Community Survey 2024

C2Ci organized a Community River Day (100+ attendees) and an online survey (264 respondents) to assess public opinion and usage patterns for the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers in Golden, BC.

Initial conversations with First Nations about the C2Ci revealed that their histories in the area need to be acknowledged and their voices made more present throughout the project. The Creation Story(s) and any other pertinent stories or perspectives of local First Nations shall be incorporated into the project as we move forward.

Three predominant themes emerged from both engagement activities

Theme 1: Accessibility

Accessibility was the most prominent theme across nearly all engagement questions. Although responses varied in terms of specific recreational activities requiring improved accessibility, the overall consensus was clear. Respondents expressed a strong need for better access to Golden’s rivers and riverfront spaces.

Theme 2: Recreational Opportunity

Recreation was the second most common theme in the engagement responses, often linked with accessibility. Respondents highlighted a desire for improved access to recreational activities on both the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers. For the Columbia River, activities such as walking, dog walking, swimming, and paddle boarding were emphasized. For the Kicking Horse River, the focus was on paddling and the development of a whitewater park or surf wave.

Theme 3: Nature & Ecology

Nature & Ecology was the third most popular topic. When asked to describe the best aspects of Golden’s river systems, respondents frequently highlighted the natural feeling and wild aesthetic of the rivers, along with the biodiversity and wildlife present. Conservation and protection of biodiversity were more prominent themes for the Columbia River but also ranked among the top three themes for the Kicking Horse River.

 

The full report is available here. C2CI_What_We_Heard_Report

 

Next Steps

Thank you to all community members who took the time to share their perspectives with the C2Ci project team about the future of Golden’s rivers. Your perspectives are invaluable to shaping our community and our town’s relationship with our river systems. Based on the feedback received during the community engagement phase, the next step for the project involves collaborating on a community-generated plan for the river corridor, coordinating a vision for the area, and developing a sustainable service delivery plan to support the realization of this vision.

If you missed the opportunity to complete the survey and have some thoughts you'd like to share please reach out via our Contact Form.