I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to lease extensions being granted to private cottagers located in Rondeau Provincial Park. The Ontario Parks Act states “maintenance of ecological integrity shall be the first priority and the restoration of ecological integrity shall be considered.” Extending the cottage leases would contradict this clear, legislated management priority. In addition, the new Endangered Species Act provides for the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitat.

The cottages occupy the unique sand dune black oak savannah landscape, some of the most environmentally significant portions of the park. Rondeau Provincial Park has more species at risk than anywhere else in Ontario, including the endangered Fowler’s Toad, Eastern Foxsnake and Prothonotary Warbler. This is an opportunity to recover the essential habitat for these species. The recently posted Eastern Foxsnake Recovery Strategy (September 2010) states clearly that Rondeau cottagers have admitted to killing foxsnakes. This demonstrates a complete disregard for both park and provincial regulations by cottage owners or occupants.

Up-holding the previously signed contracts and removing the cottages in 2017 will demonstrate the commitment of our government to the Ontario Parks Act, the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy and the Endangered Species Act. If the leases are once again extended, I believe many individuals and organizations have the right to question the McGuinty government’s pledge to protect biodiversity, recover endangered species and maintain the ecological integrity of protected areas.

The Ontario government has a duty to protect the biological diversity of our parks and conservation reserves so that present and future generations benefit from a diverse natural environment.

[Original Comment ID: 128911]