Managing your Dock

Updated: July 2024

Enjoying your Dock

Ah, the allure of a cottage dock! There’s something magical about those weathered planks stretching out over the water, isn’t there?  Why do we adore these rustic retreats:

  1. Connection to Nature: A dock immerses us in the natural world that is the Kennisis Lakes. It’s where we dangle our feet in cool water, listen to loons calling, and watch sunsets paint the sky.
  2. Relaxation Hub: Picture yourself reclining on your Muskoka chair, a book in hand, gentle waves lapping below. The dock becomes our relaxation sanctuary.
  3. Fishing Adventures: Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice with a worm-tipped hook, docks are prime spots for casting lines and reeling in fishy tales.
  4. Gathering Place: Docks host laughter-filled gatherings—they’re the heart of cottage social life.
  5. Sunbathing Spot: Sun worshippers rejoice! Docks offer uninterrupted sunbathing real estate. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
  6. Jumping In: That exhilarating leap into the water—whether it’s a graceful dive or a cannonball—defines summer joy.
  7. Morning Coffee Ritual: Imagine sipping your steaming brew as the mist rises from the lake. The dock is where mornings come alive.

But remember, a cottage dock comes with responsibilities too!

Dock Etiquette

By working together and being accountable to each other, we can all ensure proper dock etiquette:

  1. Label each individual dock with your name and address – consider a phone number or email address.  Several options are available including:
  2. use a waterproof “bag tag” zip tied to a dock cleat
  3. write on the dock with a permanent magic marker
  4. attach a name plate to the dock
  5. Retain your old docks in front of your own property – do not tow to a public area. If they are no longer needed consider offering them on Facebook Marketplace or some other social media site.
  6. Decommission your old docks on a timely basis – do not let them disintegrate on your shore and then become a Spring debris hazard.  Hire a professional or your new dock company to dispose of your old dock.
  7. Ensure any docks placed in a public area for winter storage are clearly tagged with your name and address.
  8. If you leave unattended anchors or lines in the lake ensure they are clearly marked with a buoy to avoid being caught in a propeller.
  9. If you find a dock, post pictures on social media and also send to KLCOA to post in an e-blast.

Where do you store your dock for the winter?  Is it properly marked?

Unless you’re lucky enough to have a shoreline that isn’t susceptible to ice movement, you’ve got a few choices:  hire a professional to take care of it or you, move your dock to a “safe harbour” or as a minimum disconnect your ramp and make sure it is firmly anchored “off-shore” for the winter.  Some things to consider:

  • Docks stored for the winter in bays around the Lake are expected to be removed each summer
  • If you plan on replacing your dock in the spring with a new dock, please consider gifting or selling your old dock or have your dock company remove and dispose of it. Do not abandon it in a bay.
  • Do you need permission from the land owner to anchor and/or tie off in a secluded location.
  • Do you need to mark your dock so it isn’t an obstruction to snowmobilers once the lake is frozen over
  • When winter is over, make sure any unattended anchors or lines in the lake are clearly marked with a buoy to avoid being caught in a propeller.
  • Finally, please consider marking your dock with identification so you can be contacted if it escapes over the winter or if there is a concern about it in the early summer (refer to dock etiquette).

KLCOA Abandoned Docks Program

Background in 2020/2021:  Over many years, it seemed that there were more and more abandoned docks being pulled up on the shorelines of Big and Little Kennisis.  After 60 plus years of property ownership and enjoyment of our lakes, it made sense that owners have had to replace docks; things just deteriorate. Having said that, most of us have broken down our old docks and re-purposed what we could, removing and disposing of the remaining bits from the shoreline.

Unfortunately, some property owners had just pulled their old docks into bays and resting places and have abandoned them; not sure what they thought would happen to them. Over the years, some of these docks have created potential navigational issues during our high-water season. Not the least, they are truly unsightly in our otherwise beautiful environment.

In the summer of 2022, we enlisted a group of volunteers and cleaned up several years’ worth of abandoned docks. At that time, we also published a Dock Etiquette document to remind everyone on the proper protocol for managing your own docks. The goal is for everyone to participate in the process.

At this point, we know there has been a positive impact.  Education continues to make an impact and more cottage owners turn to social media to sell or donate an older dock – this is awesome.  Having said that, there still are docks turning up abandoned.  The KLCOA is not intending to have another “demolition day” – rather, we will continue to use communication tools to identify problems as they arise, seeking accountability from owners.  We’re all in this together!