrow (July 8):
A pleasant day ahead—cleared-up skies mixing sun and clouds, high of 76 °F, cooling down to about 58 °F overnight.
Highway 522 has been—or at least was—fairly busy lately, but in saying that, it has definitely slowed down more than it normally does for this time of year. I suspect it’s because folks here in Canada are hurting. Between the rising cost of living and less left in their paychecks, people are feeling stretched. Add in gas prices that seem too high and interest rates on loans and mortgages that remain steep, and you’ve got a recipe for hesitation. Each trip costs more, every errand adds up, and many are thinking twice before hitting the road.
Now, that slowdown isn’t just out on the roads—it’s in the real estate market, too. Some are saying property values in our area have dropped 25 percent. But the truth is, that simply isn’t the case. Across Northern Ontario, where Port Loring sits, the average home price has dipped about 0.7 percent, which is modest at best. Meanwhile, in the northeastern regions—places like ours—the year-over-year decline has been around 6.2 percent, not the dramatic 25 percent some are claiming .
In cottage country more broadly, prices have seen varied movement. Some premium waterfront areas faced year-over-year drops—like Muskoka at roughly 10 percent—but others are climbing or holding steady.
In fact, many experts are forecasting slight rises of around 1 to 4 percent in 2025, depending on the region.
Locally, in communities like Port Loring—part of what’s called unorganized townships—we still have advantages: fewer restrictions, ample land, and that genuine country community feel. Buyers are still interested. They’re just more careful, waiting and watching before committing.
We’re selling our own place right now, and we’ve heard all the chatter: “You’ve lost a quarter of your value.” That’s fear talking, not facts. If you’re not pressed for time, don’t panic-pricing your property. Hold your price steady. You worked hard for what you built. A 6 percent dip isn’t your loss—that’s market cooling. And markets do what they always do: they bounce back when balance returns.
Yes, the highway’s a bit quieter and buyers are pausing—but that doesn’t mean demand’s gone. It’s here. Just slower and steadier. So stay firm, value what you’ve created, and don’t let exaggerated hype push you around.
Yesterday, my wife and I had one of those busy days you don’t forget, with a steady stream of folks dropping by our gift shop. I’ll say it again—this year is shaping up to be one for the books. We’ve sold more flutes than ever before, all handcrafted right here on our property. People seem to really connect with the sound and story behind each one.
But it’s not just the flutes flying off the shelves. Our books are proving just as popular—folks are grabbing them up like wildfire. And it’s no wonder why. Each book is packed with over fifty stories and tales about just about everything—things that have happened, things happening now, and even what’s just around the corner in life. It’s like holding a piece of our land, our memories, and our everyday adventures in your hands.
If you haven’t stopped by lately, maybe it’s time. Whether it’s a flute’s song or a story’s pull, there’s something here for everyone. We’d love to see you.
So what are you up to today GW?
Well, with the weather looking like it’s about to turn nicer, I’m planning to spend some time in our vegetable garden today—got a few more weeds sneaking in that need some attention. After that, I’m thinking some front porch sitting will be just the thing, soaking in the peace and beauty of our little slice of Port Loring. Honestly, it’s one of the nicest spots around.
Alongside that, my wife and I will be welcoming customers at our gift shop, so our day is shaping up to be a full one. If you’re out this way, drop by and say hello. Our shop’s right at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. We’d be glad to see you—and if you’re interested, we’ll even give you a tour of our property. It’s a place with plenty of stories to share.
So with that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then enjoy a cup of hot cocoa before heading outdoors.
Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW