While it doesn't mean a guaranteed lease, Rondeau Cottagers see Chatham-Kent's commitment to a heritage designation plan as a vote of confidence for their community.
But they add it's just one part of trying to secure a new agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Rondeau Cottagers Assocation VP Brian French says they hope to sit down with the minister within the next six months. "We've always been treated as outsiders by the MNR, even though our community has been there since the park was founded in 1894."
With the Liberals securing a majority provincial government in 2014, French hopes they can finally reach a resolution. "For the first time, they recognize that this was their decision to make. Up until now, it's always been like a 'hot potato' that they can push down to the next government."
Rondeau cottagers pay their property taxes directly to the MNR. Staff will develop the heritage plan and present it back to council in October.