Hello. I am writing to…

Hello. I am writing to oppose the extension of the Rondeau Cottage leases for another 20 years.

As a provincial park first and foremost it is the obligation of the government to put the needs of the environment first. People can survive, relocate, and build cottages elsewhere, flora and fauna, however, cannot. It is our civic duty as stewards of the land to protect resources, if we want to use them and build on other areas of land in the province then there must be a point where we give back. It is not sustainable as a province nor country to continue to take resources away from nature.

I, personally, find it immoral for the cottagers and government to be wavering from the previously determined contract. A provincial park should do what it sets out to achieve, otherwise what are rules, regulations and contracts for if you are to turn around and change your decision.

If minister Linda Jeffery wants the public to "help the government arrive at a decision that considers the ecological values of the park and the interests of leaseholders beyond 2017,'' then the land should be taken back and restored as a part of Rondeau Provincial Park. Do what Ontario Parks sets out to do and "preserve ecological integrity." This will benefit both parties: 1. Park: honoring the contract, protecting species for future generations, providing a more enriching experience for park visitors.

2. Leaseholders: protecting species for future generations, so that they and their children etc, don't have to say " well we used to have the Fowlers toad etc." If the leaseholders care about their family, friends and the rest of the province then they will WANT to protect sensitive species. If we do not do our part currently, then what will be left? Do we not want our childrens' children to be able to experience and see the things that we see in nature now?

It is selfish for the Cottagers Association to put their needs above the people of the province. Is the government not FOR the people? Should it not want to protect the best interests of EVERYONE in the province, not a few cottagers?

Please do what is right. Act on the best interest of Ontario, everyone is free to enjoy nature to visit Rondeau Provincial Park. People go to a provincial park to see nature, will people still go when there is nothing left due to years and years of loss of sensitive ecological areas? Not all people are able to cottage at Rondeau, nor to buy land in a Provincial Park. So what makes this situation any different?

On behalf of any person that wants their children to be able to experience nature and all of its flora and fauna in many years to come.

[Original Comment ID: 128805]