RE: ERO 019-6142 (Rondeau…

RE: ERO 019-6142 (Rondeau Lease Extension)

November 23, 2022

My family and I strongly support the two-year lease extension of the cottages in Rondeau with the understanding that it is necessary to finalize the long-delayed sale of Rondeau’s cottage lots to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. I am 35 years old and for my entire life I have lovingly enjoyed the cottage community of Rondeau while also being a good steward of the Park’s natural environment. I am now an owner and leaseholder, and as Rondeau Park was specifically chartered in 1894 for the purposes of cottaging, I believe it is time to finally resolve the issue of lease renewal with the approval of the formal purchase of the cottage lots by the current owners.

My family inherited our cottage from my great aunt and great uncle who were hard working people that pinched their pennies to realize their dream in 1970 of cottage ownership. When they passed, I was blessed that they left their cottage to two future generations of my family including my parents, sister, and me. Our families have enjoyed the park for decades and have made irreplaceable memories together in Rondeau Park. We have been good members of the Rondeau community and would love to create many more memories for years to come while passing along the legacy of good stewardship and meaningful cottage community to the next generation.

The original purpose of the Park, encouraged by the government at the time of its founding, was cottaging. Indeed, the cottages are the reason Rondeau exists. Moreover, cottagers bring in millions of dollars into the local economy and the sale of the lots will bring needed funds to Ontario Parks and the Province for investment into the continued maintenance of the unique ecology in Rondeau.

Another lease extension is not the answer. The sale of the lots to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is the correct solution to this issue. The sale of the lots will be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my affectionate care and concern for Rondeau.