I am a full supporter of ERO…

I am a full supporter of ERO 019-090- a lease extension for the cottage lots within the park. This is for three reasons.

First, while there are 287 cottage lots in the park, the number of priceless memories formed or will be formed in the park because of these cottage is exponentially higher. My family, and hundred of others who either own or have rented cottages in Rondeau, have built years and years of memories that are associated with Rondeau.

Second, within an area (Chatham-Kent) that has seen some decline over the past 30 years, tourism represents a potential industry of growth and the cottagers are an important part of that. My family has spent countless dollars supporting small businesses in the Ridgetown and Blenheim area over the past 20 years and we are proud to do so.

Third, and most importantly, I am convinced that there is no better way to conserve the nature of the park than to have a large, permanent constituency that annually benefits from it. Should the leases not be renewed, I fear that the only people who will care about the park are a handful of environmental advocacy groups and the Ministry of Environment. The conservation efforts within the park are strongest when there is a strong group of people who firmly believe in the importance of maintaining the park's natural beauty. The cottagers have been a part of this group and will continue to be in the future.

Thank you for your consideration.