Having read the Ministry…

Having read the Ministry Proposal regarding the non-extension of leases for cottages in Rondeau Provincial Park, I would like to add my dissenting voice to the cottagers who will be most affected by the proposed changes. Rondeau is a park with non-intusive cottage life to the benefit of the entire park. What possible purpose would be served by not allowing existing leases to be passed on to extended family members; and/or not allowing the continuation of cottage occupancy? From an ecological perspective the cottagers are responsible occupiers of prime park land. From an economic perspective the cottagers provide much needed financial support for the upkeep of the entire park. It would serve no purpose to sever (completely) any leases on current properties within the bounds of Rondeau Park. Cottagers do not take away from the natural environment of the park as it currently exists with its winding roads, natural paths, beaches, and wooded areas. In fact by their very presence on an ongoing basis through the past many decades, they have added greatly to both the appeal of and the maintenance of the park's property. My Grandparents & Parents, Self and Family, and [now] my Grandchildren have each known Rondeau Park as part of our heritage in southwestern Ontario. The reasons for leaving it as a summer residential environment for cottagers are far too numerous to recount here; but the list is long. There were and are countless reasons why its destination and designation shoud not be changed. Each generation of cottagers has taken wonderful care of the park's lands and are very protective of all species of plant and wild life -- at no cost to the government -- and to the enjoyment of all visitors within its gates. They do so because Rondeau Park is now, always was, and should remain as: a beautiful place for all to visit and enjoy. The cessation of leases, and the inability to provide for occupancy beyond the current entension of leases, will do nothing FOR the park and its lands except cost the government [and subsequently me/us as taxpayers] tremendous amounts of monies in upkeep (and Staff!); not to mention that it's return to its original bare existence will detract from its being a welcoming worldclass 'provincial' park.Not only will it be an eyesore when the leases expire and the cottages rot unoccupied, it will become another barren piece of natural wasteland, overgrown with trees and brush, full of deer and coyotes -- to the detriment of surrounding landowners -- and open to developers of windfarms whose sole intent will be to occupy land for financial gain only. So much for the pristine shores of our beautiful Lake Erie!

Listening to the current occupiers of the cottagers would be in the best interest of everyone concerned -- in this generation, and in the next -- with an open-minded common sense approach based on facts. To forge ahead with this proposal as planned and being presented will create nothing but a giant financial headache [to the benefit of no one] for years to come. It's time for the Government to listen to the people. Save Rondeau Provincial Park cottages and cottagers -- save our history and continue to present the people of Ontario with a park to be proud of.

[Original Comment ID: 128803]