The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reporting some positive momentum to resolve a longstanding land lease issue at Rondeau Provincial Park that could give cottage owners at Rondeau a permanent place to call home.
The municipality's Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said the province is open and willing to discuss selling the cottage lots to the municipality to allow them in turn to be sold to the cottagers. However, provincial representatives insist that Indigenous and public consultation must take place before any decisions are made. The possibility of selling and reselling the lots was not discussed during the last round of consultation on the leases.
Lease renewal has always been a source of anxiety for cottage owners at Rondeau because they would be forced to remove their cottages from the park, if the leases aren't extended. There are 279 private cottage lots in the park but they are on leased lands owned by the province. The leases were set to expire in December, 2019, but were extended until December, 2022.
"It is hoped that exploring a possible solution like this will resolve the long standing uncertainty that cottage owners face, while also ensuring that processes are in place for ongoing protection of the important natural heritage that Rondeau Provincial Park represents to our community," wrote Shropshire in a report going before council on Monday night.
Talks between the municipality and the Rondeau Cottagers Association have been going on for the past year to address the issue and the municipality said they have gone very well. The municipality has also informed the association that the cottage owners would be on the hook for any costs involved with the lot transfers, if they went ahead.
The province has appraised the cottage lots at $29.2 million. Each cottage lot is valued anywhere from $52,000 to $129,000, with the more expensive lots closer to the water. The municipality is now trying to determine how many cottagers are interested in buying the lots.
Administration is in the process of negotiating an agreement with the Rondeau Cottagers Association to address any direct costs of the municipality. Shropshire added the costs may include legal fees, planning consultants, and other work needed for this transaction.
"Rondeau Provincial Park is an important natural heritage feature within Chatham-Kent and a significant economic and recreational contributor to our community," writes Shropshire. "It includes beautiful beaches, camping, fishing, hiking and boating opportunities, which draw tourists to Chatham-Kent, and provides vital outdoor recreational amenities to our citizens. The cottage owners contribute to this landscape and are great ambassadors for the park, while also contributing to the local economy."
The President of the Rondeau Cottagers Association David Colby said the cottagers "heartily" endorse this plan and are happy that the municipality is addressing the issue with a plan that increases the area of provincially protected land, continues to protect the ecology of Rondeau Park, preserves heritage properties, and provides stable tax revenue and economic stimulus for the municipality.
"This plan is a win for all sectors," said Colby. "It will preserve the unique features of Rondeau as it has been for generations."
He said this plan will result in no cost to the municipality. Colby also calls the average lot values shown in the council report fair.
The Rondeau Cottagers Association represents over 90 per cent of Rondeau Park cottage owners. Colby added the 279 lots combined take up well under one per cent of the park's area.