Then & Now on Kashwakamak Lake with Kevin Phillips

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Then & Now on Kashwakamak Lake with Kevin Phillips

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In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush sits down with Kevin Phillips for a conversation about legacy, entrepreneurship, and life on the lake. As the second-generation owner of Fernleigh Lodge, Kevin has spent decades watching Kashwakamak Lake evolve from a collection of simple fishing lodges into one of Eastern Ontario’s most treasured recreational communities. What began as childhood family vacations from Ohio in the late 1950s became a lifelong connection to the lake. Kevin reflects on the early days of Fernleigh Lodge — wooden boats, fishing guides, shore lunches, ice boxes in the cabins, and a slower pace rooted in nature and community. Over the years, he’s witnessed dramatic change, from small seasonal cottages transforming into luxury waterfront homes to the evolution of tourism itself. Through it all, Fernleigh Lodge has continued to adapt while staying true to the spirit of the lake. Kevin shares the realities of running a multi-generational lodge business, diversifying into marina services, boat storage, a plumbing business, construction, retail, and hospitality to keep both the business and the lake community thriving. At its heart, this episode is about the connection people feel to Kashwakamak Lake — the memories made there, the slower pace of life, and the sense of belonging that keeps families returning year after year. It’s a thoughtful conversation about resilience, small-town entrepreneurship, and why places like Kashwakamak Lake still matter in an increasingly fast-moving world. Learn more about Kevin Phillips & Fernleigh Lodge: www.fernleighlodge.com Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Country Club Podcast 00:49 - Meet Kevin Phillips of Fernleigh Lodge 01:41 - Vacationing at Kashwakamak Lake 02:30 - Early Lodge Life 03:30 - Guides and Summer Days Growing Up 05:10 - Lake Development Boom 09:07 - Renovations and Modern Comforts 10:08 - COVID Shift and Clientele 11:06 - Marina and Boat Services 12:09 - Dining at the Lodge 13:40 - Lake Pace and Rising Costs 14:19 - What Kevin Loves Most 15:49 - What Should Never Change 16:55 - Kashwakamak Memories 18:50 - Advice for New Lake Life 20:09 - Closing Thanks and Wrap Up Key Takeaways 1. Lake communities have evolved dramatically over the decades 2. Successful businesses adapt with changing times 3. COVID permanently shifted tourism patterns 4. Simplicity and connection still matter 5. Supporting local businesses sustains lake communities 6. Legacy businesses carry generations of memories 7. The future of recreation may include wellness and intentional living Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027 Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/ Email: info@thedcbteam.ca This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!

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