Survey Purpose

     The Township of South Algonquin invites all permanent and seasonal residents to become part of the planning process for the future of your community by completing this "Future Directions Survey 2016".  Your participation in this survey will ensure that the resulting plan will be a true reflection of what you have identified as both issues and opportunities for the future of South Algonquin.  This survey can also be completed on-line by visiting www.southalgonquin.ca.
     All results are confidential and will be reported in total numbers with no identifiable individuals or organizations. The results will form part of the Future Directions Strategy which will be finalized early in the fall of 2016. 
     The  community consultation will continue with two public meetings in Whitney and Madawaska on each of May 18 and June 6.  May 18 in Madawaska (4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Madawaska Complex, 26A Major Lake Rd.) and Whitney (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Lester Smith Building, 32 Hay Creek Rd.)  The May 18 meetings will focus on how we can build on the assets South Algonquin already has, and the creation of Mission and Vision Statements to guide us.  The June 6 meetings ( 4:30 to 6:00 pm  in Whitney and the 7:00 to 8:30 pm  in Madawaska)  will use the ideas collected at  the first meetings, information from focus groups conducted with the assistance of Brock University, and the preliminary results from this survey, together with input from attendees, to develop a  Future Directions Action Plan for moving forward. 
     Your input is valuable.  Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey on-line or on paper copy.  Blank surveys and drop boxes for completed forms can be found at the Township office and other locations in both Whitney and Madawaska.  The deadline for completing the survey on-line or completing a paper copy is May 31, 2016.

* 1. What kind of resident most describes you?  Check all that apply.

* 2. If you are NOT a Seasonal Resident please skip to Question 5.  
How many weeks per year do you use your seasonal residence on average?  Please check one.

* 3. How long has your family owned this seasonal residence?  Check one.

* 4. What are your future intentions for your seasonal property?  Please check all that apply.

* 5. How often do you participate in the following activities?

  Often Occasionally Would like to start Not interested Not sure
Boating (motor, canoe, kayak, sailing etc.)
Hiking Trails in South Algonquin
Hiking Trails in Algonquin Park
Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
ATV Riding
Snowmobiling
Horseback riding
Camping in Algonquin Park (car camping or interior)
Attending other programs/facilities in Algonquin Park (e.g. Visitor Centre, Logging Museum)
Attending special community events in South Algonquin 
Hunting
Fishing
Local library
Antique/gift shopping/art galleries
Farmers Market
Visit to "hot spot" for internet access
Restaurants in South Algonquin

* 6. What is the best way to communicate with you?  Please check all that apply.

* 7. For each of the following, please rate South Algonquin.  One response per item please.

  Excellent Good Fair Needs improvement Not sure or Not applicable
Internet access
Access to support for new business development (financial, business planning)
Local availability of goods and services (shopping opportunities)
Local initiatives to support year-round tourism (e.g. special events, trail system etc.)
Overall state of the local economy
Access to banking services
Access to transportation services
Medical services
Libraries
Access to suitable housing
Recreational activities for seniors
Recreational activities for adults
Recreational activities for children and youth
Schools
Community Special Events
Cultural and entertainment opportunities
Access to quality childcare
Garbage/recycling
Pedestrian friendliness of communities (lighting, sidewalks)
Attractiveness of downtown areas in Whitney and Madawaska
Municipal Staff (friendliness/responsive/communication)
Fire services
Ambulance service
Directional road signage
Overall quality of the environment
Protection and celebration of heritage places and buildings

* 8. What should the Township's top three priorities be for the next ten years?  Please select ONLY your top three choices and rank them First Priority, Second Priority or Third Priority.

  First Priorty Second Priority Third Priority
Community Economic Development (efforts to improve the local economy, improve employment, build on existing assets, attract new business, encourage existing business expansion, improve access to business planning support)
Build on existing advantage of being located next door to Algonquin Park (improved trails, nature programming, marketing strategy to attract people into south Algonquin from the Park)
Environmental protection (protection of natural areas, water quality etc.)
Grow the Tourism Sector 
Grow the Forestry Sector
Improve community services (healthcare, housing, childcare, programs for seniors/children etc.)
Improve communication with local government
Improved township services (roads, fire services, garbage collection/disposal etc.)
Make communities more pedestrian friendly (improve lighting, sidewalks, improved accessibility)
Improved cultural and recreational opportunities for all ages
Greater protection and celebration of heritage places/people/places
Other

* 9. What ideas do you have for new community special events in South Algonquin?

* 10. What are three realistic projects South Algonquin could work on in the next ten years?

* 11. Imagine you left South Algonquin for ten years and are now returning to see all the changes that have been made.  Describe your vision of what you would like to see on your return to the community.

* 12. What is your age category? Please check one.

* 13. What is your gender?

* 14. The Township would like to enhance programs in the community.  Please identify ways you could contribute to the development of new programs.  Please check all that apply.

* 15. Do you have any other comments, ideas or suggestions that have not already been covered in the survey?  You are welcome to use the back of the page for ideas if you are completing a hard copy.  
Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

* 16. If you indicated an interest in helping in question #14, please provide your name and telephone number or email so we can contact you about assisting with the libraries, recreation or other initiatives.

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