This Victoria Day weekend (May 17th to 19th) is for Canadians one of the most anticipated highlights of the spring season. Many Canadians will head for outdoor patios and backyard BBQs, while millions more will venture forth on an annual adventure commonly known as “Opening the Cottage.”

Most owners have a strategy. It’s a bit like working backwards from how they closed up for the winter, but there will be a few surprises and some repairs. After that, it’s time to string up the hammock, put hamburgers on the grill and teach the kids to swim.

Step by step Victoria Day Weekend work plan:

· Trim any trees that overhang the cottage. Think safety first, and use the right tools, wear goggles and keep the kids and observers out of the way.

· Inspect the roof and eaves, which were cleared of debris in the fall to avoid winter damage. However, if a family of racoons set up camp under the soffit, approach with caution. It’s probably best to leave that challenge to the experts. It’s the same with that mysterious nest in the chimney.

· Remove shutters, put up the screens and patch up any holes to fight the mosquito war. If some of the window trim has either cracked or split, fill the gaps with a sealant. Once dried, the trim can then be re-painted.

· Sweep up any critter surprises, including mice and ants. Scout out the place for holes and cork them. Look out for any chewed wiring.

· Take a closer look for any needed repairs: from baseboards and crown molding, to paneling, chair rails, chipboard and carpeting. Use an adhesive that is solvent-and-odour free with a quick-drying time. New products like Loctite Power Grab make the job easy because it features instant bond, is environmentally safe and requires no bracing.

· Maximize limited closet space in the cottage. Attach racks to walls and doors. Consider using adhesives to do the job instead of nails or screws.

· Clean up patio and porch furniture. Tighten any loose screws, and see what may need fixing or a new coat of paint or varnish. (By now, more ambitious cottagers are thinking about building more lounge chairs or a gazebo down by the lake.)

· Haul out the dock, nail down any loose boards and tighten the cleats and rings before re-commissioning the outdoor motor and launching the boat. If the dock needs a new paint job, it can wait until next weekend.

There will probably be a thousand and one projects that need to be tackled throughout the summer. That’s why there are so many weekends! For do-it-yourself tips and the latest in supplies that make many projects easier, visit www.lepageproducts.com. Power Grab and other Loctite products are available at most home and mass retailers throughout Canada.

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PHOTO CUTLINE: Loctite Power Grab makes repair jobs easy because it features instant bond, is environmentally safe and requires no bracing.