Many thanks to all of you that participated in the West Carling Association’s online survey. We received an impressive 108 responses from our membership between May and October 2022. The survey was created to determine what our members value the most about the West Carling Association and their views on what issues and activities we should focus on.
OUR DEMOGRAPHIC
What do we know about those who filled out our survey?
Age of the Respondents:
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Length of membership in the WCA or the North Sound Association:
YOUR PROPERTY
When do you use your property?
Where is your property located?
We divided the map into four arbitrary zones for the purpose of general location. There was equitable representation from all areas of the WCA catchment.
ACCESSING YOUR PROPERTY
How do you access your property?
For water access properties where do park your boat and car?
If you park at a municipal lot, is there adequate space for your car?
If your property is water access, is there adequate space to dock you boat?
Comments
“There’s no handicap parking for those of us with mobility issues – required under Ontario rules.”
“Boat docking is becoming harder to access, and far more costly. We are fortunate to have a spot at a marina, but every year we worry about the permanence of our arrangement.”
“On busy weekends there is not enough car parking at the marina or at the municipal lot.”
“Parking is so crowded you cannot leave your spot on weekends without fear you won’t be able to find another one. Likewise, it is often impossible to find space at government docks in part because of use by work boats and some boats tying up where it is illegal.”
“Government dock at Dillon does not let us leave a boat there long enough to go to town or to any appointments.”
“Gilly’s has more boats wanting to park than available and same for Carling parking lot on many days.”
“There are a lot of non-residents using the parking.”
“Municipal facilities are full.”
“A long-term plan is required to ensure that islanders will have continuing access to the mainland.”
COMMUNICATION
West Carling Newsletter – how often do you read it?
GBA Newsletter – how often do you read it?
How often do you go to the WCA website or Facebook page?
Comments
“It would be helpful if the website differentiated between membership renewal and becoming a member. It should be a simpler process to renew my membership.”
“Promote more – didn’t know we had a Facebook page.”
Which of the following topics would you like to receive more information about from either GBA or WCA?
Comments
“Please indicate the map locations of defibrillators.”
“Information on Township hearings and zoning, docking etc. changes prior to enactment.”
“More sharing, short, more regular posting via other lake associations activities.”
What should WCA focus on?
Comments
“Need to work together with more associations.”
“It is important that any association work with Council.”
“By-law and zoning enforcement.”
“Development in the area.”
“I would like the WCA to act more like a ratepayer’s group, while at the same time having an environmental and social component.”
“There is a property near me (Morlock Island) where construction has proceeded without a permit and what has been built is not compliant with local by-laws. I would like to see the WCA play a more active role in leading opposition to such a flagrant violation of local by-laws. If the building is allowed to stand it will set a very bad precedent for the township.”
“Stricter rules with regards to cruisers dumping gray water in channels.”
“10-year inspection on septic tanks/holding tanks which will include gray water disposal on islands and monitoring outdoor showers to ensure no leaching into the Bay.”
“Please no short-term rentals. Air B and Bs would be a sure-fire way to accelerate the destruction of what we have and are trying to preserve, in terms of the environment, noise, shoreline erosion, etc.”
“Floating Transient Cottages, PWC /boat speeds and operation.”
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Social activities ranked lower but in follow up questions, responses for 53 participants showed that there is interest in some social activities.
If you indicated social activities are important to you, what would you like to participate in? (53 respondents)
With respect to Carling Township how important are the following activities?
Of the following topics, how important is it that WCA be involved?
GEORGIAN BAY ASSOCIATION
What did we learn about overall satisfaction with the WCA and the Georgian Bay Association (GBA)?
There was an option to add additional comments at the end of the survey. We heard the following:
A small number of respondents commented that they were unclear about the activities of WCA and GBA.
“Unsure what GBA is doing for WCA for $50.”
“I don’t feel that our contribution to GBA is good value at this point. We do appreciate their newsletter.”
“There is not sufficient transparency as to what GBA is doing for its membership fee.”
“I would be willing to pay $100.00 yearly with it divided equally between WCA and GBA. I am an Associate Member.”
We received accolades and expressions of gratitude.
“Thank you for your advocacy!”
“I am always pleased to receive the newsletters and other info. Well done.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to complete the survey, Well Done!”
“Thank you for volunteer leadership”!
“Thank you to all the members on WCA for their time and commitment to the Association over the years. We appreciate all you do.”
“Appreciate your work. Love learning and seeing issues presented.
We heard about other concerns.
“No sea planes in congested areas (Snug Harbour)”
“Noise from boats and PWCs
“Boating etiquette”
Our respondents shared some ideas to consider.
“Suggest partnering with Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron to advocate for safe boating and navigation skills.”
“Would like to see the public docks at the Pancakes and Huckleberry Islands rebuilt. These are wonderful destinations and the docks have been broken for a few years now.”
“I would like to see “walking trails” on Franklin Island! Perhaps this could be an association project? I would volunteer!”
“Appreciation presentation for the people who are there always for us, i.e., reuse centre, volunteer firefighters, etc.”
“Would appreciate access to a webcam of various parts of West Carling to monitor conditions like they have in Deep Bay.”
What is the WCA doing with the information that we learned from the survey?
The WCA Board has developed an action plan for 2023/2024 that focuses on the priorities identified from the survey including:
If you have any comments or questions about the survey results, please contact us at: info@westcarling.com