Project Updates

What We Heard report is now available!

We're excited to share the What We Heard Report!

This report summarizes the work completed to date and most importantly, what we heard through Phases 1 & 2 of public engagement. The project is currently on track and we are working on preparing the Draft Regional Growth Strategy for public feedback in 2025!

Key findings

Respondents were asked to rank the top four regional issues that were most important to them from a list provided in the survey. The four bolded issues were clearly prioritized above the bottom four.

1. Regional Economy
2. Housing and Affordability
3. Agriculture and Food Security
4. Public Health and Safety
5. Transportation
6. Parks and Natural Areas
7. Regional District Services
8. Climate Change and Resilience

Common themes

In Phase 1, the following key themes emerged as important to residents in Phase 1 (listed in no specific order):

Rural character and voice
Quality of life and affordability
Regional economy
Regional services and communications
Climate

In Phase 2, the following key themes emerged as important to residents in Phase 1 (listed in no specific order):

Building local capacity and resiliency
Affordability and affordable housing availability
Transportation infrastructure
Water conservation, access and management
There is a desire for more rural and agricultural presence and inclusion
Food security
Developing and expanding amenities

Regional Profile is now available!

The Regional Profile is now available for review. This background document takes a look at current trends in the region and outlines some potential policy topics that will be refined through the upcoming public engagement sessions.

We have also developed 4 fact sheets based on the topics that are at the forefront of people's minds based on engagement so far. The topics are (in no order):