If residents had more time, theyB次元官网网址檇 hit more parks and trails in the Capital Regional District, according to the 2024 public survey.
Mailed to 7,650 random households, the survey saw a 23 per cent response rate with 1,762 returned.
The annual survey aims to provide a snapshot of the publicB次元官网网址檚 opinion toward regional parks and trails while helping guide future decisions.
The survey shows 94 per cent of residents who responded think parks are an important fixture in the community, with 97 per cent saying theyB次元官网网址檙e important for outdoor recreation.
While 26 per cent said they donB次元官网网址檛 visit parks due to time, other reasons included physical inability (19 per cent), being elderly (13 per cent), feeling unsafe (13 per cent) and lack of personal transportation (12 per cent). Trails saw a similar response: 24 per cent of responders said they simply didn't have the time to visit, and 22 per cent cited not having the time to travel to the trails.
A notable 16 per cent cited the speed of cyclists, including on e-bikes, as a reason to avoid regional trails. Twelve per cent were not aware of, or not near, a trail, while 11 per cent blamed off-leash dogs.
The most highly valued benefits of parks identified included providing spaces for experiencing and conserving natural environments as well as supporting outdoor recreation.
Experiencing natural environments (95 per cent) and the conservation of natural environments (94 per cent) were the top reported benefits for regional parks.
Under trail use, walking topped responses at 79 per cent followed by hiking (71 per cent), viewing nature (43 per cent), cycling (42 per cent) and dog walking (38 per cent).
Elk/Beaver Lake topped the polls of places to go (66 per cent), Thetis Lake second (57 per cent) and Island View Beach (52 per cent).
The 2024 survey also gathered new data about reconciliation, access, equity, climate action and resiliency within existing survey questions about conservation and visitor experience.
Most residents acknowledged the importance of parks (61 per cent) and trails (51 per cent) for respecting and preserving First Nations cultural heritage and as valuable places to learn about First Nations culture (parks 53 per cent, trails 44 per cent).
The CRD says key questions from previous surveys were also kept to allow comparability to historical surveys. The latest will support goals, priorities and principles identified in the 2022-2032 Regional Parks and Trails Strategic Plan.
Find the full survey results report online at .
