In regards to ERO number 019…

In regards to ERO number 019-6142. I am in favour of extending the cottage leases to the proposed extension of December 2024 (and beyond). In my opinion, the short-term band-aid is unfair to the lease-holders and a waste of government money. A permanent solution should be brought forward to extend the leases indefinitely.
I visited the park for the first time in June this past summer of 2022 and fell in love with the cottage atmosphere and the park. After that, we returned numerous times throughout the summer to enjoy the beach area and trails. From what I witnessed on numerous occasions, the threat to the park was the disrespectful visitors who were leaving their garbage around the picnic areas as well as in the compost toilet building not the long-term cottagers.
From what I can see, many of the cottage owners take great pride in their properties. It is a shame that they will need to live in limbo for another two years just to be dragged out to the last minute to possibly extend or lose their cottage property yet again.
I have researched back to the past requirements for extension, (ie providing a copy of septic inspection to the Ministry). I feel this request is fair and is great progress to help safeguard the land and the species of the park. On the other hand, many are afraid to spend 1000’s on upgrades to their property or septic systems if they are going to be forced to vacate and return the land to how it was found. Keeping the cottagers in limbo for another 2 years is what is putting property at risk.
As I have seen in comments from past years. The cottagers and protected species off the park have co-existed in this park for over 100 years and it appears the species have thrived during this time.