Elk Valley Community Priorities Plan

Transcription

1 Elk Valley Community Priorities Plan February 2014

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee (the Committee) is a collaborative governance body formed to oversee the allocation of $200,000 per year provided by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) to the Elk Valley over a three year period from 2013 to These funds are intended to support regional priorities as identified through inclusive community consultation. The Committee consists of the four elected representatives from the Elk Valley (three municipal and one electoral area director), and community representatives for each of the four areas. The Committee s mission is to guide the allocation of funding for Elk Valley-wide socio-economic priorities. Community consultation was undertaken between October and December 2013 to determine Elk Valley priorities. The consultation process occurred in two stages. Stage one gathered the thoughts, ideas and priorities of Elk Valley residents regarding the allocation of the Elk Valley community directed funds. Stage two engaged residents and stakeholders in prioritizing the project ideas identified in stage one. To ensure an appropriate level of community consultation, and to maximize awareness of the project, community stakeholders were engaged through various channels, including direct invitations to key stakeholders, an online presence and website ( open houses and media releases in print, digital and radio format. Overall, about 400 Elk Valley residents participated in the process. The top 10 priorities for the Elk Valley were identified as follows: 1. Create a non-motorized valley-bottom trail connecting communities 2. Create a multi-use backcountry trail connecting communities 3. Improve opportunities for childcare and early childhood learning options 4. Develop Elk Valley-wide teen and youth programs 5. Improve Elk River access and stewardship 6. Support for Elk Valley farming and food growing initiatives 7. Host festivals, expos and events involving all three communities 8. Support development of an Elk Valley Arts Council 9. Develop an Elk Valley branding and economic development marketing strategy 10. Host Elk Valley Games and/or other large sporting events The allocation of funds to projects for the 2013 to 2015 period will be primarily through a proponent proposal submission process. The Committee will review submissions and invite presentations from those proponents whose project ideas are consistent with the priorities established by this plan. 1 P a g e

3 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 3 THE COMMITTEE 3 Vision 3 Mission 3 Values 4 Project Selection Criteria 4 THE ELK VALLEY 4 THE PLANNING PROCESS 6 Research Summary 6 Community Consultation 9 Stage One Consultation Summary 9 Stage Two Consultation Summary 12 ELK VALLEY PRIORITIES 14 FUNDING ALLOCATION PLAN 15 MONITORING AND REVIEW 16 2 P a g e

4 INTRODUCTION The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee (the Committee) is a collaborative governance body formed to oversee the allocation of $200,000 per year provided by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) to the Elk Valley over a three year period from 2013 to CBT s Community Directed Funds are intended to support communityidentified priorities as identified by a regional planning and prioritizing process. This plan documents the background research and public consultation process undertaken to identify the priorities of Elk Valley residents, and highlights the projects and initiatives that both reflect the aspirations of Elk Valley communities and fall within the scope of the Committee s mandate. The plan s findings and recommendations provide the basis for an informed, strategic approach to funding projects and initiatives that are aligned directly with community priorities and values in the Elk Valley. THE COMMITTEE This funding initiative is led by the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee, consisting of: Mayor of Fernie; Mayor of Sparwood; Mayor of Elkford; Director of RDEK Area A; and four community representatives one for each elected area. Vision Meaningful social, economic and environmental development and well-being in the Elk Valley. Mission Guide the allocation of funding for Elk Valleywide socio-economic priorities determined through inclusive community consultation. 3 P a g e

5 Values Inclusive Collaborative Transparent Regionally Focused Strategically Minded Creative Aligned with CBT's mandate Project Selection Criteria Through the process of developing the Elk Valley Community Priorities Plan (CPP), the Committee established specific criteria designed to guide funding allocation and priority projects. To be eligible for funding, projects must: demonstrably work to achieve long-term goals for the Elk Valley and align with relevant Valley-wide plans; be consistent with the vision, mission and values of the Committee; and contribute to community benefits that align with the CBT Mandate to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater selfsufficiency for present and future generations. Without limiting the Committee s ability to leverage funding from other sources, and without limiting the funding options available to the Committee, projects will not be considered for funding if they: are specifically within the mandate of Local or Provincial Government; compete with Elk Valley businesses; involve development of facilities or capital assets with benefits specific to only one Elk Valley community; and are able to access existing and adequate funding sources elsewhere. THE ELK VALLEY The Elk Valley refers to the Elk Valley subregion of the RDEK and includes: Electoral Area A consisting of Elkford Rural, Fernie Rural, Flathead, Hosmer, Sparwood Rural, Fernie Alpine Resort and West Fernie; District of Elkford; City of Fernie; and District of Sparwood. The RDEK has six electoral areas. According to the 2011 census, the RDEK has a total population of 56,655 (including municipalities) and covers a total area of 27,560km 2. 4 P a g e

6 The Elk Valley subregion covers an area of 4,653km 2 in the southeast corner of British Columbia. The area has a total population of 12,537 residents and 7,668 private dwellings. Figure 1: Elk Valley Subregion 5 P a g e

7 Table 1: Elk Valley Community Statistics 1 RDEK Area A Elkford Fernie Sparwood Elk Valley Total Population (2011) 1,899 2,523 4,448 3,667 12,537 Population (2006) 1,873 2,463 4,217 3,618 12, to 2011 population change (%) Total private dwellings 1,430 1,437 2,848 1,953 7,668 Private dwellings occupied by permanent residents 800 1,019 1, Proportion of dwellings occupied by non-residents 44% 29% 30% 19% Population density per square kilometre Land area (square km) 4, Total population 1,900 2, ,665 Male 1,000 1, ,905 Female 895 1, ,760 0 to 19 years to 39 years , to 59 years ,370 1, years and over Median age of population THE PLANNING PROCESS Development of the Elk Valley Community Priorities Plan occurred between August 2013 and January 2014 over two distinct project phases: 1. Preparation of a Research Summary 2. Two-stage Regional Community Consultation Each phase is discussed in detail below. Research Summary Considerable work has been done over the years to help understand the social and economic priorities of residents, businesses and organizations in the Elk Valley. A detailed review of existing reports, plans and other community consultation processes was conducted, revealing a broad range of priorities. The research summary specifically sought to identify: Existing social and economic priorities in the Elk Valley; and 1 Information from 2011 census. Available from Statistics Canada website Census Profile: 6 P a g e

8 Project and initiative ideas that aligned with the Committee s vision, mission and values. Twenty-six documents were reviewed for priorities and project ideas, including Official Community Plans, Regional Planning documents and processes, and other community-specific strategic planning documents: REGIONAL Columbia Basin Trust Consultation in preparation of social, economic and environmental strategic plans (2013) Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance Regional Economic Development Strategy for the East Kootenay (2010) East Kootenay Child Care Report (2009) Columbia Basin Trust - State of the Basin Report (2008) Southern Rocky Mountain Management Plan (2003) ELK VALLEY Elk Valley Regional Economic Opportunity Analysis and Growth Sector Identification (2013) Elk River Alliance Elk River Watershed Dialogue ( ongoing) FLOW (Friends Living on Water): Conversations Summary of Meetings Conducted in Fernie/Sparwood/Elkford BC (2011) Elk Valley Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Review Project (2009) The RDEK Regional Growth Strategy Brochure Elk Valley Subregional Interests (2004) Elk Valley Land Use Strategy Policy Document (1986) ELKFORD Elkford Sparwood Housing Need and Demand Assessment (2012) District of Elkford Official Community Plan (2010) District of Elkford: Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2010) FERNIE City of Fernie Resort Development Strategy (2012) Fernie s Quality of Life Index and Livability Report (2011) Forever Fernie: Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2011) Fernie Economic Development & Opportunity Identification Forum (2009) Fernie Affordable and Attainable Housing Strategy (2007) Fernie Official Community Plan (2002) SPARWOOD District of Sparwood: Climate Adaptation Scanning and Planning Workshop (2012) District of Sparwood Community Sustainability Plan (2009) 7 P a g e

9 Sparwood Official Community Plan (2002) AREA A Island Lake Official Community Plan (2009) Fernie Alpine Resort Official Community Plan (2012) Fernie Area Land Use Strategy (2006) All priorities and potential project ideas are summarized in Table 2, reflecting previously documents socio-economic priorities of Elk Valley residents. Table 2: Research Summary Results Sector Priorities Enhance tourism development Protect ecologically sensitive areas, resources and water quality Promote and diversify economic development Enhance trails, access and facilities Preserve rural lifestyle and community character Safe and efficient transport of people and goods Promote learning and education opportunities Project Ideas Festivals and events Tourism signage Interpretive centre & infrastructure Collaborative watershed planning Map groundwater aquifers Elk river water monitoring Address air quality issues - coal dust Highway wildlife overpass Economic development office(r) Enhance information technology and service Market/attract knowledge-based business and light industrial Elk Valley Business network District energy system Enhance agricultural development Value-added local production (e.g. mine services) Buy local programs Conference centre River access points Trail connections and development Collaboration of sport associations Recreation facilities Mining heritage celebration Arts and culture facilities Art / cultural events and festivals Local art displays Food security programs Landscaping along highway corridor Carpool / rideshare program Pedestrian / bike friendly highway corridor Bus/ shuttle service - Calgary / Cranbrook Early childhood development Generational knowledge transfer program Community learning/ communications centre Improve skills training 8 P a g e

10 Sector Priorities Affordable housing, compact development and minimize risks Locally available healthcare options Project Ideas New college campus Education / research institute Childcare subsidies Affordable housing for seniors / young families Vibrant street life and public spaces Floodplain mapping FireSmart development Aging in place amenities and facilities Support health services and alternatives Attract health care workers Improve health centres and clinics Community Consultation The community consultation process occurred in two stages. Stage one gathered the thoughts, ideas and priorities of Elk Valley residents regarding socioeconomic priorities and the allocation of the Elk Valley community directed funds from CBT. Stage two engaged residents and stakeholders in prioritizing the project ideas identified in stage one and refined by the Committee using the project selection criteria. Stage One Consultation Summary Stage one sought to gather the socio-economic priorities and project/initiative ideas of Elk Valley residents and stakeholders. Two questions were asked during the stage one consultation: What are your priorities for improving social and economic well-being for residents of the Elk Valley? What are your ideas for specific projects and initiatives that could bring social and economic benefits to all communities of the Elk Valley? During stage one of the consultation, over 750 ideas were gathered from 282 participants across the Elk Valley. All data was consolidated using ThoughtStream software and community priorities were uncovered. The result was identification of 15 priority themes, and 49 specific project ideas. Priority themes represent a set of common objectives and aspirations to inform and 9 P a g e

11 support socio-economic development in the Elk Valley. The Elk Valley s broad priorities for socio-economic development are summarized in Table 3. Table 3: Priority themes & project ideas for the Elk Valley ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE PROGRAMS, EVENTS AND SPACES 1. Valley-wide promotion and coordination of arts & cultural activities 2. Create Elk Valley Heritage Centre 3. Create an Elk Valley Art Centre 4. Host Valley-wide festivals, expos and events involving all three communities 5. Support for community-based arts & cultural initiatives 6. Develop a performing arts theatre in the Elk Valley TEEN & YOUTH PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES & SPACES 17. Develop teen and youth programs and facilities Valley-wide SENIORS SUPPORT SERVICES & HOUSING OPTIONS 20. Improve support services for seniors 21. Support for more diverse and affordable seniors housing options AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING AND BASIC NEEDS 7. Improve access to professional services (legal, dental, counselling, medical) for low-income persons 8. Support for affordable housing and basic needs for low income persons 9. A free and/or reduced fee dental clinic for low income residents 10. Increase employment support for individuals with special needs AVAILABILITY OF CHILDCARE & EARLY LEARNING OPTIONS 18. Improve opportunities for childcare and early childhood development across the Elk Valley HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES 22. Increase medical and hospital services, attraction and retention of doctors RECREATION FACILITIES & PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES 11. Upgrades to Wapiti Ski Hill 12. Support for new and/or improved Nordic skiing facilities 13. Host Elk Valley Games and other sporting events 14. Create Agriplex/Equestrian centre 15. Support for new and/or improved outdoor recreation facilities and playgrounds 16. Develop motorized dirt bike & quad track ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 19. Increase options for continuing education & trades training FOOD SECURITY & LOCAL AGRICULTURE 23. Support for farming and local foodgrowing initiatives in the Elk Valley 10 P a g e

12 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 24. Development of Elk Valley tourism opportunities 25. Experience the Elk Valley: a coordinated approach to supporting visitor experiences ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, STEWARDSHIP & ELK RIVER MANAGEMENT 32. Support for conservation education and stewardship activities 33. Conservation and protection of ecologically important areas 34. Improve Elk River access and stewardship 35. Highway overpass(s) for wildlife 36. Create Elk Valley recycling centre and enhance recycling options 37. Provide incentives & rebates for energy efficiency 38. Develop Elk Valley flood mitigation strategy 39. Support for Bear Aware efforts TRANSPORTATION SERVCIES & INFRASTRUCTURE 26. Improve bus service within and between Elk Valley communities 27. Implement Elk Valley- Calgary transportation service 28. Safer sidewalks and bike lanes within communities SAFE, VIBRANT AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES 40. Valley-wide commemorative donations program 41. Initiatives to create more positive community relations 42. Invest in capacity development for community non-profit organizations 43. Support for new and/or improved community centres 44. Support for downtown revitalization projects 45. Better collections and technology for public library(s) 46. Improve accessibility of community buildings and facilities TRAILS & TRAIL NETWORKS 29. Support development of local trail networks 30. Support for new and/or improved indoor recreation facilities 31. Create non-motorized and motorized trail(s) to connect Elk Valley communities ELK VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING 47. Create a Valley-wide Economic Development Society 48. Support for local initiatives to attract and retain businesses 49. Elk Valley branding and marketing initiative to attract new businesses, tourists & residents 11 P a g e

13 Stage Two Consultation Summary Stage two consultations occurred between November 25 th and December 8 th and had the goal of prioritizing the project ideas generated during stage one. To facilitate this process, and ensure the stage two consultations would lead to meaningful results, the Committee narrowed down the 49 project ideas to the ten most appropriate project ideas. Project ideas which did not fit with the project selection criteria were not considered in stage two. The result was ten specific project ideas that were taken forward to stage two. Participants voted on these ten ideas: Develop Elk Valley branding & economic development marketing strategy Create a nonmotorized valley bottom trail connecting communities Create a multi-use back-country trail connecting communities Host Elk Valley Games and/or other large sporting events Improve opportunities for childcare and early childhood learning options Improve Elk River access and stewardship Develop Elk Valleywide teen and youth programs Support for Elk Valley farming and food growing initiatives Host festivals, expos and events involving all three communities Support development of an Elk Valley Arts Council 12 P a g e

14 To ensure an appropriate level of community consultation, and to maximize awareness of the project, community stakeholders were engaged through various media channels. Table 4 summarizes the project communication and engagement tactics utilized in both stage one and two of the consultation process. Table 4: Communication and Engagement Tactics Tactics Stage One Stage Two Key stakeholder invitations via and/or telephone. (Included Government, First Nations and key sectors and industries: tourism, business and chambers of commerce, industry/natural resources/manufacturing, community and public services, arts, heritage, recreation and sports, and environment) Presentation and discussion at Committee of the Whole meeting in each community Open Houses (Two in each community; 6 total) Consultation information cards distributed at businesses and important community gathering spots in each community THINK ELK VALLEY Website THINK ELK VALLEY Facebook Page Media Releases circulated to Elk Valley print and radio media (3) Consultation tear-out sheets in Free Press Advertisement in Free Press print edition Advertisement in Free Press digital edition The Drive radio advertisement Shaw Cable news crawl Advertisement in e-know digital edition CBC Daybreak community notes Advertisement on Fernie Channel Fernie.com event listing Ourfernie.com event listing Free Press event listing Kootenay Advertiser event listing e-know event listing The Drive news interview CBC Daybreak news interview Meeting with high school youth in Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie Community leaderboards (Sparwood & Elkford) 13 P a g e

15 The stage two survey received 457 responses. Respondents were from the following areas: Fernie: 218 Elkford: 104 Sparwood: 61 Area A: 27 Outside Elk Valley: 59 The following sectors were represented in the responses: Interested resident: 167 Recreation & sport: 87 Arts, culture & heritage: 39 Health & education: 30 Business: 29 Public and Community Services: 29 ELK VALLEY PRIORITIES Priorities for the Elk Valley were determined through the stage two consultation which asked participants to vote on their top project ideas. Participants were required to assign stars to the project ideas they most supported. Participants had ten stars and were able to allocate a maximum of three stars to any one of the ten projects. Results of this process can be interpreted in several ways: 1. Overall rating - total number of stars assigned to that group of thoughts 2. Participant count - the number of people that assigned stars to that group of thoughts 3. Average rating - the average number of stars that was given to that group of thoughts - the overall rating divided by the participant count. Below are the top project ideas according to each weighting criteria: Project Idea Create a non-motorized valley-bottom trail connecting communities Create a multi-use backcountry trail connecting communities Improve opportunities for childcare and early childhood learning options Develop Elk Valley-wide teen and youth programs Improve Elk River access and stewardship Overall Rating Participant Count Average Rating P a g e

16 Project Idea Support for Elk Valley farming and food growing initiatives Host festivals, expos and events involving all three communities Support development of an Elk Valley Arts Council Develop an Elk Valley branding and economic development marketing strategy Host Elk Valley Games and/or other large sporting events Overall Rating Participant Count Average Rating The following thought cloud summarizes Elk Valley priorities: FUNDING ALLOCATION PLAN The allocation of funds to projects for the 2013 to 2015 period will be primarily through proponent submissions of Project Information Forms. The forms will outline how the proposed project idea meets one or more of the ten project priorities for the Elk Valley detailed in this plan as well as the Vision, Mission, Values and Project Selection Criteria of the Committee. The Committee will review the submissions and then invite presentations from those proponents whose projects the Committee is interested in learning more about. The Committee may allocated funds to one or more projects and may establish different funding envelopes or additional project funding criteria so long as all projects that are funded are consistent with the priorities established by this plan. 15 P a g e

17 MONITORING AND REVIEW The Elk Valley Community Priorities Plan should be reviewed and updated annually. The following monitoring and review plan is recommended: Annually, the effectiveness of funding allocation should be reviewed to ensure funded project(s) continue to be consistent with the vision, mission, values and project selection criteria of the Committee; Every three years, the Committee shall review its vision, mission, values and project selection criteria; and Every three years, community consultation should be undertaken to ensure identified priorities are still relevant. ELK VALLEY COMMUNITY PRIORITIES PLAN Prepared by: Zumundo Community & Environmental Planning February P a g e