Winter is almost here, bringing to an end the cottage season for most Manitobans and Ontarians. For many people, this is the time of year to close down and begin the task of winterizing the cottage. Whether you completely shut down your cottage for the entire winter or make the occasional trip during the winter months to check on the condition of your summer lodge, there are a number of things you should keep in mind.

If you don't plan on visiting the cottage during the cold, harsh winter months, you need to shut off and drain all the water from both your water tank and pipes. Failure to do this could result in freezing of the pipes and their subsequent explosion, which could mean thousands of dollars in damage. Using an air compressor and blowing out all the lines is highly recommended.

A common practice for many cottagers has been the use of antifreeze in lines to protect plumbing. This was done to ensure that whatever water remained wouldn't burst the pipes or crack the toilets. But antifreeze is a toxic substance and poses a threat to both ground and surface waters - not to mention you and your pets, if ingested. If you've completely drained all of the plumbing fixtures, adding antifreeze is not necessary. Nevertheless, some cottage owners feel more secure knowing that their pipes will be safe and, if you are amoungst this group, be sure to use low toxicity antifreeze to minimize potential threats. Of course, you'll need to thoroughly flush your pipes in the spring, before you begin to actively use your water system.

Although winterizing a cottage can be a chore for many cottagers, it is a necessary task and as such, time and care should be taken to do it properly. The reward for your winterizing efforts will be fully realized next year when you enjoy a trouble-free spring opening and another great season at the cottage.