The success of the Granite Cove condo project leading to the new Granite View development is long awaited good news.

The affordable housing project slated to begin this spring in town makes for three major housing projects on the go. Could this mark the beginning of some growth years for Haliburton?

I believe it does. Statistics Canada data from the 2011 census shows Dysart et al led the county in population increase between 2006 and 2011 while growing eight per cent. That compares to overall Canadian growth of 5.9 per cent. For the most part Haliburton’s growth is coming from southern Ontario while a large percentage of Canadian growth is from immigration.

I would go so far as to say we should prepare for rapidly accelerating growth for a number of reasons.

Global warming is a reality and much as it is a horror, Haliburton County is uniquely situated to benefit from it. May, June, September and October are already beautiful months and we are now seeing many gorgeous days in April as well. Canada’s population is aging and Haliburton is a magnet for the elderly. Retired people can travel anytime and will prefer Haliburton in the shoulder seasons as opposed to the summer crowds.

Canadians lost billions in assets from the financial crisis even as their real estate holdings increased billions.

With six million people living in the GTA how many of those now facing retirement will trade a million dollar home for Granite View’s $250,000, pocketing $750,000 to supplement retirement? Multiplying that by 20 more years of boomer retirement guarantees continued long-term growth for Haliburton.

Get ready Haliburton, the boomers are coming.

Peter O’Connor
Haliburton

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The thoughts of retiring for some people are daunting – what to do with all that free time?! For others it is a welcome break from the tough corporate lifestyle but no matter whether you are ready to take that step into that retirement lifestyle or whether it is only a thought in the back of your mind, it’s good to have a plan.

Living a carefree lifestyle comes easy to some but to others the thoughts of slowing down are ones that are forbidden. With this helpful advice (below) we here at Granite Harbour hope to offer some options of what you can do when you decide to take that step into a life of retirement.

• Think about travel. Have you wanted to visit Africa or South America for years but never found the time – this could be it! Once you know your home is safe and secure when you lock the door what’s stopping you?!

• Play golf. So this may initially seem like the typical retirement thing to do but there is a reason why! Golf relaxes you whilst also keeping the mind active and with great courses located nearby, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity!

• Hobbies. Pick up a new hobby, something you have always imagined trying but either never had the time or the guts to do it – now is your time so make the most of it!

• Relax, read and rejuvenate. Take a break from the busy vibe of day to day life and just relax. Spend time with family, catch up on any lost moments and above all, enjoy yourself!

It is a staple in the diaries for most residents of cottage country and this year will be no different we are sure. Bala Cranberry Festival is in it’s 27th year of operation and will be taking place this weekend from October 14 until October 16. It is a must do for anyone looking for something fun and unusual to do whilst also filling up their tummies.

The eventful weekend kicks off with the bustling markets and festival-goers can enjoy all things cranberry – juice, syrup, cider, wine, bread and yes the list does go on! Make sure that if you are present that you witness the magnificent firework display that will be taking place. A huge array of meal options will be on offer so even the pickiest of eaters will have something to choose from – events in cottage country almost guarantee good food!

Shuttle buses will be running to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Iroquois Cranberry Growers to view the harvest as well as to the steamships, said Kathy Haller, festival publicist.

Native people in North America have been using cranberries for food and medicine for centuries and the area is home to the two berry farms in the province.

Cranberries are a low-growing, perennial vine that flourishes in marshes but they don’t grow in water. It’s during harvesting when the bogs are flooded so the berries can be scooped from their vines.

Johnston’s was established in 1952 and also has a marsh in Nova Scotia while the Iroquois farm is owned and operated by the Wahta Mohawks since the 1960s. Both marshes provide rides to view the harvesting and packinghouses and have stores selling their products.

So get out there and enjoy what could possibly be the last great weather weekend of 2011 – your tummies will thank you!

Everyone dreams of a perfect retirement right? But the idea of a perfect retirement changes according to the mind that is dreaming of it. Choosing whether or not to retire in Ontario is also quite a difficult decision for many, one that we at Granite Harbour have decided to help you with today with some informative tips.

• Plan for your retirement. Make sure that you have worked out just how much money you will need to live out. Service Canada has a great calculator to help you with this here.

• Apply for any government programs that you qualify for – such as CPP or OAS.

• Following up on Tip #1 – when you make a budget STICK TO IT!

• Downsize and save. Do you really need that 4 bedroom house? No is the simple answer, downsizing not only saves you money but also time – on household chores etc.

• Share your knowledge. So you have a few years on those teenagers at the youth centre – think about passing this knowledge on. Not only will it give you a chance to develop a new relationship and an activity to look forward to but it can also give you the opportunity to potentially change someone’s life.

• Learn a new skill or hobby. You have all this free time on your hands – what about putting it to good use? You have always dreamt of being able to paint a sunset, well here in Georgian Bay we have the most amazing ones so get out there and practise that skill!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, the Fall colors are out, people are in great spirits due to the long weekend and there is food surrounding every nook and cranny. However for some, especially those on a limited budget Thanksgiving can be an expensive time of year. Well, not to fear, here at Granite Harbour, we are rife with some tops tips to save you those pennies.

Parry Sound is a great town to find an array of excellent local produce so our first top tip is:

• Buy local produce. There is a huge selection so when you can buy local, try to. It works out a lot cheaper too.

• Size up your turkey correctly – don’t buy more assuming that it will be eaten. Plan for your numbers, no wastage.

• Stock up on staples when they are on sale. If you see non-perishable goods on sale in one of Parry Sound’s shops leading up to Thanksgiving, stock up!

• Decorate your home to show off that holiday spirit using homemade items – saves you money and you can incorporate those Fall colours for extra emphasis.

• If you do have leftovers, make the most of them. Share with family or friends, use your creativity to whip up some new dishes or simply reuse as they are!

Here at Granite Harbour we hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving and get to enjoy the colours of our beautiful surroundings, even more so at this time of year!

The Annual 50 Plus Lifestyle Expo is fast approaching into Parry Sound’s event calendar – tomorrow to be precise! Every year for the past 8 years this event gives those who are 50 plus an afternoon of entertainment, prizes and fun. The proceeds of this Expo all go to the Hospice West Parry Sound so you know you’ll be helping a good cause.

This event takes place from 10am until 2pm on October 5th and for those of you over 50 there will be lots of information there on the various services, groups to join, activities and events around the area that are available. The event also features door prizes; free draws, seminars and demonstrations so mark it on your calendar.

Lunch is also available to purchase so why not make a day of it and get out there to enjoy all that the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound has to offer while donating to a deserving cause at the same time!

For more information on what events are happening around Parry Sound or Georgian Bay stay tuned! If you would like more information on our luxury retirement condos at Granite Harbour please contact our presentation office here or simply call 1877.626.4103.

Granite Harbour – Your Home, Your Oasis

Parry Sound is rich in amenities and attractions and so we knew instantly that this evening of entertainment would entice visitors in from near and far and true it was a great success.

People turned up to our show suite on Salt Dock Road in great spirits ready for the grand tour of the luxury suites at Granite Harbour and those spirits were kept in check with each and every expectation of the guests met with flying colours.

The buzz of the evening centered around talk of Phase Two construction at Granite Harbour which begins in November and although this winter is anticipated to be a cold one, not one of the Granite Harbour residents needs to worry about getting their car out with our underground heated parking!

Stay tuned for progress of this construction in Parry Sound over the coming months, it’s guaranteed to be exciting!

Parry Sound in late September, early October, to most appears maybe a little chilly but still holds that wonderful cottage country vibe. The fall colours have started to envelop our surroundings and everywhere you look deep hues of nature look you straight in the face. Living here is a pleasure, one at Granite Harbour we don’t take for granted.

Coming up this weekend in Parry Sound we have the Healthy Living in Ontario Exhibition which takes place in West Parry Sound District Museum from today (September 30th), until October 2nd so if you are looking for some top tips on what you could be doing to live healthier for longer this could be right up your street!

If this is not for you in the same venue (West Parry Sound District Museum) there is also an opportunity to delve back into the history of Parry Sound itself and experience the heritage and what is has to offer with Culture Days.

While the Stockey Centre isn’t hosting any major events this weekend there is an exciting show happening mid week next week. The 50 Plus Lifestyle Expo is the place to be if you are looking for things to do in Parry Sound or groups to join or perhaps even volunteer opportunities that you may consider.

Living in Parry Sound offers lots to do – is it time for you to consider it?

Everyone is aware of the beauty of cottage country, the colours in fall, the weather in summer and the fresh air the grabs your face each winter. The thought of retiring to such a beautiful place probably appeals to most if not all individuals – did you know however that this is actually becoming a reality for a huge portion of ‘Torontonians’.

Who wouldn’t want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take a breather to soak in the environment that Ontario has to offer, let’s be honest. Retiring to places like Georgian Bay, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Parry Sound has become more and more appealing to those that need a break but don’t want to situated too far from the city.

Most, if not all of the townships in Cottage Country have active retirement groups if you still feel the urge to go out and play that game of bowls, sail on Georgian Bay itself or possible even perhaps attend a show. If you are really keen on extra curricular activities then look for a community to settle in that offers recreational rooms where you can perfect your craft and arrange social evenings to keep you occupied or simply to enjoy life without any of the worry.

Fine Cuisine is hard to find once you leave the  big cities but luckily enough here in Parry Sound we have our pick of many top places to eat. Many are family-focused and all are open all year round to keep you snug in winter and entertained in summer!

For Casual Dining try the Crestview Restaurant, with portions big enough to satisfy any appetite it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice! If you instead possess a craving for some homestyle cooking, just like nature ordered then why not give Blake’s Memories of Muskoka a shot – located only 12 minutes south of Parry Sound, it’s top of our dining lists!

If you want to stay simple but still try some tasty food then why not hit Wellington’s Pub and Grill, it hits the spot just when you need it. It is only when you go looking that you find these gems resting in Parry Sound, a town full of life, character and most of all spirit.

Whatever the occasion Parry Sound can accommodate which is what makes it so versatile and attractive to potential buyers – are you next?