I oppose the proposed…

I oppose the proposed extension of cottage leases in Rondeau Provincial Park. For more than 40 years, I have been a regular visitor to Rondeau Provincial Park. I value the park for its many important natural features.
The existence of private cottages in Rondeau Park is contrary to the purpose and objectives of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act.
Reports prepared for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have documented important natural features including the following:
• Rondeau has the highest recorded diversity of species at risk of any provincial park in Ontario
• Over 300 species of plants in Rondeau are considered to be nationally, provincially, or locally significant
• Rondeau Provincial Park is well known as an important area for reptile diversity and most of these are protected under the Endangered Species Act (Eastern Foxsnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Milksnake, Five-lined Skink, Blanding’s Turtle, Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Fowler’s Toad).
There is no justification for extension of leases for private cottages in Rondeau Park. It is significant to note that the cottages are located in the most threatened habitat types within the park, dune, prairie and savannah.
The termination of cottage leases in 2017 was explicitly identified in the Management Plan (1991) and remains within provincial regulations. Leaseholders have had more than 25 years to prepare themselves for the reality that their leases will end.
The future management of Rondeau Park must focus on the permanent protection of the representative ecosystems, biodiversity and provincially significant elements of the park. Cottage leases must be terminated, and funds must be allocated to support the removal and restoration work that must be undertaken.