From the Chair: News release Cowichan Estuary Perception Poll
To be implemented between 18th of January and 1st of February 2014Design and Implementation of the survey by UVIC and CERCAPress release which appeared in the Cowichan Valley Citizen on the 24th of January,2104
Background
Triggered by a poll implemented in 2012 by the University of Victoria on the perceptions of Saanich residents on what it means to them living close to the sea/shoreline, CERCA inquired about the opportunity for UVIC to carry out a similar survey (“perception poll”) in Cowichan Bay with focus on the Cowichan Bay area and the Estuary. It is expected that the results of the perception poll will provide a sound basis for local development, a clear vision on the future of Cowichan Bay and its estuary, and guidance on wise land- and resource use in the target area, in particular with respect to expected impacts of climate change on local communities, estuaries and floodplains.The survey has been designed jointly by UVIC’s Geography Department and CERCA. Although most of the questions and issues are of generic nature facilitating statistical comparison with similar polls to be conducted on Vancouver Island, one question block of the current survey is specifically targetted to issues typical for Cowichan Bay.The perception poll covers 250 households of the Cowichan Bay area with residential addresses selected by postal code. The method of questionnaire distribution will be a door-to-door delivery to be implemented on January 18 and 19 by CERCA members. A drop box for the completed forms will be conveniently located at the Cowichan Bay Inn reception desk. People taking part in the survey will have the opportunity to enter a draw for attractive prices supplied by several business operators of Cowichan Bay village who expressed a keen interest in the poll and its outcome.UVIC and CERCA encourage the selected residents to take active part in this locally important survey which will provide a unique opportunity for you to have your voice heard.