MNR Minister's Visit Widely Publicized Posted on 2007-12-04 09:42:36 The November 23rd meeting with RCA executives and Donna Cansfield, the Minister of Natural Resources received much local media attention. Reprinted with permission is the coverage in the Chatham Daily News. Cottagers appeal to minister; Rondeau group argues benefits of extended leases Posted By ERICA BAJER Rondeau cottagers have a renewed sense of hope for a lease extension after a visit with the new minister of natural resources last week. "We presented our case for a lease extension," said Dr. David Colby, president of the Rondeau Cottagers Association. "We didn't get any commitments but the minister was very gracious and receptive." Colby said members of the association briefed newly appointed minister Donna Cansfield about the history of the century-old cottage community in the park. They also outlined the economic benefit to local businesses. Colby said it is estimated that cottage families spend more than $3 million locally every season. He said if the leases were extended, there would likely be an immediate cash injection of $4 million into the economy as people would no longer be afraid to spend money on their cottages. Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Pat Hoy said the meeting was Cansfield's idea. She wanted to get acquainted with the area and learn the issues facing the local provincial park. "They presented a lot of information to the minister," Hoy said of the cottagers. "She's going to go back and do some investigative work on her own on some of the points that they made." Colby said the association hopes to have leases extended another 50 years or longer. The current lease expires in 2017. He said the issue of the lease extensions is very important to Rondeau cottagers. "That's a sacred place to us. We consider ourselves stewards of Rondeau," he said. "We love that place more than anywhere on Earth. The thought of being ejected is unthinkable." Colby said he's been cottaging in the local park since 1958 and his children are fifth generation Rondeau cottagers. He noted the association paid for an environmental assessment of the park about three years ago and it was determined that the cottagers aren't having a detrimental impact on the park. back to main