Township of Minden Hills: Strategic Planning Community Survey

The Township of Minden Hills is creating a Strategic Plan to guide the next five years. In late 2025, residents and local businesses shared valuable feedback during engagement sessions to help identify key priorities. Now, we are inviting the broader community to participate in a short survey to help determine what matters most.

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. Your ideas and insights are important in shaping a Strategic Plan that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the Minden Hills community.

SECTION 1: Community Lens & Values

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* 1. I am

Year-round resident

Seasonal resident

A business owner who lives nearby

Someone who spends significant time in Minden Hills for work and/or pleasure

A visitor with strong ties

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* 2. How long have you been connected to Minden Hills?

Under 1 year

1-5 years

6-15 years

16+ years

Multigenerational connection

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* 3. Which best describes how you currently feel about Minden Hills?

Very positive

Somewhat positive

Neutral

Somewhat negative

Very negative

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* 4. Which three values are most important to you when thinking about the future of Minden Hills? (Select up to 3)

Fiscal responsibility

Protecting rural character

Strong leadership and decision-making

Community collaboration

Inclusiveness and fairness

Quality infrastructure and services

Economic sustainability

Environmental stewardship and protecting the natural environment

Sense of belonging and pride

Other (please specify)

SECTION 2: Governance, Leadership & Accountability

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* 5. Which of the following areas should top priorities for Council over the next 5 years? (Select up to 5)

Clear long-term planning and setting community priorities.

Transparent and understandable decision-making.

Responsible use of tax dollars and strong financial management.

Maintaining and improving municipal infrastructure.

Strong communication with residents and businesses.

Listening to community input.

Effective policies that support growth and community well-being.

Accountability for decisions and results.

Working collaboratively with community organizations, businesses and partners.

Advocating on key regional issues that affect the community.

Other (please specify)

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* 6. How important is it for the Township to clearly communicate actions and decisions? (Select one)

Very important

Important

Somewhat important

Not important

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* 7. When the Township is planning major initiatives such as infrastructure or downtown improvements, what matters most to you? (Select up to 3)

Long-term community benefit

Cost and affordability for taxpayers

Alignment with community values and rural character

Open communication

Timely decision-making and action

Collaboration with partners and other levels of government

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Is there anything else you would like Council to focus on related to governance & leadership? (Open-ended response)

SECTION 3: Community Engagement, Relationships & Communication

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* 9. What type of information do you most want from the Township? (Select all that apply)

Council decisions and rationale

Infrastructure projects and timelines

Financial and budget information

Community initiatives and partnerships

Planning and development updates

Emergency or service disruptions

Other (please specify)

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* 10. What should the Township focus on in terms of communication and engagement? (Select up to 3)

Regular updates

Digital tools (website, social media)

In-person engagement opportunities (town halls, meetings)

Online engagement & communication

Coordination with community groups and local businesses

Other (please specify)

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* 11. How would you like to receive Township information? (Select all that apply)

Township website

Email newsletters

Social media

Local media

Public meetings / townhalls

Community signage / bulletin boards

Engagement & Communication Platform (project updates, events, service disruption)

SECTION 4: Infrastructure & Assets

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* 12. How satisfied are you with the condition of Township infrastructure overall?

Very dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Neutral

Satisfied

Very satisfied

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* 13. Which infrastructure areas should be the highest priority for investment? (Select up to 3)

Roads, bridges, sidewalks

Water and wastewater systems

Downtown, public spaces, streetscapes

Community facilities (arena, cultural centre, library)

Parks, Trails, and active transportation

Other (please specify)

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* 14. What actions help to instill community pride? (Select up to 3)

Downtown revitalization

Beautification and streetscaping

Riverfront enhancements

Support for community-led improvement projects

SECTION 5: Housing & Business Growth

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* 15. How concerned are you about housing availability and affordability in Minden Hills?

Not concerned

Slightly concerned

Moderately concerned

Very concerned

Extremely concerned

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* 16. How important is it for the Township to support business growth and investment through its policies and services?

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Somewhat unimportant

Not important

SECTION 6: Community Spirit, Business Confidence & Year-Round Activity

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* 17. How would you rate overall community spirit in Minden Hills today?

Very low

Low

Moderate

Strong

Very strong

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* 18. What most contributes to a vibrant, year-round community? (Select up to 3)

A strong downtown

Community events and programming

Support for local businesses

Recreational and cultural opportunities

Tourism and visitor activity

Volunteerism and community groups

Other (please specify)

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* 19. In one sentence, what should Minden Hills strive to become over the next 10-15 years?

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* 20. Is there anything else you would like to share with us to help advance the 5-year Strategic Plan?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your input is valuable and will make an impact in the development of the 5-Year Strategic Plan.