Survey: Most Juan de Fuca residents don't want new resort development
Right: Zoe Blunt presents survey results in Sooke at a public information meeting on the Juan de Fuca resort, March 3, 2011. Photo: Mark Worthing
A direct-mail survey of Juan de Fuca residents shows that the vast majority prefer environmental preservation to real estate development and resort tourism. The poll shows that only six percent of responding rural residents support new development and resort tourism in the Juan de Fuca electoral area, while 85 percent chose habitat and watershed restoration.
The Wild Coast Project sent the surveys to all 423 households that receive Canada Post ad mail in December and January. Residents of Port Renfrew, Jordan River, Otter Point, Shirley, and points in between gave their opinions about land use in the former Western Forest Products lands in the Juan de Fuca electoral area.
Among other questions, the survey asked "What would you prefer to see happen in the Juan de Fuca forestlands? Please check all that apply."
Out of 62 responses from residents, only eleven (17%) support resort tourism in Juan de Fuca. Four of these (6%) also want to see more real-estate development and subdivisions.
"Resort tourism" ranked 13th on the list of 16 options, ahead of "real estate development and subdivisions" with eight votes, and "clearcut logging" with three.
The top answer, selected by 85% of respondents, was "watershed and habitat restoration." Second in the multiple-choice poll, with 72% support, was "forest protection." Third on the list was "park creation," chosen by 68% of those who answered.
The Wild Coast Project is compiling a report to be presented to the Capital Regional District in spring.
The survey was distributed to every household in the Juan de Fuca communities via unaddressed Canada Post mail. This is not a scientific poll and should not take the place of full community consultation; however, the responses represent a random sample of residents.
Below is the question as it appeared on the survey form, and the number of responses for each option.
What would you prefer to see happen in the Juan de Fuca forestlands?
Please check all that apply
45 Watershed and habitat restoration
38 Forest protection
36 Park creation
34 Public consultation
32 Moratorium on new development
31 More community planning
30 Eco-forestry
26 Eco-tourism
25 Research forestry
22 Traditional indigenous activities
21 Community forestry
20 Education programs
12 Cultural tourism
11 Resort tourism
8 Real estate development/subdivisions
3 Clearcut logging
Please give your opinion to these key decision-makers:
Geoff Young, Board Chair
Victoria (Councillor)
250.385.5711 (City Hall phone)
250.361.0220 (City Hall office)
Send Geoff a note
Graham Hill, Vice Chair
View Royal (Mayor)
250.479.6800 (City Hall phone)
Send Graham a note
Denise Blackwell, Committee A
Langford (Councillor)
250.478.7882 (City Hall Phone)
250.478.6169 (Home Phone)
Send Denise a note
Mike Hicks, Committee A
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
250.642.1500 (CRD Office Phone)
Send Mike a note
John Ranns, Committee A
Metchosin (Mayor)
250.474.3167 (City Hall Phone)
Send John a note
Juan de Fuca Forestlands Public Opinion Survey
Thank you for contributing your opinion to an independent report to the regional district.
The Wild Coast campaign asked: What are the most important issues about land use on the former Western Forest Products lands of southern Vancouver Island? These lands were removed from the Tree Farm License and public management, but the public still has a legitimate interest in what happens there.
Thank you for helping us identify:
- Forestland values – the qualities that make these places unique and important
- Land-use grievances – any concerns about recent or pending land-use decisions
Thank you from the Wild Coast Campaign!
Students and community groups working together for a new land-use vision
