As a regular user of Rondeau…

As a regular user of Rondeau Provincial Park, but with no connection to the cottages or those that own them, I'd agree to the extension of the existing leases. That said, I'd also want Ontario Parks to strictly control those leases, ensuring that their conditions are adhered to, particularly with regard to encroachment. Similarly, no new leases to be issued or cottages, and associated structures, be permitted. There should be no consideration of selling the leases to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

The park is a valuable Provincial resource and should continue to be enjoyed by all visitors, including those owning the cottages. I'm not in a position to judge the effect of the cottages on the park's environment, but they've been there a long time and have become part of the environment itself.

I'm not sold on the idea that a Provincial Park that isn't in a wild environment itself should necessarily be devoid of human habitation. In the UK, National Parks contain whole villages and towns, so the mixing of people and the natural environment can work, at least if the planning and management of the park is sufficiently robust.

I understand those who wish to remove all traces of the cottages, but I am concerned about the potential cost of physically removing the structures, and the associated infrastructure set against the likely impact.