Owner Of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Cottage Did “Soul Searching” Before Agreeing To Season 2: “I’m A Private Guy”
The owner of the Muskoka cottage used as Shane’s home in the Season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry has agreed to allow filming there again for the show’s second season. Michael Kutryk said he considered seeking a higher fee but chose a reasonable price because he understood the production’s needs, despite being a private person who views the property as a retreat.
Kutryk initially allowed filming for very little because the series had a small budget, and said the 45-person crew scratched his table without ultimately replacing it. He became aware of the story’s explicit material after listening to Rachel Reid’s source novel, while the cottage’s exposure may also affect future rental plans; Season 2 began filming in Canada this month and is due to premiere in spring 2027.
- Heated Rivalry will return to its Muskoka cottage for Season 2.
- Owner Michael Kutryk accepted a reasonable filming fee.
- Season 2 is filming and premieres in spring 2027.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing the production to return can be seen as a fair-minded choice that supports a creative project which has grown beyond its modest first-season means. The owner has first-hand knowledge of the location’s importance to the story and can negotiate terms that recognise both the crew’s needs and the property’s value, while enabling fans and local production work to benefit. This view places weight on cooperation, artistic continuity and a reasonable commercial arrangement.
The case against
Declining further filming would also be entirely reasonable, given that the cottage is a private retreat rather than merely a business asset. A large crew, prior damage that was not resolved as expected, the programme’s explicit content and possible effects on future rentals all give the owner legitimate reasons to protect his property, privacy and reputation. This view places weight on clear consent, respect for personal space and adequate compensation for the disruption and risk involved.