Closing the Cottage: Seasonal Safety Tips for Ontario Families
As Ontario’s vibrant fall colours give way to colder nights, many families begin the annual tradition of closing their cottages for the season. This isn’t just about packing up belongings, it’s about protecting your property, preventing accidents, and making sure you return in spring without costly surprises.
Inspect the Exterior Before Winter Sets In
A full walkthrough outside your cottage is the best place to start. Check the roof for missing shingles, clean out gutters and eavestroughs, and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. Trim any overhanging tree branches that could snap under heavy snow or ice. Taking care of these small fixes now can prevent major damage during Ontario’s harsh winters.
Protect Plumbing and Utilities
One of the most important steps in winterizing a cottage is shutting down water systems. Turn off the main supply and drain pipes, water heaters, and toilets to avoid burst pipes. If you keep heat on at a low setting, make sure pipes are insulated. For cottages with propane, close valves and store tanks safely. Inside, unplug appliances and consider leaving fridge and freezer doors open to prevent mould and odours.
Keep Fire Safety in Mind
Fire risk doesn’t disappear in the winter months. Before you leave, empty ashes from woodstoves and fireplaces into a metal container stored outside. Close flues and dampers to prevent drafts or animals nesting. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they’ll function even after months of being idle.
Secure the Property Against Intruders and Wildlife
Lock all windows and doors, pull blinds or shutters closed, and remove valuables to reduce the temptation for thieves. Wildlife can also cause costly damage if they find a way in, so seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Many cottage owners also ask a neighbour or caretaker to check in periodically or install remote security systems for extra peace of mind.
Prevent Flooding and Hidden Hazards
Winter weather can quickly expose weaknesses in a property’s systems. Before leaving, test the sump pump, install a backup battery if possible, and consider setting up a flood alert. If you have a septic system, arrange for it to be serviced before the freeze. These steps may seem small, but they go a long way in preventing damage that could spread to neighbouring properties—and potentially create liability concerns.
Clean and Clear Before You Go
It’s easy to overlook what’s inside the fridge or pantry, but food, garbage, and even scented soaps can attract pests. Do a deep clean before locking up, removing anything that could spoil or draw unwanted guests. Sweep floors, wipe down counters, and empty garbage bins to avoid nasty surprises in the spring.
Travel Safely During Closing Weekend
Cottage-closing weekends are some of the busiest times on Ontario highways. Allow extra time for traffic and be mindful of changing road conditions—early frost and sudden snow squalls are common in cottage country. If you’re hauling boats or trailers, double-check your hitches, lights, and tires before setting out.
Peace of Mind for the Off-Season
Closing your cottage is more than a checklist—it’s about safety, security, and responsibility. With careful preparation, you’ll not only protect your investment but also reduce risks for your family, your neighbours, and anyone who might access your property in the off-season. Taking the time to close properly ensures peace of mind all winter long and a smooth start to next year’s cottage season.
At Harris Law, we believe prevention is the best protection—but if an injury or incident does occur, our team is ready to stand by your side.
