Background

A recent Ipsos Reid survey (2006) indicated that walking and running are the most popular forms of exercise for local residents (57%); with an ageing population this trend is expected to continue to grow. The study also indicated 95% of respondents prefer outdoor activities that allow them to be outside and close to nature, 87% prefer outdoor to indoor activities and 80% prefer activities they can participate with their children. 73% of respondents said the top priority for Recreation, Parks and Cultural services should be buying parkland now to accommodate future growth.

Respondents consistently rank the importance of purchasing natural open spaces and trails as somewhat to very important (consistently increasing from 87% in 2002 to 90% in 2006) in the Annual Citizen Survey. This is higher than any other type of park.

More than 1,700 respondents filled out an on-line poll as part of the 2006 Sustainability Forum. Participants indicated that green space was the most important asset to sustain, followed by water quality, the environment and transportation. The majority of respondents supported further acquisition by local and regional governments to protect environmentally valuable areas.

The above studies conducted in 2006 indicate residents want the City and other levels of government to provide linear trails and green spaces.  In order to meet the needs of tomorrow the City needs to plan today; if adopted the Bellevue Creek Linear Trail Master Plan will provide the City with a tool to acquire private property as development or redevelopment occurs.

History of consultation

Three open houses were held in October and early November 2006 and the information was posted online for people who were unable to attend an open houses. Comments from the Open Houses  were used to draft a master plan for the park.

PROCESS TO DATE

2006 Project Initiation

• City Council Tour of Site – October 2006

• Public Open House #1 (3 sessions) – October / November

2007

• Email Newsletter #1 – January

• Environmental Impact Assessment– April

• Email Newsletter #2 – September

2008

• Ongoing development of the plan

2009

• Update City Council – March

• Information Brochure– November

• Public Open House #2 (2 sessions)- December

NEXT STEPS

• Revise draft Master Plan based on public comments

• Report to City Council for final approval

• Complete Creek Restoration Plan