General Renters' Guide

This guide details all you need to know to make your stay a safe and enjoyable one. For example, please do not climb the trees as I am concerned about your safety and possible damage to branches. This page is subject to change as new factors come to light so please review it now and shortly before you arrive. Generally speaking, my rental spaces are presented as-is and you implicitly accept all risks for using said property. If one of your party burns a hand on the stove or stubs a toe on a stair then I will NOT be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries. Please enjoy yourself but be careful! This includes being wary of local wildlife as Brockville has more (mosquitos for example) than big cities. As of this writing, all features are in good working order and safe to use as all past renters will happily attest. I will put post-its at areas of concern. Please see the specific guide after this one for the actual property you will be renting. 99% of the time the feedback I receive is “Thanks, Dave! We had a great time and everything was perfect!”. I hope this will be your experience too.

During your stay, do not hesitate to contact me (see end of this page) if there is anything you need!

Booking Information

All visitors are required to agree to the latest content of this document as a condition of rental. It typically takes less than 10 min to read since you can skip over non-applicable sections (i.e. don’t read the bit about dogs if you aren’t bringing one and don’t read about the watercraft if you aren’t going to use them, etc). Breaking of certain rules in this guide may constitute grounds for immediate cancellation of your stay without refund and (in extreme cases) blacklisting from my rentals. To use the cottage as an example, one renter’s guests parked illegally all over the community and left beer and wine bottles strewn about the cottage itself. Further rental requests from these individuals will be refused. Another renter left the baseboard heaters on in Oct 2020 for which I presented them a bill for the wasted electricity. They tried arguing “someone” should have checked the place after they left. This is not realistic for the cottage as it is unreasonable to pay someone to drive all the way to BB for a 5-minute job. Turn EVERYTHING OFF before you leave please!
Your stay may not exceed 28 days. Short-term rentals ONLY please. Attempts to book longer stays will be refused/cancelled. Furthermore, the rates posted in my ads are non-negotiable. Even at my regular prices I pay almost the whole mortgage and rarely break even so please don’t ask me for a discount. If you need to check in early before my cleaning service is completed then you will not get your cleaning fee back and implicitly waive the right to complain about areas the cleaner never got to. This is why we try to clean the day before but this likely won’t be possible in busy seasons. I give excellent value for the money as my reviews attest.
Bookings are accepted by filling out the request form on the https://cottagesincanada.com/cottage-rentals/ontario/eastern/brockville or VRBO. Latter is not recommended as explained at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE3YkH-K7jY . The cottagesincanada.com link is strongly preferred because there is no middle man wanting his cut while charging extra fees. When booking, please include contact info you will check when actually staying at my properties. I need to be able to reach you while you are there. Only use VRBO for the Villa if you need to use a credit card. Online registration is an auditing requirement so there is an official log of your request. Phone, Facebook/e-mail, etc requests will be politely refused. Please see main ad for cancellation penalty details.
As a general guideline for your stay, please follow CLRM’s conditions here: http://www.clrm.ca/terms-and-conditions-of-rental/. Deviations and clarifications from CLRM’s terms are itemized in this document. Where there are conflicts and omissions, this document naturally takes precedence. For example, I don’t talk about credit cards here (because you will be e-transferring to me or giving to VRBO) so I personally won’t be asking for yours.
Your group may never exceed the allowed (see below) capacity at any time. This includes all visitors, children, infants and pets. You are responsible for keeping track of Ontario pandemic restrictions and adhering to government-set gathering limits. When visiting from outside Ontario you need to comply with provincial and federal border considerations, if any.
Additional overnight stays outside your initial request are not permitted. Tents and any other outside sleeping arrangements are likewise prohibited anywhere on the property. Adults beyond the specified bedding capacity must seek overnight accommodation elsewhere. Excessive occupancy increases rental rates (due to higher energy use and potential damages to the property) and invites complaints from neighbours.
For cottagesincanada.com bookings (strongly preferred method), please send me half the rental fee at the time of booking and the balance no less than 30 days before check-in. E-mail transfer to Dave-Zuzarte@truespeed.ca is the strongly preferred method of payment. If you mail me a personal cheque, it is possible someone will claim your period by submitting an electronic transfer while it is still on its way. In that event, you will be sent an e-mail showing visual proof your cheque was destroyed. For this reason, the snail mail method is not recommended. Either way, once I have deposited the first half then the rental is officially confirmed and will be blocked off as such in the ad calendar.
Check-in is 3:30PM on the first day of your rental period and check-out is by 10:30AM on the last day. Unless you advise differently, it is assumed you will adhere to these times. Please keep me informed of your exact arrival and departure times so we can advise my cleaning service accordingly. If the day of your arrival is half-booked then feel free to arrive early as long as you give me a time. The same goes for leaving on the last day but it is wise to double-check with the ad calendar whether there are renters before and/or after you. This is a common occurrence before July and after Labour Day. As such, it is wise to book in the off-season to get a possibly longer stay period at no extra charge.
For those needing to rent a boat slip, please see https://brockville.com/municipalharbour as Butternut Bay slips are all used by private owners.
For those concerned with value, keep in mind the hotel on King St does not allow pets and charges almost $400/night for just one tiny room. You are getting a whole house from me for about that much! This is why I don’t provide laundry or room service as these things are far too expensive for what I charge.

Bedrooms

You are required to bring your own linens as there is no laundry service like hotels have (see next section). Basically, if it is something you would throw in a washing machine (bedsheets, pillow cases, towels, dishcloths etc) then you need to bring it.
During power outages, you may use the candles and/or oil lamps if the provided flashlight is insufficient. At all other times, there should be NO reason to use open flames within a property. Please follow these guidelines: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/FireSafetyandPublicEducation/PublicFireSafetyInformation/CottageFireSafety/OFM_cottage_fire_safety_tips.html
There are plenty of extra pillows and blankets in the linen closets which you are free to use and return.
Please bring your own AA and AAA batteries for the remotes and other uses. Actually you are responsible for all consumables like soap and paper products. You may find these items already present when you arrive. If so, then that was done as a non-obligation courtesy by myself or left there by a previous renter.
For the TV, please bring your own HDMI cables or Chromecast to connect your devices. If you forget, then it’s OK to temporarily disconnect one of my devices. I don’t subscribe to any streaming services so you will need to bring a computer, go to said service’s site and log in using your own credentials. Alternatively you can install https://adblockplus.org on your PC and then try a site like https://watchseries1.cyou

Cleanliness

My cleaner will try to get the place as spotless as humanly possible before you arrive but it’s up to you after that. Your agreement to leave the place as clean as when you first arrived is greatly appreciated! The last paragraph on this page does a good job of explaining what I mean: http://www.windrovers.com/renters-info/. I do not levy a security deposit so I may contact you to cover extra cleaning costs (such as spilling red wine on the upstairs carpet) incurred by your stay. For the 2016 cottage season, floors were left muddy, food was forgotten in the refrigerator and bags of garbage dumped in the foyer. These were all done by separate guests who perhaps assumed the cleaners would take care of it as is done in hotels. I am NOT a rich hotel with deep pockets. Cleaning is expensive and future rates will be raised accordingly if these practices persist. Thank you for your cooperation in returning all items to their original positions.

You are welcome to use fabrics supplied with the property (like the blankets in the linen closet) with the understanding that the cleaning service does not extend to linens. You are responsible for any desired cleaning of said fabrics. I imagine the best way to do this is to take them to a laundromat in Brockville. There is one just west of Pearl and Park.
An important part of this agreement is prompt reporting of breakages (dishes, electronics, etc). Please replace any items you break. Of course, do not remove anything that was there when you arrived. You will find Canadian Tire, Walmart, Home Depot etc at Parkedale and N Augusta. When leaving, make sure your kids have not taken any items belonging to the property. For the 2016 cottage season, bathroom towels, a large plastic shopping bin, some glasses and other minor items “disappeared”. In 2018, a mouse, keyboard and a few rechargeable AAs vanished. Again, rates will rise beyond inflation if things continue to go “missing”.
If you accidentally leave anything behind, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do about getting it back to you … at your expense, of course! If it is an identifiable item such as a wallet with ID, then I will contact you. Otherwise, the onus is on you to inform me otherwise the item will not be returned and may not be there the next time you visit. Please inform me prior to reclaiming an item left from a previous visit.
I employ a COVID-aware cleaning service to get the place up to spec before your visit. In addition to the linen point above, you will be responsible for all hygiene-related matters thereafter. Most cleaning implements and liquids can be found in the kitchen closets and beneath sinks. Feel free to use as appropriate but remember you must supply any consumables (paper towels, bathroom tissue, soap etc) that run out.
When using the board games, please carefully put all game pieces back in their respective boxes. Return books and other materials to wherever you found them.
Please return furniture and other objects to original positions before leaving.
Of course, please exercise extra caution when operating the BBQ and do not keep it lit when not cooking. It is suggested you use copper cooking matts to avoid the need to scrub the grills.

As a paying customer you have the right to bring any deficient features to my attention. I understand and appreciate this right as I have been there myself. Such issues will be dealt with on a case by case basis and addressed within reason. For example, a coffee carafe developed a leak in 2017 and I asked Bob to replace it immediately. Advising me of deficiencies and dissatisfactory aspects of your stay after you leave can kindly be done by e-mail. You have my word they will be rectified to the best of my ability for your next stay. Do NOT air grievances by reviews please!!! This is counterproductive, serves no constructive purpose and potentially hurts my business.

On behalf of my team, we sincerely wish you a pleasant and relaxing stay! Again, if you enjoyed your visit then please tell us all about it in the review facility provided. Otherwise, feel free to e-mail me separately with any feedback on how we can make things better next time. Please post your pictures to https://www.facebook.com/LillianAndLawrencesPlace/ (blog with lotsa pics and stories!) and come back to visit us again soon!

Dave

Property 1: Lillian And Lawrences Place Cottage (max 12 persons of which no more than 6 may be adults)

For immediate concerns, Bob (at #122 next door) has very generously agreed to act as property manager for issues that need immediate resolution (ie you can’t drive to Brockville for). Bob stays at the Bay from June to September and like myself lives in Brockville in the off season so he is never more than 7 miles away. Those interested in reading about the 2017 season specifically are invited to click here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lillian-and-lawrences-place/2017/1039707192749903

The white porch door should be left unlocked for you. In the very unlikely event it is not, contact me (end of this page) and I will advise how to gain entry. Your key set will be hanging from the hooks of the entrance hall. Please return them here when you leave. Before Canada Day and after Labour day, please lock and leave through the green door after ensuring white door is locked.

Grounds

Butternut Bay is a unique community of cottages within close proximity to each other. It is important to me to maintain excellent relationships with my neighbours. Your cooperation in complying with the guidelines detailed below will be sincerely appreciated. Day visitors are OK as long as you all follow the parking directions here: https://www.facebook.com/LillianAndLawrencesPlace/posts/834431453277479 . As explained there, parking is not permitted on the lawn but you may do so for a short time on the road beside the cottage for unloading/packing purposes. If Bob finds you have parked on the lawn you will receive ONE warning. If your vehicle is not removed in a timely manner it will be towed at my discretion.
NEVER climb the fence or go through the gate for ANY reason!!! As the cottage is situated on a cliff, this is extremely dangerous. As such, you are advised against playing with flying toys of any kind in the upper lawn area. Anything that flies over the fence should be considered lost forever. If the item reaches the water then you may paddle/swim over from the dock to get it, if you wish. Again, retrieval is not recommended and done at your own risk. If you really want to get it back, ask Robert’s (the groundskeeper) staff to do so for you, if you see any of them. Ask nicely as such tasks are not part of their job and they have every right to refuse.
On the east (i.e. dock) side, my property extends to (and includes) the stone patio by the utility room. If you use the downward steps there, you must immediately go up the opposite steps leading to the road because you will be on my neighbour Mike's (#130) property in the interim. On the west side, please stay off Bob's property (begins at flagstone parking patch at road fork) except to request assistance when I am unreachable.
Robert and his staff have assured me his duties (lawn mowing, shrub maintenance, etc) are done at sensible hours and will have little to no impact on your stay. If it does, politely ask him to come back at your earliest convenience. Please understand this work must be done and cannot always wait until before and after your stay. Asking him to stay off the lawn while you are there is like never taking down the “Do not disturb” sign on your hotel room doorknob and then complaining because it is messy. His work is done to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoor areas. Noise from these activities is unavoidable and will be minimized where possible.
Observe all other rules for Butternut Bay at all times (i.e. no trespassing on neighbours’ property, no adults on water trampoline, etc). Of course, the most important guideline is noise level. This is a quiet community so loud parties (note double entendre) anywhere on Bay grounds will not be tolerated. In extreme cases, the authorities will be notified and you may be evicted without refund. From the BB Association: “Dock: If a large number of people attend a function at any cottage and wish to use the main dock, we ask that they congregate on the section of the dock between the two small benches, which is not heavily used, to avoid overcrowding the busy end of the dock where kids and others are playing, swimming and sunbathing. The visitors are welcome to use the dock facilities, but we ask that they don't block the diving board and ladders because these are continually used by others and parents have to be able to watch small children. Also, please be careful not to block the access to the floating docks. Finally, try to avoid large groups coming on holiday weekends, particularly the August Civic Holiday when the population at the Bay is at its peak and the dock is already very busy. Noise: The cottages in Butternut Bay are so close to each other that undue noise is a concern. Owners and their guests should refrain from loud music and other sources of noise and shut down noisy activities by around 8:00 pm. Your neighbours will thank you.”
Your furry friend is quite welcome (you may borrow/return the leash) but please consider this excerpt from the Butternut Bay Association’s minutes: “Dogs – As has been the case for many years, owners were reminded that no dogs are allowed on the association docks at any time for the safety of all. It was also noted that all dog owners must follow all Township by-laws regarding dogs which includes, but not limited to, picking up dog waste, nuisance barking, as well as dog control and leash by-laws. This applies to all owners, renters, family members, guests or contractors you may use on your property. If anyone has any questions, please review the Elizabethtown-Kitley by-laws or contact the town dog control officer.”

I completely respect your assurance that your dog is normally well-behaved. Unfortunately I have now had two complaints from neighbours over the years who say a dog was left at the cottage and would not stop barking. it puts me in a very difficult spot with my neighbours if your pet does not stay quiet. They are chiefly concerned about your pet’s well-being but they also need to sleep. Because there is no A/C, this can also be likened to leaving it in a car during July and August. It is mandatory to take your dog with you when leaving the cottage to avoid this scenario.

Canoe and paddle board: These are not playthings and are to be used for paddling down the river only. The life jackets (two large and two small) are in the bench in the entrance hall. You are responsible for providing additional life jackets and other equipment (such as fishing gear) as needed. The 3 paddles are beside the bench and you are required to take the safety kit (small plastic yellow bullet-shaped container) with you. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $500 so please follow all Ontario boating regulations. You may wade in at the end of the boathouses where you will see other overturned canoes on the ground. Please return the canoe (hull up) to its resting place beside Bob’s small stone wall. From the Association: “Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or other small watercraft ... are not to be left on the beach or on any of the docks, or tied to the docks because they interfere with others use of the property.”

Cleanliness

IMPORTANT: It is imperative you follow proper recycling guidelines (see http://ektwp.ca/content/waste-site-north-end-garbage-pick) to the letter. It is suggested you use the kitchen’s blue bin for plastic containers, grey for paper (collapsed boxes too). Naturally, you must take all your garbage to the trash dumpster in the parking lot. When in doubt as to the classification of a piece of refuse, please throw it in the trash dumpster. Most importantly, DO NOT throw trash in the mixed paper or container dumpsters.
Please do not use metal implements on non-stick kitchenware. Non-stick items must be cleaned gently with non-abrasive measures.
Spiders and mouse leavings are, sadly, a fact of life on the river. Complaints about these things need to be directed to Mother Nature and not Bob or myself! Mouse traps have been provided (in the right desk hutch cabinet), poison in the broom closet and vacuum cleaner (in broom closet) for removing cobwebs and insects. The cottage is sprayed in June for spiders.
If you run out of propane for the BBQ, please advise me immediately. I will meet you at Metro to get empty propane cylinders exchanged for a full one. In the meantime, install and use the backup cylinder provided. Please cover the unit when finished!!! The brand new one I bought for the cottage in 2015 was completely rusted and destroyed by the end of the 2018 season thanks to careless renters leaving it open in the rain.

Bedrooms

Accessibility: It is recommended those who use mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc) use the porch door. The main bedroom/ensuite and bathroom are on the ground floor (i.e. no stairs to access). The remaining bedrooms and linen closet are upstairs (see pictures). Doorways are 23” wide at its narrowest point. There are no grab bars in the bathroom but there is one at the top of the tub itself.
There are four bedrooms with a total of two 54”-wide and two 39”-wide beds. All beds are 74” long with soft mattresses. Exception is the single bed in the doored room which has a firm mattress. There is also a standard (i.e. non-pullout) 3-seater couch on the porch to sleep on. The living room has a sofa bed so remove cushions and pull out if needed.
Those in the main level need to draw blinds for privacy as the neighbourhood kids sometimes use my swing. You have the right to ask them not to do so.
The walls on the second floor are very thin and are for visual privacy only although there’s an open knot hole or two. Assume that every single sound you make (no matter how quiet) will be heard by the entire floor. Also keep this in mind when opening windows and using the clock/radios.
Do not attempt to use the two door latches as there are no keys for them. When coming up the stairs, the lock for the door on the right is broken. For the left bedroom, there is a danger of you (or worse, one of your children) locking themselves in by setting the latch.

Appliances

Manuals for just about everything (including cable operations) can generally be found in the center drawer of the desk or coffee table. If not found there, then search the kitchen drawers as well.
Advise me ASAP if the holding tank alarm light in the main bedroom ensuite goes on. Further to energy conservation, please keep all lights off from sunrise to sunset and use sparingly from dusk to dawn. If a light burns out then replace with a spare bulb from the desk.
Wi-fi is NETGEAR04 network SSID (password on white label of Netgear router sitting on left end of TV stand) and cable TV (with Sports Package) is available. Service is unlimited but you are still required to follow Truespeed’s terms of use: https://www.truespeed.ca/residential/. Please click on the Tech support link of that page if you need assistance with the cable equipment.
Feel free to bring your own HDMI and Ethernet cables to hook up devices to the TV (see https://www.philips.ca/c-w/search.html#q=55PFL6900&cq=%40ps_contenttype_key%3C%3Eproduct ). If desired, please bring your own game console and connect to one of the TVs. You may also connect your smart phone to the TV’s Cable input. On the Phillips remote, use the Source button to find the corresponding HDMI connection which you have made.
To use the LG unit (which can play Blu-Rays and DVDs), turn the power bar on and then TV (link in previous step above). DO NOT move the TV or connected equipment, please. Please consult the online manuals or familiarize yourself with each device’s operations before you visit.

Utility Room (under kitchen)

There should be no reason to use this part of the cottage. If necessary, use the square key provided in your standard set.
My bike is stored here (helmet and lock in the entrance hall) which you are free to use at your discretion/risk.
Exercise caution when manipulating the breakers should it be necessary to reset one.
Please do not tamper with the sprinkler system. This box is for authorized personnel only. A garden hose has been provided for ad hoc use.

Bob’s (in case I can’t help you) contact information is:

House – 27 Cochrane Drive, Brockville, ON, K6V 2Y7, 613 498 2361

Cottage – 122 Butternut Bay Road, Elizabethtown, ON – K6V 7E5, 613 342 6948

E mail – boband27@gmail.com

Property 2: Victorian Villa (max 12 persons of which no more than 8 may be adults)

When you arrive, please go to 60 James St E next door (see end of this page) and I will give you your key set. Please lock both doors after you leave and come return to me in my hand. If that is not possible for whatever reason then please put through my mail slot. One renter in 2023 had the gaul to leave the front door unlocked, hang the key outside the back door (which they did lock …. not that it matters when you leave the key next to it!!!) and then give me a bad review because they didn’t like the furniture layout! Yes, some people have a lot of nerve.

Grounds

Close the outside glass door gently. Don’t let it slam by itself or glass might break.
In winter I will clear the drive/walkway of ice and snow before you arrive. The shovel will be left on the porch for you to do so during your stay.
Use the stairs safely for proper access to and from the deck.
Chair pads have been provided in the bottom drawer beside oven. More furniture will be added to the outdoor closet (I don’t know what else to call this structure) in the future. One theory is that in the 1800s milk and eggs would be delivered into this space which would then be taken into the kitchen by the servants.

Cleanliness

IMPORTANT: It is important you follow proper recycling guidelines (see http://ektwp.ca/content/waste-site-north-end-garbage-pick) to the letter. It is suggested you use the bins provided (plastic bags are garbage) for this.
Feel free to use the dishwasher provided (tabs under sink to the right).
Dispose of garbage in the two grey bins at bottom of deck stairs. I will handle these on Wednesday night as well as empty the blue bin outside the back door.
IMPORTANT: A renter in Aug 2022 found a bat had gotten into the property. My apologies if this happens and you are alarmed. Please understand keeping wildlife out in a small city is extremely difficult and these things can happen. I immediately called https://www.canuckswildlifeservices.ca who came by in late August to make recommendations so this doesn’t happen again. I am told they only come in from late June to early August (indeed none have gotten in since then) but please let me know if you spot a bat in the house and I will take action. Like most animals, they are harmless if you leave them alone. They are protected by law as they are beneficial to our ecology. In the very unlikely event I am not available then please follow this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMpuOJ_To_s
As of this writing, I am happy to report ZERO bats have been seen after the 2022 incident!

Bedrooms

Accessibility was not a mandate for the Victorians. There are no bedrooms on the first floor so alternate arrangements may need to be made for those with mobility concerns. Remember this house is very large (one of my contractors jokingly requested I install an elevator!) so it is suggested more “energetic” patrons take the top floor bedrooms.
Sleeping in the basement is not recommended due to mustiness and humidity. If more sleeping space is needed then shorter members of your party can try the couches on the first floor. There is nothing of interest in the basement so it should be considered off limits and the door kept closed.
The south bedroom on the top floor does not have a dresser or closet so please use the table provided for your suitcase. There are also shelves near and in the yellow bathroom.
Do not force the windows if difficult to open as the house is old and this is one of the eccentricities. You may want to move to the top floor where the swing windows are much easier to open. Use the dowels provided in each to prop the window open or it may fall down. A past renter did not use a dowel and the pane broke.
Watch your step when exiting the living room given the raised floor outside. Same goes for the second floor raised hallway outside the master suite.
Yellow bathroom is out of service until further notice. There is still one washroom per floor so renters have generally found this to be a non-issue. This bullet point will be erased when the renos are completed in late 2023.

Appliances

Refer to the piece of paper in front of the TV (see https://www.brandsmartusa.com/pdfs/manuals/20205511.pdf for specs) or on the fridge for the wi-fi password and SSID.
Manuals have been provided where possible. I don’t know how to work the coffee maker but do know it requires filters (provided). I believe this is it: https://www.manualslib.com/products/Bella-12-Cup-Programmable-Coffee-Maker-3547939.html
To use, turn on power bar and then TV with the Haier remote. You will see blue light reflected in the table on the right side. You can then turn on device connected to the HDMI3 cable. If there is no sound, click a different HDMI button on the stereo remote and then go back to HDMI3.
A dehumidifier has been provided in the main bedroom for discretionary use. Please empty the water receptacle as needed.
There should be no reason to adjust the boiler. Let me know if you are having issues with the heating.
Ice maker in the refrigerator (Use the trays provided) and A/C unit/condenser do not work. They are not causing any harm and would be expensive to remove so they have been left there.

Contacting Me

I will do my best to resolve most issues you may have as long as said activity doesn’t involve driving as I don’t own a car. This makes getting to the cottage impractical so you may need to come pick me up to look at something requiring my attention that Robert can’t handle. In the past I have jumped on my bike and raced to the Giant Tiger up the road to get needed things for the Villa like a bathtub grip mat and carbon monoxide detectors. I can also meet you at Metro on King St (or other licensed location in S Brockville) to pay for a propane tank exchange. I will help you as soon as I can (or my neighbour will if I am out of town) or explain why your request is beyond my capability and/or obligation.

http://the-zuzarte-strand.freevar.com/Contacting_Dave.pdf

Thank you!