It is my understanding that…

It is my understanding that the amendment to the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan will allow time to consider and consult on a proposal for an alternative option for the long-term occupation of cottages/cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park. The extension proposed will allow the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to extend the existing leases for cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park to until December 31st, 2024.

I agree with the above-mentioned proposal, with the following concepts to be explored by the Ministry moving forward:

1) If these extensions are to continue, I suggest that a 10-year extension period instead of a brief 2-year period, should be used to find a permanent solution to enable cottages/cottage lots in Rondeau Park forever. These 2-year extensions are not allowing for a fully investigated study as to the best outcome for the Park, its nature, and its current human residents.

2) The Rondeau Park cottagers are the very reason for the success of this amazing provincial park. Since 1894, when 20 lots were first surveyed, cottaging has been a part of the Rondeau Park community. For the last 128 years Rondeau cottagers have take great pride in the park, actively promoting the betterment of the park for cottagers, campers, day-visitors, and most importantly protecting and preserving all its natural and historical environment.

3) Having cottagers remain indefinitely in Rondeau Park is essential to the preservation of habitat for species at risk. Majority of the cottagers go to great lengths to honour and enhance the environment for threatened species a chance to thrive.

4) In April and July 2020, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent released the "Chatham-Kent Lake Erie Shoreline Study" which was prepared by Peter Zuzek (Zuzek inc.). Within this study Rondeau Park and Rondeau Bay were explored with regards to shoreline erosion along with future storm and ice regime impact to the area. Everyone who lives in this area of Chatham-Kent are fully aware of how "Global Warming's" damaging impact to the Lake Erie shoreline and Rondeau Bay.

5) Since the release of Peter Zuzek's studies in 2020, more discussion has occurred at the local, provincial, and federal government levels, about the maintenance of Rondeau Park's point. Back in the 1970's and 1980's major storms destroyed the Park's beach and its roads leading to the point's beach. It is currently being scrutinized as to the best way to protect the Park's shoreline, Rondeau Bay, and its threatened habitat. Hopefully, the ideas shared will go forward. This will allow for Rondeau Park's point to become partially re-established and day-visitors/campers, cottagers would have a new, beautiful beach to enjoy.

6) I feel that more energy by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) should be concentrated on the effort to protect Rondeau Park's shoreline along with the waters and wetlands of Rondeau Bay than to evict the cottagers from the land. The cottagers will be the Ministry's biggest supporters of future endeavors to rebuild and maintain the shorelines of Rondeau Provincial Park and Rondeau Bay than anyone else in this province.

Thank you for allowing input from the public regarding the future of Rondeau Provincial Park.

Please protect Rondeau Park and Rondeau Bay!

Andrea