I am concerned about the…

I am concerned about the terms of this policy, as I feel it fails to ignore a number of issues. First, it contravenes the MNR multiuse policy which states the following: "Multiple Use Policy is not consistent with a province-wide policy of restricted cottage leases in provincial parks. Instead, planning policy in specific parks should be based on the values, traditions and classifications of each park." (MNR Statement of Philosophy of Integrated Resource Management, Feb 1985.) Some of the cottages have been in Rondeau for 100 years or more; surely they are part of the values and traditions of Rondeau? Moreover, the original 1894 Rondeau Park Act states specifically that Rondeau Park was created to provide cottaging opportunities (section 5B). Second, the policy is discriminatory, in that those who are unlikely to live until 2038 (e.g. the elderly, those without spouses) will lose their family cottages, while others in different circumstances will not. The lease extension should apply to all, not just some, with a common expiry date. The government has previously acknowledged that the old system where cottage leases expired at different times, rather than the same date for all, was unfair (Minister of Natural Resources Vincert Kerrio, in 1986), which is why a common expiry date was established. This latest policy proposal is regressive.

There are other problems with the policy that I believe have been brought to your attention by others. I hope you will acknowledge the input of so many, and work to create a policy proposal that is acceptable to stakeholders and all people who have enjoyed the cottages in Rondeau.

[Original Comment ID: 129068]