This is a joint byline for the Ryerson Review of Journalism. All content is produced by students in their final year of the graduate or undergraduate program at the Ryerson School of Journalism.
March 1, 2011
Jenna Wootton
Newsroom tour: Cottage Life
Prepare for Muskoka chair envy. Amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Cottage Life has turned its office into a relaxing sanctuary.
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The outside of Cottage Life, a magazine dedicated to enhancing and preserving just that. Ironically, all the hard work that goes into creating a magazine about life outside the city happens in Toronto’s downtown core: 54 St. Patrick Street to be exact.
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The entrance is decorated with potted plants and a paddle, adding some rural elements to this red brick townhouse. Inside you’ll see just how comfortable the staff’s made their workplace.
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Despite Cottage Life taking over the major signage outside, the building is also home to three other titles published by Quarto Communications: Canadian Home Workshop, Explore and Outdoor Canada.
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The entrance and reception area for all four magazines. The miniature tin mailbox sitting empty on the desk is labelled “Chocolate Box.” It appears people may be dipping into it a bit too often.
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Immediately look to the left when you walk in and you’ll be greeted by an array of Cottage Life swag–from sweaters, to travel mugs, to animal-shaped cookie cutters.
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An early morning “meeting” takes place among some members of Canadian Home Workshop. Their offices are located on the “garden level,” as they like to call it. It’s also known as the basement.
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This is where the more official meetings are held.
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The fridge is stocked with locally brewed Steam Whistle beer–perhaps to get the staff more in the mindset of a cottager?
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The magazines’ awards are hung along the staircase as if proud parents have placed them there.
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The spread for Cottage Life’s April issue. It’s been sent to the printers and the bulletin board is ready to be cleared.
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Art director Kim Zagar’s workspace with some past covers displayed above for reference.
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It’s the sound of accomplishment. This bell is rung around the office once a story’s been signed off.
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Assistant editor Jackie Davis at her desk, alongside Cottage Life’s apparent mascot, the moose. A few still linger around the building after about a hundred were sent to the magazine for a photo shoot. The other 97 were donated to a children’s hospital.
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The office of Cottage Life’s editor-in-chief Penny Caldwell. Here you’ll find photos of her enjoying the outdoors, as well as Smokey the Bear with his helpful reminder, just in case there’s a fire around the office.
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Cottage Life’s general manager Terry Sellwood sits in his office…
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…while the fire blazes on this bitter cold February morning.
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It may not be the season for sitting out on the balcony, but in the summer, the staff of all four magazines comes together and takes turns hosting barbecues here.
This is a joint byline for the Ryerson Review of Journalism. All content is produced by students in their final year of the graduate or undergraduate program at the Ryerson School of Journalism.
