It has been said that a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.
For Canadians across the country this insight also applies to small dwellings in the countryside, often by a lake, where people spend their summer weekends.
Canadians were asked in a Regional Vocabulary Survey what word they would use to describe that particular type of dwelling. The results are no surprise to folks around here.
Both east and west coasts referred to it as a cabin. This is the preferred term in Newfoundland and Vancouver/Victoria but not in Toronto – there they call it something else.
In that part of the country everybody heads north to the cottage. Across Southwestern Ontario cottage culture runs deep and that goes for all of PEI and Nova Scotia, too.
Around here when somebody says cottage they will often be asked, “Don’t you mean camp?”
But actually, only 10 per cent of Canadians surveyed called their wilderness retreat a camp. Here in Northwestern Ontario that jumps to 78 per cent. New Brunswick (28 per cent) is our backup.
One possible explanation for this local terminology is that both regions have a long history of forestry and logging camps.
But whether you call your camp a cottage, a chalet like they do in Quebec or any other name you choose, outdoor getaways have become part of our folklore and tradition.
Many countries around the world have their own version of the rustic weekend getaway but only here in Canada are we so passionate about our weekend getaways.
Summer camps are more than just dwellings in the countryside and some of them have a proud family history.
For many Canadian families their summer camp is an endless source of fond memories, treasured mementos of loved ones and also a sanctuary away from stress and worry.
That’s why so many grandpas and grandmas want the camp to stay in the family for generations, long after they have gone to the big sing song in the sky.
Everyone expects the fun to last forever. What could possibly go wrong?
When many camps are first purchased (for a song, I might add)) the buyers often have a young family and it is relatively easy to pack them up and head for the lake.
But as time goes on many families discover they are only using the camp for a couple of weeks and four or five weekends a year.
As the kids get older and their lives became more complicated it‘s harder to take an extended holiday or a weekend at camp.
The place often sits unused for months or years while the maintenance and expenses go on.
There is often renewed interest in going to camp once the grandchildren arrive and everyone is eager to pass the family traditions on to the next generation.
But eventually Mom and Dad step aside and allow the kids to take ownership of their beloved camp. This scenario sometimes leads to trouble.
By this time the property has increased in value many times and if it isn’t handled properly there can be a huge tax bill waiting for the new owners.
If there are a number of siblings it is often difficult to agree on things. Sometimes the camp is sold, perhaps for spite or maybe just to stop the bickering and hard feelings.
Family members that once frolicked in the lake together may hold grudges for years.
It’s true; Canadians are passionate about their cottages, camps and cabins. How heartbreaking it must be when that passion is used to fuel anger and ill will.
That’s not what Grandma and Grandpa intended.
