RE: EBR No. 011-1300…

RE: EBR No. 011-1300

Dear Sir,

I would like to object to the renewal of Rondeau cottage leases to 2038 because it compromises biodiversity and ecological integrity. Cottages have a terrible ecological impact as their users introduce invasive non-native species, take land from wildlife and kill many plants and animals such as the eastern foxsnake. As recognized in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, introduced by the McGuinty government in 2005, parks and protected areas are one of the cornerstones for biodiversity conservation strategies. In southern Ontario, where less than 4% of the landscape is protected in parks and conservation lands, few opportunities exist for the expansion of protected areas. This means that protected areas are especially critical to the protection of wildlife. Rondeau is renowned for its biodiversity. To the extent possible, its unique vegetation-landform features should be free of human structures and manicured landscaping and restored to a natural state where wild, native species thrive.

The current park management plan for Rondeau Park is the result of considerable public consultation regarding the best management direction for the park. The extension of the cottage leases was a highly contentious issue during the preparation of the plan (late 1980s/ early 1990s), and the extension of the cottage leases to 2017 was a huge concession to cottagers at the time and strongly opposed by conservation organizations. Another such concession is unacceptable, especially given the provincial government’s commitments to protecting biodiversity, recovering endangered species and maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas. Thank you.

[Original Comment ID: 128944]