I am a cottager at Rondeau…

I am a cottager at Rondeau Provincial Park, having purchased a cottage there in 2019, which was originally built in 1950. At the time of our purchase, we researched and understood the history of the cottages in this park and part of what we loved about the area. The park was, in fact, established to be inclusive of cottaging in its original purpose. The continued lease extensions and administration of these leases are costly for both the Government and the cottagers and continue to perpetuate the uncertainty for both parties.

We were pleased to hear about the proposal confirmed by Minister Jeff Yurek in 2019 that would allow sale of the cottage lots to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent with a parallel transfer of other park land to the province, resulting in no loss of park acreage for the province. This is consistent with the concept of 'an alternative option for long term occupation of cottage lots in Rondeau' referenced in your ERO 019-0907 decision (an echo of the 011-1300 decision from 2010).

Sale of the cottage lots (only 0.56% of the park area) to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent would then allow sale of the lots by the Municipality to the cottagers freeing both the Government and the cottagers of the perpetual lease renewals. This is beneficial to all parties - the park, the Government, the Municipality, and the cottagers. Cottagers follow the park rules and are excellent stewards of the land and environment. There is no evidence that our presence negatively impacts the environment and cottagers are respectful of the environment and park regulations and are some of the best advocates to continue to protect the natural environment at Rondeau. MNRF/MECP studies demonstrate the benefit of the cottage community to the park's ecology.

Sale of the cottage lots under section 9(3) of the Provincial Parks & Conservation Reserves Act (2006) was directed by Minister Yurek in 2006 but there has been delay in executing this direction. This sale will offer a permanent occupancy of the cottage lots and resolution of this longstanding issue. Our lease authority until 2038 is already entrenched in the regulations, making this ERO notice surprising at this time, particularly as we've already been through 2 recent short-term lease extensions. Another lease extension is not the answer, following through with Minister Yurek's order for sale is the best resolution for all parties.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.