This consultation was open from:
September 25, 2024
to October 25, 2024
Decision summary
We have made a decision to amend the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan to allow existing leases for cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park to continue for an additional 14-years, to December 31, 2038.
Decision details
We have made a decision to amend the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan so that existing leases/licences for cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park can be extended for an additional 14 years, until December 31, 2038.
The ministry considered input received from the public, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities during the 30-day consultation period, which ended on October 25, 2024, before making its decision about the amendment.
No other changes to the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan were made.
Effects of consultation
The comments that were received expressed a range of views regarding the proposal and the existing cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park. All comments received were reviewed and considered.
Summary of comments received
Comments that were generally in support of the proposal reflected support for continued cottaging in the park and covered several themes. Some concerns were expressed and preferences for different approaches identified.
Themes raised by those who supported the extension of cottage lot leases included:
- importance of preserving the heritage values and structures of the cottage community
- appreciation for the park environment (ranged from cottagers as good stewards to support for more protection)
- protection of personal investment
- length of tenure (ranged from satisfaction with proposed term to preference for a longer term or permanent option)
- terms and conditions of occupation (ranged from preference for no changes to a need to update current terms and conditions)
- positive impact of cottages on the local economy
- need for land use conditions/development controls to ensure protection of the heritage structures, maintain modest development footprints and protect the park ecology
Comments that were generally opposed to the proposal reflected a preference that cottage lot leases in Rondeau be allowed to expire, and also covered several themes.
Themes raised by those who opposed the extension of cottage lot leases included:
- exclusive private use of public park land
- impacts of cottages on park ecology
- cottagers as poor stewards of the park
- Lack of land use conditions/development controls to ensure protection of park values.
- financial costs to the public of maintaining cottage lot leases in the park and a preference for resources to be directed to park programs and facilities that benefit the public
Ministry response
The ministry considered input received from the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities during the 30-day consultation period before making its decision about the amendment.
Having considered the input received, we have decided to amend the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan so that existing leases/licenses for cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park can be extended for an additional 14 years, until December 31, 2038.
In making this decision, the ministry has attempted to balance social, economic, and ecological considerations through offering cottagers the opportunity to continue to occupy the cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park.
Those cottagers that enter into an extension will continue to be bound by the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, other relevant legislation and the lease or license of occupation extension.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
RR 1
Morpeth,
ON
N0P 1X0
Canada
Connect with us
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Rondeau Cottage Lot Lease Extension Consultation
Original proposal
Proposal details
Ontario’s system of provincial parks and conservation reserves is established to protect important natural and cultural features while providing opportunities for compatible ecologically sustainable recreation, now and for future generations.
The ministry is proposing changes to the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan that would extend the term of occupation of existing cottage lots for an additional 14 years to December 31, 2038.
During consultation on this proposal, development which is required for health and safety reasons will be permitted. Other development will be paused pending a decision on this policy proposal.
For clarity, this proposal does not include the authorization or creation of any new cottage lots within Rondeau.
The ministry will consider the environmental impacts associated with cottages and associated uses when consulting and making its decision about the future of cottage leases.
About Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park (“Rondeau”) was created in 1894 and is the second oldest provincial park in Ontario after Algonquin Provincial Park. Rondeau is located on the shores of Lake Erie, and is surrounded by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Rondeau is 3,250 hectares in size and protects rare and nationally significant natural and cultural heritage features, including high levels of biodiversity and species at risk. Rondeau offers exceptional recreational opportunities for park visitors, such as camping, beaches, swimming, fishing, and boating.
About the Cottage Lot Program in Rondeau
The government made private cottage lots available in Rondeau between the 1890s and the 1950s in an effort to promote tourism. No new cottage lots have been authorized since the 1950s.
There are currently 278 cottage lots in Rondeau, held under lease or licence of occupation by cottagers for personal, recreational use. While the cottage lots themselves are on Crown land regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) as part of Rondeau, cottagers own the cottage lot improvements (e.g., cottages and other structures, sewage and water systems, etc.). All private cottage lot leases and licences of occupation in Rondeau are set to expire on December 31, 2024.
About the Proposed Management Plan Amendment:
We are proposing to amend the Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan to allow an additional 14-year extension of existing cottage lot leases and licences of occupation to December 31, 2038. Currently the Park Management Plan allows occupation of cottage lots in Rondeau to December 31, 2024.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
RR 1
Morpeth,
ON
N0P 1X0
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from September 25, 2024
to October 25, 2024
Comments received
Through the registry
951By email
38By mail
1