Regarding ERO Notice 019…

Regarding ERO Notice 019-6142

I am writing to entreat you to please allow the existing cottages to remain in the park and to please end the very stressful, last-minute lease extension decision-making process by allowing cottage owners to purchase their lots so everyone can move on.

The park was established in 1894 for cottagers. I understand how environmental concerns are at the forefront of Rondeau's care but having cottage owners resident in the park for these years has been part of this ongoing care, often based on very personal connections to the area. Studies by MNRF/MECP have confirmed this benefit.

My parents purchased a Rondeau cottage years ago. They met in the bandstand there in the '50s. Growing up, we always held our grand family reunions in the park. At that time archery, bicycle rentals and even mini golf were highly anticipated attractions. Of course, these are gone, but the memories are strong and happy ones.

I know that many people who are against the cottagers are not local and have never visited the area. I understand their enthusiasm to cleanse the park of inhabitants, even though the cottages account for only half a percent of park's area, along the fringes. But moving ahead with any plans that push aside cottagers bit by bit bulldozes yet another important part of the area's long history. They are caretakers.

The money that could be generated from the sale of lots could be used to invest in other conservation projects, where the decision-making could positively progress the charters of their unique inceptions as well. I fail to understand how negatively impacting this small group of cottage owners so severely could net an equally meaningful gain for the park and those opposed to the cottages.

Were cottage owners allowed to purchase their lots, the continuing property by-laws would of course also continue to respect and preserve the local ecosystem.

Please consider this note when you are making decisions about the future of my beloved Rondeau Park.