Rondeau Provincial Park Management Plan Amendment – Cottage Lot Leases

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.