Community Engagement

Community Survey 2026

Take the Survey!

Survey live from June 5-24, 2026.

In the current phase of the broader Canyon to Confluence Initiative, we’re considering two distinct conceptual designs to transform an underutilized downtown space –Centennial Park– into a vibrant park and pathway system. We’re doing this in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Golden. Our shared goal? To enhance river access, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen local ecological health.

To view the designs and more details, please see this blog post.

Concept A: Nature & River Integration

The big idea: Reshape the landscape to bring the river experience directly into the park.

  • Bringing the River In: This plan involves physically reshaping the Kicking Horse riverbank to pull the water’s edge closer to the park, drastically improving natural access to the river.
  • A Walk on the Beach: Imagine strolling down an accessible pathway to a lower beach area, complete with seating to watch the water flow by.
  • More Greenspace, Less Clutter: To maximize the park's footprint, informal parking would be removed, and the existing propane tanks would be moved entirely off-site. The river/dyke trail would also be re-aligned to the north side of the park.
  • Natural Play & Clean Views: Kids can explore a small natural playground built with organic wood features. Plus, we are exploring directional drilling to move the overhead power lines completely underground.

Concept B: Recreation & Community Amenities

The big idea: Formalize the space, add structural amenities, and elevate the viewing experience.

  • "The Look-off": Instead of changing the riverbank, this concept introduces an elevated, accessible viewing platform complete with guardrails and benches—offering stunning, panoramic views over the Kicking Horse River.
  • Gathering Spaces: Picture hosting a weekend gathering under a beautiful, open-air timber frame picnic shelter, or hanging out by a newly planted Pollinator Garden.
  • Active Recreation: This design adds an outdoor bouldering area designed for both kids and adults to practice their climbing skills.
  • Paved & Formalized: The river/dyke pathway would stay in its current location but get a major upgrade—widened and paved with smooth asphalt. It also formalizes vehicle access with designated parking stalls, while the propane tanks are shifted to the fence-line and hidden behind an artistic security screen. (Overhead power lines would remain in place).

This page will be updated with results of the survey once responses have been compiled.

If you have question or thoughts you'd like to share please reach out via our contact form.

Community Survey 2024

Survey live from October 1 to November 1, 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.