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Category: Hints and Tips

Man shovelling snow and backlit by setting sun.

Preparing Now Can Help Prevent Basement Water Entry This Spring

February 24, 2026

That first warming winter day in Orillia usually brings a sense of relief, but for many homeowners, it also brings a sense of dread. If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a thaw only to hear the squish of wet carpet, you know that water doesn’t wait for an invitation. While spring might feel distant, the heavy snow currently sitting against your foundation is a ticking clock. At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been protecting our neighbours in Simcoe County and Muskoka since 1922. We

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couple dressed in colourful sweaters entering their cottage with firewood during the winter

Avoid Winter Cottage Claims with These Tips

January 15, 2026

Picture arriving at your cottage on the first warm weekend of spring, looking forward to a relaxing lakeside retreat. Upon unlocking the door, instead of the inviting scent of cedar and old books, you hear running water and see a buckled floor. This is a familiar concern for cottage owners in Muskoka and Orillia: discovering that a winter of heavy snow and freezing temperatures has wreaked havoc on your sanctuary while you were away. Winter in our region is undeniably beautiful, but it brings distinct

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Business office desk with notebook written about plan listing of new year goals and resolutions

Insurance Resolutions: What to Update In the New Year

January 15, 2026

Most New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by the second week of February. This is one resolution that will protect you, your family, and your assets for the entire year—and it only takes a conversation. As the holiday decorations come down and the deep winter sets in across Orillia, Midland, and Muskoka, our thoughts naturally turn to the year ahead. We make promises to ourselves: to eat better, to exercise more, or to finally tackle that renovation project. But among the gym memberships and diet plans,

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Ice Dam On Roof. Elevated View of Icicles and Snow on Building Eaves

How to Prevent Snow Load and Ice Damage to Your Home This Winter

December 23, 2025

Winter is here and so is the snow. With heavy snowfall already piling up, it’s a good time to think ahead about protecting your home before small issues turn into expensive repairs. Last winter saw record levels of snow fall and many homeowners across our region dealt with unusually high snow buildup. That led to a surge in problems like roof damage and water leaks caused by snow weight and ice dams and record levels of snow damage and ice damming claims. While most home

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female driving dressed in winter gear in a car

Winter driving? 7 tips to get you ready.

November 10, 2025

Winter in Ontario always seems to arrive sooner than expected. From sudden snow squalls to icy roads, staying safe behind the wheel takes more than just caution — it takes preparation. Whether you’re commuting around Orillia or heading north to the cottage, these updated winter-driving tips will help you stay safe and ready for anything this season. 5 tips to make sure you’re prepared for your next winter road trip 1 Install Your Winter Tires Early Winter tires aren’t just about traction — they’re about

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Closeup looking over woman's shoulder as she takes a photo of her living room with a tablet

How to be claims-ready for home insurance in Ontario

July 10, 2025

Home Insurance Is Not What It Used to Be – Why a Home Inventory Is the Key to Faster, Fairer Claims Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey Home insurance has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. There was a time when filing a claim was fairly straightforward: you made a call, explained what happened, and your insurance provider worked with you to put things right. Today, things are different. The process is more complex, more time-consuming, and at

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Closeup of ice and snow buildup and ice dam on the roof of an older home

Prevent Roof Collapse: How to Remove Ice Dams and Manage Heavy Snow Loads

March 7, 2025

Ice damming and excessive snow load can pose significant risks to the structural integrity of your home and out buildings during winter months. Below are tips to reduce and prevent snow and ice related damage. Preventing Snow Load Collapse 1. Monitor Snow Accumulation Keep an eye on how much snow is accumulating on your roof. If the snow accumulation exceeds 12–18 inches, it is a good idea to remove some of the snow to reduce the load. Be mindful that wet, heavy snow can put

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group of motorcyclists riding down a country highway

8 Tips to save on motorcycle insurance

July 11, 2024

Riding a motorcycle in Ontario can be an exhilarating experience, but the cost of insurance can quickly dampen the thrill. With average premiums reaching around $1,600 annually, finding ways to save on motorcycle insurance is crucial for riders. In this article, we’ll uncover 8 proven strategies to help you navigate the insurance landscape and secure the best possible rates for your two-wheeled companion. Factors That Influence Motorcycle Insurance Costs Before we dive into the money-saving tips, it’s essential to understand the key factors that insurance

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cleaning gutters

5 Easy Ways to Protect your Home from Extreme Weather Events

April 22, 2024

Did you know that over the past 15 years, natural disaster claims in Canada have more than quadrupled? In 2023 alone, the Canadian insurance industry paid out a staggering $3.1 billion in claims due to natural disasters like floods and wildfires. That’s a hefty sum, and it’s impacting all of us with higher insurance premiums and difficulty in getting the right protection for our homes and businesses. There are steps we can all take to minimize the impact of weather-related damage caused by intense storms

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