CULTUS LAKE PARK BOARDSURVEY SUMMARY REPORT

Cultus Lake Park Board is developing an Official Community and Park Plan, which will set goals and policies for how Cultus Lake Park lands are used and developed in the future. This survey was developed as part of the public consultation process and following the questionnaire distributed at the Cultus Days event, represented the second survey distributed to the public.

On September 30th, Staff from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and the Cultus Lake Park Board (CLPB) released a survey to the public. The survey was released initially through the plancultus.com website in advance of the first public Open House, held October 19th at the Cultus Lake Community Hall.

In comparison with the initial questionnaire, the second survey was created with the intention of collecting more detailed information from both residents and visitors on a much wider range of topics.

The following report provides a summary of the 174 survey responses received to date (91 online, 83 paper).

In this summary, the results from each question have been totalled, summarized and described. Each summary includes the question itself, the number of responses and a sample of the comments received (given that option was provided). Throughout the report, graphs such as the one below will display the the number of responses received, also expressed as a percentage. For a verbatim transcription of the comments recevied for open ended questions, please refer to Appendix “A”. For the annotated maps from Question 8, please refer to Appendix “B”.

Survey Background

Option A

Option B

66% (12)

33% (6)

Sample Chart

Number of ResponsesPercentage of Responses

Question One: 65 ResponsesQuestion One provided the option for respondants to include their name and contact information. This information is confidential.

Question Two: 178 Responses

Are you a (select all that apply)

• Residential lease holder

• Commercial lease holder

• Renter

• Visitor

• Other:

Below is a sample of theresponses we received for “Other”:

• Live nearby

• Sailing Club member

• Joyce Drive

• Chilliwack

• Cultus Lake Citizens On Patrol volunteer

• Sleepy Hollow Rd

• Camper

• Home owner

• Lifetime member of the Cultus Lake Golf Club

• CLPB Staff

• Seasonal camper at Sunnyside

Residential lease holder

Commercial lease holder

Renter

Visitor

Other

Questions One and Two

1

20% (36)

20% (36) 54% (95)

4% (7)

2% (4)

That the vast majority of respondents were leaseholders may be a reflection of their invest-ment in the community and their commitment to the planning process. At the same time, the small number of renters may indicate an indiffer-ence to the planning process. It may also reflect the success of survey delivery methods in reach-ing residents and the challenge of reaching a dispursed and diverse non-resident population.

Respondents that did not identify with any of the provided options can be separated into two groups: nearby residents and frequent visitors. The nearby residents were primarily from Joyce Drive, Sleepy Hollow Road, Riverstone Heights or Yarrow/Chilliwack. The other group can be de-scribed as a combination of frequent visitors and user groups with links to the area such as Sun-nyside Campground or members of the Cultus Lake’s different boating clubs.

Question Three: 94 Responses

If your primary residence is in Cultus Lake Park, do you live here

• Full time

• Part time or seasonally, for months a year

Below is a sample of the range of responseswe received for Seasonal residency:

• 1 month

• 2-3 months

• 3 months

• 5 months

• 6 months

• 10 months

Question Four: 62 Responses

If your primary residence is in Cultus Lake Park,

how long have you lived here?

Below is a sample of the responseswe received:

• 2 years

• 5 years

• 6 years

• 8 years

• 10 years

• 12 years

• 13 years

Full-time Part-time

Question Three and Four

2

37% (35)

63% (59)

There is strong support for senior orientated housing, amenities and other age appropriate infrastructure at Cultus Lake throughout the survey results.

1-5 Years

5-10 Years

10+ Years

63% (39)

17% (11)

19% (12)

Question Five: 21 Responses

If you are a residential leaseholder, do you (select all that apply)

• Rent a secondary suite within your home

• Rent or sublet your home for all or part of the year (i.e. long term rental)

• Rent your home on a nightly or weekly basis (i.e. short term vacation rental)

• Operate a home-based business within your home (i.e. Bed & Breakfast, office)

Rent a secondary suite

Rent your entire home

Rent on a nightly, weeklybasis

Operate a home-basedbusiness

Question Five

3

57% (12)

19% (4)

14% (3)

10% (2)

Only 18% of leaseholder respondents answered this question, giving it the lowest response rate in the survey results. It may have been that respondants were hesitant to answer any questions about secondary suites, which are currently not a permitted use in the Cultus Lake Park area. Interestingly, when secondary suites were discussed as a possible potential use, they were widely supported as long as potential impacts like parking and noise were addressed. Throughout the survey, respondants identified secondary suites as an effective means to provide additional housing options with minimal developmental impact.

Question Six: 176 Responses

What are your vision and top priorities for the future of Cultus Lake Park?

Which of the below options best describes your vision for the future of Cultus Lake Park?

• OptionA: A seasonal community, same as it is now, with minor infill development, limited housing op-tions, minimal infrastructure upgrades and significant preservation of natural space

• OptionB: A slightly expanded community, with some new development, more housing options, moder-ate infrastructure upgrades and preservation of natural space

• OptionC:A year-round, dense and diverse community, with significant development, an affordable range of housing options, major infrastructure upgrades and less preservation of natural space

• OptionD:A retirement community, with development focused on providing seniors housing, access and service for seniors

• OptionE:A year-round, resort based community focused on tourism and economic development

• Other

Question Six

4

Option A

Option B

Option C

Option D

Option E

Other

35% (41)

8% (9)9% (11)

4% (5)

7% (8)

37% (44)28% (16)

41% (24)

5% (3)16% (9)

5% (3)

5% (3)

Residents Non-Residents

Question Six ContinuedBelow is a sample of the responses we received for “Other”:

• The first choice with moderate infrastructure upgrades.• A central village with diverse residential options: apartments, townhouses etc.• A development with commercial space on main level and condominiums on top.

• A year round community focused on eco-tourism as a source of the basis for economic development. Will allow only minimal infrastructure upgrade that will not encroach in the natural environment, no land development for new housing and/or commercial ventures, strong environmental regulation for preservation of the natural environment, and strict enforcement of such regulations.

Question six was significant in that it presented respondents their first opportunity to decide between dif-ferent development alternatives. 71% of respondents preferred either Option A or B. Significantly, both of these choices belong to the more moderate spectrum of development options. Respondents emphasized that infill development was the preferred form of residential development. There was a strong desire to explore the redevelopment of underutilized or vacant land before developing green field sites. Respon-dents frequently cited the Village Centre as a prime opportunity for redevelopment. Respondents indi-cated that a redeveloped mixed-use Village Centre could potentially address a number of different issues: providing a wider range of affordable housing options, creating a more robust, diverse commercial centre and protecting the foreshore from the impacts of development.

Among respondents top concerns were the impacts development could have on the environment, in-creased traffic and the availability of parking. Comments in favour of development frequently included conditions ensuring the preservation of natural space. The conflict between development, maintaining the community’s character and environmental protection frequently overshadowed the issues surround-ing potential infrastructure upgrades.

5

Pick your top 5 most important goals for Cultus Lake Park from the following list of 16 items:

Economy

• OptionA:Attract year-round resort and commercial activities, support tourism

• OptionB:Establish financial sustainability for the Cultus Lake Park Board

• OptionC:Support economic sustainability and business development

Environment

• OptionA:Beautification of Cultus Lake Park (landscaping, built environment)

• OptionB:Protect and enhance the lake and surrounding natural environment

• OptionC:Manage the trees and forest through

regulation and protection

Infrastructure

• OptionA:Enhance transit, walking and cycling options and connections

• OptionB:Improve and expand recreation facilities and public spaces

• OptionC:Improve roads, parking, and access to Cultus Lake, and reduce traffic congestion

• OptionD:Upgrade sewer and water infrastructure

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Option A Option B Option C Option D

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Option A Option B Option C

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Option A Option B Option C

Question Seven

6

46%

28% 26%

30%

50%

20%

31%

22% 19%

28% 28%

31%

Land Use

• OptionA:Develop a variety of housing options (examples: multi-family/seniors housing)

• OptionB:Develop a village centre (high density mixed residential or commercial development)

• OptionC:Provide affordable housing options

Population

• OptionA:Attract people of all ages to settle in Cultus Lake Park

• OptionB:Improve accessibilty (for seniors and physically challenged)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Option A Option B

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Option A Option B Option C

Question Seven Continued

7

71%

29%

33%

54%

13%

Question Seven presented options from five separate areas of focus and asked respondents to prioritize those most important to them. Of those five categories, options from the Environment and Infrastructure received the most responses by a large margin, followed by the Economy. 70% of respondents selected option B from the Environmental section, a level of support which is consistent throughout the survey results.

Question Seven supports many of the themes that appeared consistently throughout the survey results. Respondents support necessary infrastructure upgrades, although they would prefer that different levels of Government share of costs, rather than funding them through development. Respondents emphasized that the preservation of green space is fundamental to the character of the lake and the health of the community as a whole.

Question Seven Continued

41.4% (72)

39.7% (69)

38.5% (67)

30.5% (53)

29.9% (52)

28.7% (50)

27.6% (48)

27.6% (48)

27% (47)

25.3% (44)

18.4% (32)

11.5% (20)

6.9% (12)

47.7% (83)

67.8% (118)Protect and enhance the lake...

Establish financial sustainability...

Upgrade sewer and water infrastructure

Manage the trees and forests...

Enhance transit, walk-ing and cycling opts...

Improve roads, park-ing and access...

Develop a Village centre...

Attract year-round tourism...

Beautification ofCultus Lake Park...

Attract people of all ages...

Support economic development...

Improve and expand rec. facilities...

Develop a variety of housing options...

Improve access for seniors...

“Other”

Provide affordable housing options...

The graph below displays the full range of options from Question Seven, organized according to how fre-quently they were selected by respondents. Options from the Environment and Infrastructure were the most frequently selected, a focus which is consistent throughout the survey results.

30 60 90 120

21.3% (37)

A. Amusement Uses and family fun activities

Respondents were mildly supportive of additional amusement type development. However, respondents clearly indicated that they wanted that development to be located away from Main Beach, either adjacent to the existing waterpark site or somewhere near the roundabout.

B. Campground

Respondents indicated that the current supply of camping within CLP is perceived to be sufficient and that no additional campgrounds are necessary. Respondents noted Sunnyside Campground and the multiple Provincial campgrounds along Columbia Valley Highway.

C. Commercial Uses

Most respondents agreed that commercial uses should be focused around the existing site near the round-about. There was significant support for a redeveloped Village centre with a mix of residential and com-mercial uses. Several respondents acknowledged that a larger residential base would be required for future commercial development to be economically viable.

D. Condominiums

Among respondents supportive of condominium development, most specified that future condominium development should be located either at a redeveloped Village centre or around the Golf Course and not near Main Beach. Many respondents suggested that a redevelopment of the village centre with ground level retail could incorporate condominiums above.

E. Hotel/Convention Centre

Respondents were not generally supportive of a potential Hotel/Convention centre. Among respondents who favoured development, most preferred a location between Sunnyside Campground and the Beach Buoys facility, or adjacent to the waterpark. Respondents expressed concern about additional traffic and that the scale of a hotel/convention centre is beyond both the capacity and character of the Lake.

F. Marina

While several respondents expressed concern about potential environmental impacts, there was a signifi-cant number of supportive responses. Respondents indicated a preference for a new marina to be located at the old site or adjacent to Beach Buoys. Many respondents felt that the absence of a safe, controlled fueling station was negatively impacting water quality in the lake. A secondary suggestion was that if the marina were located on the east side of the lake away from Main Beach, that boat traffic would be reduced in those areas most popular for swimming and other non-motorized water recreation activities.

Question Eight

8

Question Eight provided respondents with thirteen different potential land uses and asked them to choose those which they identified as most suitable for future development. These land uses included a range of options for both residential and commercial development. Respondents were provided with base maps and could indicate where development would be most appro-priate. These annotated maps have been included as Appendix “B”.

G. No New Development

A significant number of respondents were opposed to any and all development within the CLP area. Re-spondents indicated that Cultus Lake has already accommodated as much development as it’s capable of. Respondents indicated concern that any more development would endanger the long term health of the lake. Respondents emphasized that if development must occur, the preservation of the environment should be a high priority guiding principle.

H. Outdoor Recreational Uses

Citing the success of the lakeside trail, respondents expressed a strong desire for additional walking, hiking and biking trails throughout CLP. Respondents expressed a similar desire for non-motorized boat infrastruc-ture either near Main Beach or adjacent to the Beach Buoys facility. Respondents indicated concern about the number of boats on the lake, the sizes of their engines and the speed at which they travel posing a danger to other users, especially non-motorized marine recreationalists.

I. RV/Mobile Home Park

Of all the options, additional RV/Mobile Home development received the least amount of support. Re-spondents indicated that existing RV/Mobile Home facilities are perceived to be sufficient and that any ad-ditional development would be unneccesary.

J. Secondary Suites

Generally, most respondents were supportive of secondary suites. However, responses indicated a number of concerns: parking availabilty, the additional strain on infrastructure, additional traffic, noise issues and potential changes in the lease rate structure.

K. Single Family Homes/Duplexes

While most respondents supported additional single family development, they were less supportive of du-plexes. Among those respondents supportive of additional residential development, most specified their preferred locations as: around the golf course, an extension of Park Drive and Mountain View Road or on the west side of the lake by extending Munroe Avenue or Lakeshore Drive. Respondents indicated the same concerns described above under Secondary Suites.

L. Townhouses

Responses were generally supportive of townhouse development. Among those who favoured townhous-es, most indicated that development should be located away from the waterfront. The annotated maps in-dicated that respondents mostly preferred three sites: the rental cabin site opposite the CLPB office, along Columbia Highway or around the perimeter of the Golf Course. Again, respondents identified the same issues regarding residential development as described above: infrastructure, traffic, parking and potential environmental impacts.

Question Eight Continued

9

Question Eight Continued

29.3% (51)

24.7% (43)

23% (40)

21.8% (38)

21.2% (37)

20.1% (35)

19% (33)

16.1% (28)

14.9% (26)

10.3% (18)

5.1% (9)

20.1% (35)

33.9% (59)Marina

Single Family/Duplexes

Land BasedRecreation

No NewDevelopment

Amusement/FamilyFun Activities

Hotel/ConventionCentre

Commercial Uses

Townhouses

Condominiums

Campground

Secondary Suites

RV/Mobile HomePark

Water BasedRecreation

The graph below displays the full range of options from Question Eight, organized according to how fre-quently they were selected by respondents. The results indicate a preference for more moderate develop-ment and the prioritization of the environment. Interestingly, secondary suites again received little support from respondents.

15 30 45 60

Yes, if existing…

Yes, only if…

No

Other

Question Nine: 168 ResponsesRecent years of permiting larger residences and more intensive residential uses has increased demand on the current sewage disposal and water systems. Would you support major upgrades to this community in-frastructure to facilitate growth?

• Yes, if existing and new development in Cultus Lake Park primarily pays for it

• Yes, only if other levels of government and the new development pays most of the costs

• No, regardless of who pays

• Other

Below is a sample of the responseswe received for “Other”:

• The leases should also reflect the location of residence as well as secondary suites.• Raise lease rates on extra suites.• Like every other B.C. community we need access to Provincial and Federal funding.• Yes I would support it, but don’t want to have to see new development to have to pay for it.• Yes, especially if costs were shared between day users (parking fees), residents, businesses, AND government.• I disagree with new development but sewage disposal and water systems have to be upgraded as nec-

essary.

Question Nine

10

38% (64)

32% (54)

18% (30)

12% (20)

While most respondents acknowledge that infrastructure upgrades are necessary, there is no consensus on how these upgrades should be paid for. There is moderate support for a re-structuring of lease rates that reflects a lots proximity to the lake or the presence of secondary suites. The majority of respondents indicated that the costs should be shared between different levels of government, without any additional contribution by residents beyond their yearly lease rates. Another smaller group wants the necessary infrastructure upgrades without any accompanying development or increases to the lease rates. Many re-spondents indicated that infrastructure costs should be shared by every user group, including day visitors.

Question Ten: 171 ResponsesNew sources of revenue will be required to fund improvements to water, sewer and transportation infra-structure to serve Cultus Lake Park in the future. How do you think infrastructure improvements should be paid for?

• Mostly with revenues from land development

• Mostly with increased annual lease rates

• With a combination of revenues from land development and increased lease rates

• Other

Below is a sample of the responseswe received for “Other”:

• User fees for visitors to the park!• Restructure the cost of the leases, people who have suites and or are lakeside should pay more.

• With a more frugal use of the funds we currently have, ie: no more $100,000 rubber pathways.

• We don’t receive much from Provincial Government that we pay taxes to - they should contribute.

• Yes I would support it, but don’t want to have to see new development to have to pay for it.

• Improvements cost money, maintaining them costs money – all must contribute!

• Control administration costs.

Revenues from landdevelopment

Increased annual leaserates

Combination of A and B

Other

Question Ten

11

43% (73)

21% (36)29% (50)

7% (12)

There is no consensus on how infrastructure upgrades should be paid for. The majority of respondents indicated that different levels of government should share the costs. A significant number of respondents indicated that the City of Chilliwack should be the primary contributor towards the costs associated with infrastructure upgrades, followed by the Provincial Government. A similarly large number of respondents indicated interest for the CLP being amalgamated either by the City of Chilliwack or the FVRD, or for the CLPB to take those steps necessary to achieve “Village Status”. A small number of respondents expressed concern about the finances of the CLPB and what they perceive as excessive expenses. Respondents expressed concern that the financial management of the CLPB could be negatively affecting the capital re-serves necessary for infrastructure upgrades. A similarly small number of respondents indicated that they do not support development in any form, including infrastructure upgrades.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Yes No

Question Eleven

12

Question Eleven: 163 Responses TotalUses such as commercial businesses, health services, and transit require a large population base to be ad-equately supported. Would you be willing to accept new development to attract a wider variety or uses to Cultus Lake Park?

• Yes

• No

43%

57%

There is conflict throughout the survey between supporting development and protecting the lake and green space. Many respondents feel they are contradictory positions. Question Eleven illustrates a caution towards development but at the same time support for additional amenities. While most respondents support additional commercial businesses, health services and transit, they’re hesitant to openly support development.

Question TwelveQuestion 12 provided respondents an opportunity to discuss Cultus in their own words. Below is a sum-mary of each component to the question. A verbatim transcription of the comments received can be found in Appendix “A”.

Part A: 120 Responses

What changes have been good for Cultus Lake Park?

Despite some concerns about the impacts of growth - the number of additional visitors, parking demand and increased traffic - most respondents agreed that development has had a postive effect on the com-munity. Respondents were very supportive of how parking has been managed recently, especially during the busy summer season. Respondents were very supportive of new recreation areas, specifically the trail along Main Beach and the connections throughout the Conservation Area. Respondents appreciated the appearance of the park and were very supportive of Park Staff and their beautification efforts. Re-spondents emphasized that Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P) and other public safety initiatives have been very successful at mitigating concerns associated with the busy summer period. Lastly, respondents were very supportive of recent traffic calming measures, such as the roundabout. Respondents indicated support for additional traffic calming.

Part B: 115 Responses

What changes have not been good for Cultus Lake Park?

A significant number of respondents expressed concern about the governance structure at Cultus Lake. Responses indicated that the Park Act needs to be updated, if not replaced. Many respondents expressed concern about the internal dynamics of the CLPB and how that environment may be impacting their ability to manage. The concerns about the CLPB were illustrated by reference to a number of secondary issues: development bylaw enforcement, the frequency of variances and the boards inability to communi-cate with the public in a clear and respectful manner.

Beyond governance, respondents cited the same issues previously discussed with regards to additional residential development or the busy summer season: infrastructure, traffic, parking and noise problems. Again, respondents expressed concern about the size and speed of motor boats on the lake. A number of respondents were disappointed with the waterpark expansion, and what they perceived to be another challenge to the character of the lake.

13

Question Twelve ContinuedPart C: 89 Responses

What has stayed the same and it has been good for Cultus Lake Park?

Respondents overwhelming identified green space, the sense of community and the lake as Cultus Lake’s most important assets. Responses emphasized that because of relatively moderate development, Cultus Lake has been able to maintain its character, both as a community and natural environment. Respondents expressed a standing concern with the enforcement of development bylaws at Cultus Lake. Many respon-dents indicated that the frequency of building variances has contributed to the trend of increasingly larger home sizes at Cultus Lake. Respondents expressed concern that this trend is having an impact on both the character of the community and infrastructure capacity.

Despite these concerns, respondents were generally happy with the lake, trails, Sunnyside Campground and the provision of services in the Park.

Part D: 101 Responses

What has stayed the same and has not been good for Cultus Lake Park?

A significant number of respondents expressed concern about the Park Act and the CLPB. Among those who expressed concern about the Park Act, most noted its age and the need for an update either by the City of Chilliwack or the Province. A significant number of respondents expressed concern about the internal politics of the Board and the perceived impact it has on both the management of the CLP and the community. The longstanding issue of traffic in the summer season was an area of concern for respon-dents. A significant number of respondents indicated that a secondary access route needs to be explored before any development occurs. Respondents expressed concern about the impact development has had, and will continue to have on the general health of the lake and surrounding environment. Several respon-dents suggested that the combined lack of a marina and a wastewater management system has led to continued degradation of water quality.

14

Question Thirteen: 147 Responses

What is one single thing that could be done that would benefit Cultus Lake Park the most?

A significant number of responses focused on either the CLPB or the Park Act. Among those who ex-pressed concern about the CLPB, most focused on accountability. Firstly, respondents were concerned about the relationship between the board and the residents. With regards to the OCP process, respon-dents indicated a degree of skepticism that community input would be meaninfully incorporated. Sec-ondly, respondents expressed considerable concern about the election process in which Chilliwack has significantly more input on the Board than Park residents. Concerns about the CLPB extended to financial management, infighting, “hidden agendas” and behavior towards the public. Many respondents ex-pressed the need for change in the current governance structure.

Most responses were supportive of moderate growth, especially if development contributed financially to the infrastructure upgrades that many acknowledge as necessary. Responses emphasized that change should be mindful of the community’s character and its connection to the environment. Among those who supported development, a redeveloped village centre received considerable support. Like earlier in the survey results, respondents indicated that a redeveloped village centre could serve a number of differ-ent community objectives: providing a wider range of housing and commercial options, supporting infra-structure upgrades and helping to provide more amenities for both residents and visitors.

Questions Thirteen

15

Question FourteenQuestion Fourteen: 84 Responses

Please let us know of any other comments or ideas you have that could contribute to the Cultus Lake Official Community and Parks Plan.

Respondents emphasized that the protection and enhancement of the environment at Cultus Lake be one of the priorities guiding the planning process. Most other concerns were secondary to water quality and the protection of green space. For example, support for development frequently hinged on the impact potential development could have on the lake and if these impacts could be mitigated through careful planning.

A common theme for respondents supportive of development was the redevelopment of the Village Cen-tre. Respondents indicated that redevelopment of the commercial strip mall would provide a wider range of housing and commercial options while focusing development away from the waterfront. Throughout the survey results, respondents referred to this type of development as “Whistler Style”.

Respondents expressed concern about the Cultus Lake Park Act’s ability to successfully manage growth eight decades after its introduction. Respondents were equally concerned about the Park Board election process and the proportion of representation Park residents have under the current governance structure.

In addition to the Park Act, many respondents identified the Parks Board as a source of concern. The con-cerns expressed here by respondents were consistent to those identified previously in the survey.

While considerable concern was expressed about motor boats and the speeds at which they travel, there was also considerable support for a new marina. Many respondents indicated that a marina capable of distributing fuel would become the focus of boat activity on the lake, potentially alleviating some of the issues associated with motorized boats on the lake: their massing near Main Beach, the impact their waves have on the shoreline or potential conflicts with non-motorized recreationalists.