Minister of Natural Resources Meets with RCA Posted on 2007-11-24 10:11:41 The Board of Directors of the Rondeau Cottagers Association met with newly-appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield in Blenheim on Friday, November 23, 2007. (Left to right...) RCA Secretary Brian French, MNR Assistant Deputy Minister Kevin Wilson, RCA Vice-President Keith Graham, RCA Past-President Collin Mardling, RCA Director Dr. Mike Newell, Chatham-Kent MPP Pat Hoy, RCA Director Steve Baker, Minister of Natural Resources The Hon. Donna Cansfield, RCA President Dr. David Colby, RCA Director Alysson Storey, RCA Treasurer Chris Carruthers, RCA Director Rob van Deel Piepers. Photo by Amanda Toner, Executive Assistant to the Minister. The Minister was briefed about the history of the century-old cottage community in Rondeau Park, along with the significant economic benefit to local businesses, and the need to immediately extend cottage leases. It is estimated that cottage families inject over $3 million each season to the local economy. The board also informed the Minister and her delegation that should cottagers be granted a long-term lease extension, the local economy could directly benefit by an additional $4 million almost immediately due to renewed confidence in tenure. A very positive discussion followed and a commitment was made to continue lease extension discussions in the near future. Following the meeting, the Minister and her delegation went on a tour of Rondeau Park to see the community first-hand. back to main