I am against renewing the…

I am against renewing the leases of cottagers at Rondeau Park. As a former long time resident of the area near Rondeau Park and a user of the park as a Bird watcher, I am aware of the sensitivity and value of one of the few remaining habitats for wildlife in that area of Southwestern Ontario. There is NO NEED to have cottages in the park. There are no cottagers left in Point Pelee National Park and the habitat for wildlife has vastly improved. The Provincial Park system should follow the federal lead.

The cottagers argue that they are only on a small proportion of park land, but they are on some of the most environmentally significant portions of the park. Eliminating the cottages would provide more vital habitat for species at risk such as Fowlers Toad, Prothonotory Warblers, Eastern Foxsnake and Prickly Pear instead of having it tied up in lawns, septic fields, houses and driveways for a lucky few.

Most of the leaseholders pay less for their lease than you pay for your property taxes (even if you don't live on prime waterfront like they do). They also get garbage collection, snow plowing, hazardous tree removal and street lights for a nominal fee (around $400 per anum). This revenue does not come close to a fair value for occupying the land and does nothing to compensate for the damage to the environment from having these cottages in a park.

Personally I don't think that you, the government - which is supposed to represent all Ontarians, will be swayed by logical environmental arguments over this issue. The cottagers have made this a political issue. The only way that we will be able to get the MNR to end the leases is to make the politicians realize there will be a political price if they extend the leases.

The 287 Rondeau cottage leaseholders have a sweetheart deal that is not available to you or I. Their sweetheart deal is subsidized by you and I and the other 13 million Ontario residents.

Do not extend the leases. It is morally wrong and does not represent the opinions of the majority of Ontarians. Whether we use the park or not, we all want to feel good knowing we are preserving the area for our children and future generations..

[Original Comment ID: 128751]