On a warm summers evening, by the water’s edge nothing beats roasted marshmallows and scary ghost stories around a crackling fire.  A long tradition at the cottage or while away camping.  This seemingly harmless tradition can turn quickly into a tragedy if certain precautions are not taken.   We had this happen to one of our clients.    Their 13 year old son sprayed their camp fire with insect repellant hoping to help the fire spread faster.

It wasn’t too long ago that families enjoyed summer living at their rustic cottage.  Wood frame dwellings, sitting on the ground or blocks, with screen doors that usually didn’t keep the mosquitoes out.  Using the bathroom usually meant running to the outhouse.    Water carried up from the shore because there was no plumbing.   Reading books by lantern because there was no electricity. Meals cooked over campfires followed by an evening of songs and guitar playing around that same campfire.

We have all been there.  You’re at the side of the road broken down or just had a small accident.   You’re not sure what to do.   You just know that you need to get your car away from the area as it’s not safe.    A tow truck pulls up and offers to help.  You take them up their offer because what else are you going to do?  They tow you to a local garage or compound, and then you get the bill.  Wow!  Who knew that it would cost so much.   Not just an arm and a leg but two arms and legs and they won’t even give you  your car back until you pay the bill, cash only.  Last week the provincial government introduced legislation that, if passed, would regulate the tow truck industry.