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Dear ,
Once again, the Government of Ontario is proposing to extend cottage leases in Rondeau Provincial Park, despite long-standing commitments in law and policy to phase-out private cottages in Provincial Parks by 2017. This time, the proposal is for a three-year extension while the government figures out “an alternative option for the long-term occupation of cottage lots in Rondeau Provincial Park.”
Whether “long-term occupation” means 99-year leases or worse – selling the lots to cottagers – the government is unwilling to say. Regardless, long-term occupation of any sort is bad news for Rondeau, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. An island of green in a sea of developed countryside, Rondeau is a vital refuge for more than 80 species at risk (the highest found in any Ontario Provincial Park) and more than 300 significant plant species.
The cottages and associated road mortality, mowing, vegetation removal, foot paths, and introduction of invasive species and pets are harming rare and endangered wildlife and vulnerable forest, wetland, dune and savannah ecosystems. For over 60 years, the government has repeatedly acknowledged that private cottages are inappropriate in this Provincial Park, and yet it has extended the leases time and time again. This must stop!
Please join Ontario Nature in telling the government that it is time to get private cottages out of Rondeau and instead focus on putting nature first. Remind the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek, that Provincial Parks are dedicated to all the people of Ontario, not to privileged cottagers.
The deadline for comments is December 18, 2019. Be sure to reference ERO # 019-0907. Read our blog for further information.
Yours for nature,
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