November 25, 2022 Re: ERO…

November 25, 2022

Re: ERO Notice ID 019-6142

To Whom this may concern

I am submitting this response as a stakeholder of a cottage in Rondeau Provincial Park.

I support the only solution for the permanent occupancy of the cottage lots, and a sale under Section 9(3) of the Provincial Parks & Conservation Reserves Act (2006) as directed by Minister Jeff Yurek.

Rondeau Provincial Park was chartered in 1894 specifically for the purpose of cottaging. Our cottage has been in my family for five (5) generations.

I was raised to enjoyed and respect the park and all that it offers (Kid’s program, community camp fires, nature walks with park guides, trails, biking, leisurely walks on the beach and swimming in Lake Erie).

Growing up in Rondeau during the summers, I was actively involved in the Junior Naturalist programs provided by the park, which fostered a deep appreciation for the biodiversity and ecological systems in Rondeau. Through the program I came understand that I could live respectfully alongside nature, supporting its natural rhythms while still enjoying my family, and cottage, at the same time.

As a new parent, it is extremely important to me that my son learns to live in and alongside nature as it is integral to healthy development. By continuing to support cottages, we are supporting nurturing generations of people who understand the importance of conservation and will champion environmental preservation far beyond the reaches of Rondeau’s boarder.

The two prior EROs (011-1300 in 2010 and 019-0907 in 2019) did not follow the guidelines the province established. I expect that this third time the Ministry of Ontario will follow guidelines they established and not be ignored by Ontario Parks.

I further feel that the sale to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will provide much needed funding to the Ministry for their exclusive use. The subsequence sale to the cottage owners by the Municipality will ensure the cottage owners are able to invest into their cottages thus creating jobs for the local economy.

Respectfully,
A supporter of Rondeau cottages