Rondeau Park, Chatham-Kent, ON

 

Client: Rondeau Cottagers Association

Award: 2012 CAHP Heritage Planning

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Rondeau Provincial Park was established in 1894 as Ontario’s first park created for public use, following Algonquin’s designation. The Rondeau Cottagers Association engaged George Robb Architect and consultants to oppose the Ministry of Natural Resources’ plan to remove leased cottages.
At its peak, the park supported 450 cottages, campgrounds, and community amenities, alongside its unique 10‑kilometer sand spit, Carolinian forest, and diverse ecosystem. A heritage study recommended halting cottage demolitions and recognizing the cultural landscape for permanent preservation. In response, the Town of Chatham‑Kent commissioned MHBC and GRA to prepare a heritage conservation district plan, formally adopted by by‑law in 2015.