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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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Sailboats line the perimeter of a marina during the winter months when the harbor is frozen. The boats are winterized and covered up.

Safeguarding the Fleet: Why Commercial Marine Assets Require Specialized Off-Season Protection

February 17, 2026

Do you know the exact dollar value of the liability sitting in your marina’s storage yard or inside your commercial warehouse right now? For commercial marine operators in the Orillia, Barrie, and Muskoka regions, the transition from the bustling summer season to the quiet of winter is not merely a pause in operations. It is a significant shift in risk profile. While a personal watercraft owner worries about a single tarp, a commercial operator manages a complex web of “Care, Custody, and Control” that can

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Two red Muskoka chairs sit facing the sunrise on a dock

Why Do Many Ontario Property Owners Find Themselves Underinsured When the Unexpected Happens at the Lake?

February 17, 2026

Many people assume that their seasonal property is naturally covered under their primary home insurance, but this “set it and forget it” mentality often leads to devastating financial gaps. Because cottages are often left vacant for long periods and are located in areas with unique geography, they face a specific set of hazards, from falling trees to frozen pipes, that a standard homeowners’ policy may not fully address. At McLean & Dickey, we have been providing outstanding insurance solutions since 1922. As an independent insurance

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Close up hand holding smartphone and taking photo of car accident

What to Do After an Auto Accident in Ontario: a Step by Step Guide

January 22, 2026

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, even when the damage appears minor. Knowing what to do next—and what’s legally required in Ontario—can help protect your safety, your insurance coverage, and your finances. This guide walks you through the steps to take after an auto accident, based on how serious the situation is. Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety Your safety always comes first. Immediately after an accident: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone

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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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heavy snowfall and moisture accumulation on roof with icicles and deep snow

Winter Roof Damage: What’s Covered?

January 15, 2026

It starts with a subtle dripping sound in the attic or, worse, the terrifying groan of timber under too much weight. For homeowners in Orillia, Muskoka, and the surrounding snowbelt regions, the accumulation of snow and ice on the roof is not just a chore to manage—it is a genuine threat to your property’s structure. When you look up at those heavy drifts hanging over your eaves, a pressing question likely crosses your mind: If my roof gives way or starts to leak, will my

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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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Portrait Of Senior Friends Standing On Rocks By Sea On Summer Group Vacation With Arms Outstretched

Snowbirds: Simple Home and Auto Insurance Tips Before You Travel.

January 9, 2026

Heading Somewhere Warm for the Winter? A Few Insurance Tips Before You If you’re one of the many Canadians who escape winter for a few months, good for you! Before you lock the door and take off, there are a few simple insurance-related things worth checking. They don’t take long, but they can make a big difference if something unexpected happens while you’re away. Make Sure Someone Is Checking on Your Home When a home is empty for an extended period—especially in winter—it’s more at

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Home in a knitted scarf on a blue background, Concept of the heating system in a winterized house. Keeping warm in the house

Oil Heating and Insurance: What Homeowners Should Know

January 9, 2026

Oil heating is a common and dependable way to heat many homes, especially in rural areas and older properties. From an insurance point of view, oil heating systems are not considered dangerous. However, they do require a bit more attention because of what can happen if something goes wrong. Why Insurance Companies Pay Closer Attention The main concern isn’t how the system works day to day. The issue is the risk of an oil leak. Even a small leak can cause serious damage to a

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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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