My families Cottage in…

My families Cottage in Rondeau Park has been thoroughly enjoyed by three generations of family members. Recently a 4th generation has begun experiencing the joys of cottaging in Rondeau Park.

Fundamentally we wish to continue to utilize our family cottage as we have done so for the last 40+ years. As a hub during the summer for bringing family together from all over South-West Ontario.

Logically, I see no reason for the Provincial government to violate Rondeau's Charter which established Rondeau as location for cottaging all the way back in 1894.

The Cottagers support the local Chatham Kent community by shopping in their stores and hiring contractors for repairs. Many cottagers have been putting off repairs to their property do to the Provincial Governments lack of commitment to a long and established community.

The Cottages also support the Ontario Parks department and Provincial government through their leases, buying park passes and now paying property tax on leased land. My family buys at least 3 Park passes every year to support the coming and going to the cottages.

Independent environmental impact studies have concluded the cottages pose no significant risk to the many unique and endangered animals that also call Rondeau home. The cottages make up less then 1% of all the land in the Rondeau Provincial park. Many cottagers view the unique environment of Rondeau as something that should be protected and actively participate in the stewardship of this environment.

Ultimately, the Ontario Provincial Government should be attempting to establish a permanent solution in regards to Rondeau Provincial Park. I think ultimately the Provincial Government should recognize the historic contribution the cottagers have played in Rodeau Park and the stewardship they have engaged in. The Ontario Government should recognize the interests of Chatham Kent Government which has attempted to back and protect the Rondeau Cottages from continued dismantlement.

Ultimately I would like see the Ontario Provincial Government for once back the little guy. The cottages of Rondeau are modest sometimes century old cottages. They are often collectively owned/shared among family members from relatively modest backgrounds out of cities such as Windsor, Chatham and London. Failure to support the continuation of Cottages in Rondeau is throwing away over 100 years of South Western Ontario history.