I was born and raised in…

I was born and raised in Ridgetown and was a teenager during the 1960’s when it was still possible to drive out to the Point and there were campgrounds there as well.

I was disappointed when we could no longer drive to the Point when returning to visit the region over the next thirty years. Now I agree with the measures taken back then to protect the park.

In 2000, my husband and I moved back to Ridgetown and I came back with a different perspective. Living in other provinces – British Columbia, Alberta, where I was a member of Granssland Naturalists and Saskatchewan, I have learned to respect the fragile existence of flora, fauna, birds and the water resources of Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay.

While living in the west, we heard about Clear Creek Forest and made donation to protect that sensitive area in Chatham-Kent

I believe that the province should adhere to their original deadline of 2017 for all leases to cease and it is now time to again take the necessary measures to protect Rondeau Park.

I accept and totally support no access to the Point. I support the removal of the remaining cottages in Rondeau Park by the original deadline of 2017. The cottagers have known about this deadline for many years.

Over the past two years we have been receiving very informative newsletters from the staff at Rondeau Park. I have forwarded them to friends and relatives throughout Canada.

We have learned a great deal about Rondeau Park, we are proud of the park and want to do EVERYTHING possible to protect this valuable resource.

I expect the province to do everything it can too, by not extending any leases beyond 2017. Additionally, the necessary partnerships need to be developed with the province to move forward with the construction of a world class interpretive centre. After speaking with ministry staff today at the public consultation meeting at the Ridgetown Campus University of Guelph, I now understand what is necessary for that project to move forward and will dedicate my time to seeing that project to fruition.

In other provinces we see the value of these centres educationally and as attractions for tourists and local residents alike.

My husband and I visit Rondeau Park year round.. I see how the cottagers use their leased land during all seasons of the year. I do not agree with their choice of landscaping materials in many cases. It pains me to see flowers, shrubs and trees that are not natural to Rondeau Park planted by the cottagers. Rondeau is a provincial park, NOT a resort.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

[Original Comment ID: 128639]