I fully support the proposal…

I fully support the proposal to allow existing cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park to remain for an additional period until December 31, 2024, and support a long term extension beyond that date (ideally a 99-year lease extension).

I have been visiting Rondeau for a decade and my kids have grown up spending time there each summer. Rondeau is a wonderful, unique community stretching back generations. It is part of the fabric of Chatham-Kent. To take that away by removing the cottages would be heartless and cruel.

I recognize that Rondeau is a provincial park with conservation goals. In speaking to other cottagers, they recognize that as well. Cottagers are and can continue to be stewards of the park. If there are changes that can be implemented to lessen the environmental impact of cottages on the park (i.e., natural landscaping rules) then they should be explored. Simply removing the cottages would be an excessively harsh and severe outcome that would erase the Rondeau community and harm the members of the Rondeau community.

Any long term solution should also preserve the Rondeau Yacht Club. It is a community focal point, it provides wonderful programing and activities for children, and it employs local teenagers. The Yacht Club is a treasure that should be preserved.