The Ice is Out! Oh yeah!

That's 12 days earlier than the median date of April 19. Twelve extra days of Catchacoma time is always appreciated. Am I right?

Catchacoma is on the Verge of Being 100% Ice Free - Wahoo!

April 2. The median ice-out date is April 19. It looks like 2021 could be two weeks ahead of normal. Thanks for the photos, Gord and Kevin.

Job Postings

The pandemic sucks and we’re all busting to get on the water. To that end marina manager Tom is busy planning for a safe and positive marina experience. The following positions are available:

Yard/Detailer: (Spring) Cleaning boats in prep for spring launch, working around the yard, moving boats, cleaning up etc. Having a forklift licence and being able to operate machinery is an asset. 

Student Part Time (Summer) several openings: a typical day may include pumping gas, greeting arrivals, tidying the grounds, cutting grass and helping out in the store.

Applicants are invited to send resumés to manager@catchacomamarina.com. Tom is happy to answer any questions you have - email or call him at (705) 657-3354. 
​

Greetings from Tom, our new marina manager

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Hello Everyone,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to let you know that I am looking forward to meeting all of you over the next few months. I am sure we are going to have a great season at the lake despite the challenges that the ongoing pandemic may bring. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you are at the marina.

Lake in Transition

Jan 10: Dave Curtis steers his trusty drone through a sleeping marina. From there we cross a frozen bay and then soar over the glassy waters of Catchacoma Lake.  

Babies are so peaceful when they sleep

Here's a perspective you don't see often. The boats have been put into hibernation with care.

Aerial views of the boats at rest

Thanks to Dave Curtis for sharing these photos of the marina closed up tight for the season.

We are Officially Closed for the Season

​It is fair to say that this year has been somewhat challenging both with a global pandemic impacting our marina operations as well as a new manager navigating uncharted territories. It impacted when we could open, how we could open, inventory levels, customer service to name just a few elements of marina life. As manager Jeff has moved on, we thank him for his efforts during this unprecedented season.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of both staff and volunteers, boats are now winterized, marina docks pulled, and customer docks harboured. The marina is officially closed now until next season.
Dave Curtis and Mike Turner oversaw this year close with the dedicated efforts of Ryan, Chevy, Melissa, Brian, Drew & Aaron. We are in good position and already looking forward to next season’s opening. Thank you.

More good news is that we are pleased to announce that we have secured the services of a new marina manager who will begin February 1, 2021. As the new manager is currently winding down their current business to be able to focus exclusively on our marina operations starting this spring, we will share more specific details early in January. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

One last item, for those who have their boats stored at the marina, a reminder to have proper insurance coverage in place for your vessels as they are not covered by the marina policy.

Regards
Your friendly Catchacoma Marina Board of Directors

OMG-cottage-season-is-coming-to-a-close Update

We trust everyone is looking forward to the Thanksgiving weekend. The early weather forecast is looking favourable!
A few updates as we usher in the weekend:

Marina hours:
Daily 8am – 5pm, closed Wednesdays, until the end of October
LCBO hours:
Daily  10am - 5pm, Sunday October 11th - Closed for the season

​Customer Dock Storage
For those customers who have the marina store their docks, we can start this process after the Thanksgiving weekend. Please email manager@catchacomamarina.com to arrange.

Boats Out
Just a friendly reminder that all inboard and/or stern drives must be turned over to the marina by Tuesday October 13th as they are more susceptible to freezing.  All remaining boats need to be delivered to the marina no later than Sunday October 18th.
Again, please email manager@catchacomamarina.com  to arrange. 

​Finally, please be mindful that this weekend will be busy at the marina- your patience and understanding in the store, on the docks and in the parking areas is appreciated.
 Have a safe long weekend!​

To those of you who dock and/or store boats at the marina

As boating season draws to a close here is a message for people with boats docked and/or stored at the marina.

· Please provide two weeks written notice to the manager to accommodate requests for removal. Send your notice to manager@catchacomamarina.com.
· Please drop off your boat at the marina or make it available for pick-up as soon as possible.
· Boats with inboard and/or stern drives are more susceptible to freezing so please turn over to the marina by Tuesday October 13th.
·All remaining boats need to be out of the water by no later than Sunday October 18th.
· The marina will not be held responsible for any damage to boats not turned over to the marina by these deadlines. This "boats out" policy applies both to members and non-members.

To those of you planning to spend Thanksgiving at the cottage we wish you a fun-filled weekend. We have lots to be thankful for.

Autumn at the Lake 

The marina nestled amongst the fall colours is a site to behold. Thanks Kevin Hoare for the photo contribution.

A Message From the Manager


As we enter the last long weekend of summer we turn our thoughts to cooler days and fall colours. Here at the marina we will begin preparations for dock and boat storage and cottage winterizing. Our boat and motor winterizing supplies have been delivered and we are ready to service your watercraft.

With the hours of sunlight getting shorter, store and LCBO hours will be reduced. Following Labour Day the store will be open daily 8-5. The LCBO will be open 10-5.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Jeff, marina manager
Thanks Jeff Fice for contributing this gorgeous shot of Baldwin Bay. Let’s hope for many more spectacular sunsets in the waning days of summer.

Say Hi to Summer Staff

Brian, Julie,
Zach, Sabrina,
Tammy, Thomas

Cottage Needs and More

Happy Canada Day

This photo, taken last year on Catchacoma Lake reminds us how fortunate we are to live in Canada. Photo cred: Rob B.

Boshkung Arrives at Catchacoma

The Marina Convenience Outlet is making its foray into alcohol sales with Boshkung beer. We will feature excellent local craft beer to give our customers something new to try and support other cottage country businesses. Some of these products you may not be able to find anywhere else so come check us out!

We’re Fully Operational

​May 22 - The marina is now fully operational. We offer full service gas, propane and store services with the exception of ice cream scooping, although ice cream by the tub is available. Boats-in requests have been met. Hours are 9am - 5pm.

The Long Weekend Has Arrived

Well, the long weekend is upon us and the good news is that marinas in Ontario are allowed to open to the public beginning Saturday, May 16. With that being said Catchacoma marina will be open with limited services and hours. The services being provided will include gas, water, some propane, and boat launching. The store will not be open this weekend and parking will be limited as there are still boats in the yard. Marina hours will be reduced to 9am to 4pm.
I know everybody is anxious to get the 2020 season underway but when you arrive we ask that social distancing protocol be applied. This includes areas such as gas docks, parking lots and boat docks. This will ensure the safety of the staff and yourself.
Beginning Tuesday, May 19th we will begin to stock the store (ice, wood, groceries, etc). We should be fully operational by Friday, May 22nd with extended hours.
We are now accepting "boats in" requests. Please keep in mind that since we are starting the season later than normal there will be a waiting list. We do still ask for 2 weeks written notice ( email me at manager@catchacomamarina.com) with a specific date for pick up.
That's all for now. Have a safe and happy weekend.
Jeff Fice, Marina Manager

The Docks are Going In

May 7 -As we await the opening of the marina it's nice to know that the docks are going in. Supervisor Molly approves.

Why do some Ontarians still have access to their cottages while others don't?
​Matt Gurney • National Post • April 26

nationalpost.com/opinion/matt-gurney-on-covid-19-why-do-some-ontarians-still-have-access-to-their-cottages-while-others-do-not?video_autoplay=true

Message from the Manager • April 19

As you are all well aware this year has presented some big challenges and the marine industry is no different. As of right now Catchacoma Marina is to be closed to the public until May 13th as per the government non-essential services list. As we understand this order it means no boats or docks in the water until this time, or such time as the order is lifted.

Once the order is lifted (May 13th as of now) our normal “boats in” policy will apply. The policy requires a minimum 2 weeks written notice to be received by the marina with the request for the boat(s) to be readied. The request should have a specific date where possible. With that being said people must understand that the volume of boats the marina can prep/handle at any time may be limited by such factors as staffing, weather, timing or other issues that may arise (such as social distancing). The marina will also not launch any boats or take requests if your account is not up to date (i.e. winter storage fees outstanding etc..). 

Again, with the challenges of social distancing we may need to limit access to the marina. This could include such things as limiting the number of cars arriving to pick up their boats, limiting the number of boats at the gas docks, limiting the number of people in the store at any one time or even setting defined pick up times. We do request that customers avoid the workshop area and direct any questions or concerns to the Manager. 

We understand these are difficult times for everyone but we ask that you be patient with staff as we will do or best to satisfy everyone’s requests in a timely and safe manner. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at manager@catchacomamarina.com or 705-772-0695. 
 
Stay safe, Stay healthy.
 
Jeff Fice

🍦The Ice Is Out - April 14🍦

Congratulations to the six winners of this year's Ice Cream Ice Out Challenge. Hannah O’Brien, Lee Franklin, Laura Restivo, Katie Coones-Ronan, Sally Ufkes and Alysha Giles each have the pleasure of treating themselves and six of their friends to Kawartha Dairy ice cream cones at the marina.

Check Out our Facebook Page

Our Facebook page is the place to go for up-to-the-minute news and photos during this era of coronavirus. Just click the Facebook link in the sidebar.

Aerials of Baldwin Bay, Sat April 4, 2020

Our trusty drone photographer, Kevin Hoare contributed these.

🍦The Ice Out Ice Cream Challenge is On🍦

It's that time of year - the annual ritual of ice out prediction. Just go to the Catchacoma Marina Facebook Page by midnight Tuesday, March 17 and tell us which day you expect the ice to go out. Ice Out is declared when a boat can reach every cottage on Catchacoma Lake. Note: for those of you on smaller neighbouring lakes it usually goes out sooner. If you guess right you can walk right up to the marina store anytime between Canada Day and Labour Day and request 7 ice cream cones…for free. The winners will be announced on Facebook the day of or the day after Ice Out Day. This year real estate agent and Catchacoma cottager Dave Curtis will sponsor 7 winners (that's 7 for 7) - the marina will put in for the remainder. So join in the fun and enter your prediction by midnight, March 17. 

We're Hiring

We're seeking someone to do boat detailing/maintenance and we're hiring students for summer positions.

You can find details about these positions here:

Send resumés to our manager, Jeff Fice at manager@catchacomamarina.com. Jeff is happy to answer questions about these positions at the same email address or call him at (705) 772-0695

Meet our new Marina Manager

A big Catchacoma welcome goes out to our new marina manager, Jeff Fice. Jeff has spent most of his life in Peterborough and he is a certified marine mechanic. Be sure to introduce yourself to Jeff on your first visit to the lake.

Winter Fun on the Lakes

The Kawartha Highland lakes are a winter enthusiast’s dream.

Dreaming of Summer

Thanks to Rob B. for contributing this photo. Do you have a dock photo to share? Send along to rickhay@me.com.

Pass it on - we're seeking a new manager

MARINA GENERAL MANAGER
Catchacoma Marina, located in the beautiful Kawartha Highlands 45 minutes north of Peterborough, Ontario, is seeking an entrepreneurial, highly motivated individual to manage the day-to-day operation of the marina (revenue above $500k annually), and to supervise staff including a marine mechanic and seasonal employees.  Year-round on-site living accommodation is provided and preferred.   The successful candidate will be competitively compensated including a bonus tied to the financial and community-related objectives of this important hub on Catchacoma Lake.  This position reports to an elected Board of Directors.

Necessary qualifications and experience include:
  • successful management of a small to midsize business
  • sound financial management skills, including working knowledge of basic accounting practices and POS and the ability to understand financial statements
  • demonstrated leadership ability and supervision of staff
  • excellent interpersonal relationship skills with a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction
Other skills that would be assets:
  • forklift operation certification 
  • propane dispensing certification 
  • knowledge of boats and boat repair
  • competent computer skills
Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest in pdf format to: directors@catchacomamarina.com by January 15, 2020.  (“Manager” in the subject line).  Those candidates being considered for an interview will be notified by February 3, 2020.

All the best, Steve

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After providing three seasons of great service at Catchacoma Marina our manager, Steve Thornton, has decided to move on to pursue other interests with his family.

We wish to thank Steve for his contribution to the marina and wish him every success in the future.
Catchacoma Group Board of Directors

The Buoys Are Out

A big thanks to the Buoy Boys Steve Scott, Rick Mackie, Bryon Meier and Jason Card for venturing out on a chilly October morning to remove the buoys on Catchacoma Lake.

And thanks to Catchacoma Cottagers Association and their members for providing the buoys.

Please note that if you have yet to pay for your 2019 membership it is not too late. Send Christina Natale an email if you're not sure you're paid up for this year.. You can make your annual donation online at www.catchacomalake.com/shop. $30 is a small price to pay for all the services provided by the CCA, especially considering the many, many volunteer hours that many members contribute. 

A Cool Catchacoma Perspective

Looking South from above Hobbs/Rhodes/Pilkey Island (Lillico Island back in the day)
Looking south-east over Gaele Island.
Photo cred: Dave Curtis

​Can you eat it with a goat? 
Can you eat it on a boat?

Of course you can eat Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream from the marina anywhere, any how.
Photo cred: Becky West

Dockfest Flashback

Paint Night at the Marina

We all had a great time at Paint Night and we  made some awesome art. Thanks to Elaine at Spirits and Platters for showing us all how to paint ~ Steve

A Message from Molly's Acres

We are sad to announce that due to lack of general interest, we will no longer be doing a Pop Up Market at the Catchacoma Marina.  Our last market will be Friday July 26th.  We are however happy to let you know that all pre paid subscriptions and online orders  will still be delivered to the Marina every Friday at 3pm until the Labour Day Weekend.  Keep you eye out for the weekly availability email on Wednesdays. This email goes out to our subscribers.  You can sign up on our website at www.mollysacres.ca.

Thank you!

Dockfest - Saturday August 3

Unleash Your Inner Artist 
​July 27 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm | $45

​Come paint with us at Catchacoma Marina. Paint Slinger Elaine will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful masterpiece.
All skill levels welcome, no clean-up required!
Our paint parties typically run two hours and we provide a 16″ by 20″ canvas and all the painting supplies needed for you to create a painting worthy of hanging up on your wall at home or the cottage.
Click here to sign up:
https://www.spiritsandsplatters.com/event/paint-party-at-catchacoma-marina/
Password for signing up is :catchacomarocks

Rock Bass Derby - June 29

Put together a team and grab your fishing rods. This year's Rock Bass Derby will be held at the marina, Saturday, June 29. Registrations, which are available at the marina store need to be submitted by Sunday, June 23. Fish weigh-in is noon on the 29th.

Meet our Summer Student Staff

Click on the faces to see names.

Welcome to a New Season

We're now back in full swing. We’re open Sunday, 8 - 8, Monday to Thursday, 8 - 7, and Friday & Saturday 8-9.

The Docks are In

It’s Time to Play

It may only be a week since the ice went out but Catchacoma cottager Jack is already in the summer spirit. Let’s play!

The Ice is Out

The ice went out April 27
Congratulations to the Ice Out Ice Cream Challenge winners:
🍦Connie Couling
🍦Lynda Barry Pickles
🍦Katie Coones-Ronan
🍦Sandi Walters
🍦Kathy Forgie
🍦Lyndsey Baker
🍦Pam Pind
🍦Andrea Woodbeck
🍦Robert Winter
🍦Chrissy Baksi (second time - what's your secret Chrissy?)

April 21 and not there yet

Those Ice Cream Challenge participants who predicted a very late ice out date are still in the game. Thanks to Kevin Hoare for contributing these amazing photos.

The Marina is Open for the Season

Well, tomorrow anyway. If I posted this April 1st you might have thought it was a joke😛

🍦Ice Out Ice Cream Challenge is Back🍦

You have until midnight March 31 to participate in the annual Ice Out Ice Cream Challenge. What is that, you say? Click on the Facebook logo to the right to find out.

Off Season

Check out our Facebook page to see off-season news, photos and videos.

A Big Thanks to our Associations

We are all very fortunate to have various associations to maintain the lakes. Show your love by paying memberships and volunteering.
Cavendish Community Ratepayers Association (CCRAI)
Catchacoma Cottagers Association Bruce Averill (705)772-2132
Picard Lake. Angele Blasmutti dnablasmutti@rogers.com (705)657-7894
Mississauga District Edmund Nelligan (705) 657-8363 or (416) 320-0071
Mississauga-Gold Lake Road Norma Houle (705)657-3549
Beaver, Bottle, Cavendish and McGinnis (BBCM). Rob Halko (289) 927-7168
Greens Lake. Darren Wilcox.
Gold Lake Road Association. Greg Harper (705) 657-9128
Ratty’s Narrows Road Association James Langer (705)657-2573

Thank you to the much beloved 507 Express for much of this information.
(705) 657-3354

Marina Hours

The marina is closed for the season.
​See you soon😀

LCBO 

Closed for the season.
Click here for Directions
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