District of Coldstream. Tourism Committee Meeting Minutes - August 8, 2018

Transcription

1 District of Coldstream Tourism Committee Meeting Agenda for September 5, 2018 Municipal Hall, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC 6:15 PM 1. AGENDA 1.a. Approval of the Agenda 2. MINUTES a. Minutes for Adoption August 8, 2018 Tourism Committee Minutes Recommendation THAT the August 8, 2018 Tourism Committee Minutes be adopted as presented. 3. REPORTS AND ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION a. Draft Tourism Committee Recommendations Report Draft report from the Coldstream Tourism Committee dated September 4, Tourism_Cttee_Recommendations_Rpt Recommendation THAT the Tourism Committee recommends that Council refer the Tourism Committee Recommendations Report, dated September 4, 2018 to staff for inclusion in the Strategic Planning workshop to be held following the 2018 local general elections. 4. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 18

2 Page 2 of 18

3 District of Coldstream Tourism Committee Meeting Minutes - August 8, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF: ALSO PRESENT: The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:10pm D. Clarke Y. Hayden J. Hughes C. Kashuba M. Penner (Chair) Mayor J. Garlick K. O'Brien, Chair S. Bicknell, Vice Chair T. Seibel, Chief Administrative Officer K. Austin, Director of Corporate Administration None 1. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the Director of Corporate Administration called upon the membership to elect a Chair for this meeting. The members suggested that M. Penner be the meeting Chair. There being no further nominations, Ms. Penner assumed the Chair. 2. AGENDA 2.a. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Kashuba, seconded by Hughes, THAT the agenda be approved as circulated. No. TC CARRIED Page 3 of 18

4 Tourism Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 8, MINUTES 3.a. Minutes for Adoption Moved by Clarke, seconded by Kashuba, THAT the April 4, 2018 Tourism Committee minutes be adopted as circulated. No. TC CARRIED 4. REPORTS AND ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 4.a. Tourism Survey - Follow Up Report from the Chief Administrative Officer dated July 25, 2018 The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed his report with the Committee. He noted that for the answers provided to the open-ended questions he had been able to identify themes and group the answers accordingly. He suggested that one surprising theme was the request for more commercial amenities to be available. He also noted that the responses indicated were consistent with the direction Council had been taking to date. Mayor Garlick indicated that the information obtained from the survey was interesting and useful and appreciated that most of it had confirmed Council s direction. He also noted the survey was a good way to provide some public education regarding the existing amenities in Coldstream. The Committee members noted that although the survey participants supported tourism, they wanted to see it managed carefully and seemed to favour proactive planning. It was agreed that the next steps for the Committee would be for the members to work together to put forward recommendations based on the information gathered. It was suggested that recommendations be formulated and a short report, to provide context to the recommendations, be prepared for discussion and finalization at the next Tourism Committee meeting, scheduled for September 5, b. Okanagan Rail Trail The Committee received an update with regard to the development of the Okanagan Rail Trail and the parking area in Coldstream. With regard to the parking area, the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that it would be a gravel lot for now and future planning of amenities and commercial opportunities would be considered by Council following the local general elections in October as part of their strategic planning process. Page 4 of 18

5 Tourism Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 8, ADJOURNMENT Moved by Hughes, seconded by Clarke, THAT the meeting of the Tourism Committee, held August 8, 2018, be adjourned. No. TC CARRIED The meeting was adjourned 7:50 pm. CERTIFIED CORRECT Corporate Officer Chair Page 5 of 18

6 Page 6 of 18

7 Coldstream Tourism Committee DRAFT Report and Recommendations September, 2018 Page 7 of 18

8 Contents 1. Introduction Community Views Coldstream Strategic Priorities and Tourism 2. Community Identity and Branding 3. Western Coldstream Kalamalka Lake Recreational Use of Kalamalka Lake Head of Lake Redevelopment 4. Eastern Coldstream 5. General Recommendations Appendix 1. Summary of Recommendations Appendix 2. Benefits and Impacts of Tourism Photo Credits: Vernon Tourism (Robb Thompson, Thomas Bullock, Steve Austin), Vernon Outdoors Club (Colin Baxter, Mike Moore), Kalavida, Mackie House, (Christine Kashuba), Friesen s Countrytyme, Margaret Ormsby, Nulli Secondus, Judy Hughes, Debbie Clarke, Margaret Penner, Coldstream Ranch website, Various websites Page 8 of 18

9 1. Introduction Coldstream has been welcoming visitors since Lord and Lady Aberdeen invited guests to the early Coldstream Ranch and to experience the beauty of Kalamalka Lake. Our climate, beautiful views and recreational amenities is what attracted many of us to Coldstream, and why our friends and family love to visit. In 2015, Coldstream Council established a Tourism Committee to advise council on current issues and opportunities related to tourism. Topics of discussion included Rail Trail and associated infrastructure, Kal Beach, short term rentals, Kal Park, recreational use of Kalamalka Lake, and others. For each topic, committee members considered a spectrum of community views on tourism and an overriding priority to maintain and enhance the quality of life by local residents. The purpose of this report is to conclude the work and mandate of the Tourism Committee, and share recommendations with incoming council. This report was prepared through a collaborative effort of committee members using input from the recent Tourism and Recreation Community Survey. Recommendations highlight Coldstream issues and priorities from a recreation, lifestyle and tourism perspective. Community Views In spring of 2018, the Committee developed a community survey to gauge interests and priorities of local residents, and to understand how they feel about tourism in Coldstream. The survey identified some key themes and priorities: 1. Active Living was identified and supported throughout all question responses 2. Kal Lake is a major focus of use for multiple activities, mainly swimming, shoreline enjoyment, and non-motorized water sports. 3. There is high utilization of access points to Kal Lake, with demand for additional parking at beaches, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and public access points. 4. Trails are popular. There is high utilization of multi-use trail networks, with the top two being Kalamalka Park trails and Okanagan Rail Trail. 5. Accommodation. All respondents indicated visitors stayed in their homes. 6. Support for Planning Almost 95% of respondents said that planning ahead for tourism and recreation is either extremely important, very important or somewhat important. Individual comments often reflected the fear of being overrun with tourists. The top three priorities for planning were noted as: 1. Rail Trail (access and amenities), 2. improved parking for access to Kal Park, Red gate, Rail Trail, Beaches, and 3. commercial development to support tourism. Other priorities include Kal Beach and pier, cycling trails, public lake access, trail systems, and regulation of motorboats and jet skis on Kal Lake. An interesting finding was the support (with some uncertainty) regarding Page 9 of /28

10 economic benefits from tourism. Over half of respondents either agree or strongly agree that Coldstream should benefit economically from users of local amenities. Nearly 35% neither agree or disagree, and less than 10% disagreed. Expanded commercial developments, potential parking and user fees, and voluntary donations were identified as possible ways to benefit. The Tourism and Recreation Survey provided feedback in several other areas, reflected throughout this report. Coldstream Strategic Priorities and Tourism Planning Recreation and tourism projects are already part of Coldstream s strategic priorities under themes of Active Lifestyle, Environment, and Infrastructure. There has not yet been a planning process to look at Coldstream District-wide from a tourism perspective, including what we have now and future vision. With Coldstream becoming a gateway to the Okanagan Rail Trail, and other recent developments, the impacts and opportunities of tourism have increased the urgency for focused discussion and planning. An important first step would be to create common understanding through a strategic vision and strategy (similar to the first tourism vision developed by Lantzville, a bedroom community to Nanaimo). In spring of 2018, council endorsed the idea of a tourism visioning process to help better understand our current situation and desired future. The public survey was intended to help design this process. Recommendation: Council should continue to address the strategic priority of recreation initiatives, understanding that a significant proportion of users will be drawn from outside of Coldstream. Council should add a new initiative under the current priorities of Economy and Sustainable Infrastructure to develop a vision and strategy that defines how Coldstream should manage and benefit from tourism. 2. Community Identity and Branding A community s brand identity and vision can help set the stage for desirable community development and investment, and for attracting the right type of visitors. The brand needs to be authentic, relevant and set us out from other communities. The stories that we tell about our community, how we tell the stories, and who we want to tell these stories to - all help inform our brand. There has been a lot of change in Coldstream since the tag-lines Nulli Secondus (Second to None) or Rural Living at its Best were first put in use. This topic came up frequently in Tourism Committee meetings, with the general feeling that Rural Living at its Best is part of our cherished history, but not as relevant today for a majority of residents. Committee members felt that community qualities of active living, Kalamalka Lake, our natural parks and trails, and sustainability should be reflected in the brand, as well as our cherished rural history and lifestyle. Page 10 of /28

11 Coldstream s OCP describes a desired future in seven distinct areas. A cohesive statement that integrates these values and a desired future would create a greater sense of community. From this, a branding exercise would seek to identify what sets us apart from other communities, and how we want to market Coldstream. Recommendation: Determine an appropriate process to refresh Coldstream branding including updated messaging, look and feel on all communication formats. This could include a community-wide survey and communications planning. 3. Western Coldstream Western Coldstream (e.g. west of Aberdeen Road) stands out as the major residential areas of Coldstream, and the main focus of recreational and tourism pursuits. Kalamalka Beach/Lake, Kalamalka Provincial Park and the Okanagan Rail Trail were the 3 top recreation/tourism destinations cited in the Tourism and Recreation Survey (Q. 1). Western Coldstream has experienced a rapid rate of change in part due to its recreation and tourism amenities. Kalamalka Lake Western Coldstream is anchored on the shores of beautiful Kalamalka Lake, and protecting the lake needs to be the highest priority. The north arm is particularly sensitive as the drinking water intake area. There are numerous threats, some related to recreation and tourism use, including potential invasion by zebra and quagga mussels, shoreline erosion by floodwater and boat wakes, and pollution. Recommendation: Employ best practices to protect water quality on Kal Lake, even if that means limiting or regulating recreation use. Continue to conduct lake assessments to monitor water quality and habitat. Seek information that will help to determine recreational carrying capacity and how to avoid and mitigate impacts. Recreational Use of Kalamalka Lake An early Tourism Committee discussion item was how to address Coldstream boat launches damaged by 2017 flooding. This topic provided the opportunity to recognize the growth of non-motorized recreation (SUP, kayaking, canoeing) in the north end of the Kal Lake, and its potential focus for the Coldstream tourism offer. In the Tourism and Recreation Survey, over 30% of respondents identified nonmotorized use of Kal Lake amongst their top 3 activities (Q1). Almost twice as many respondents report using Kal Lake for non-motorized sports (70.37%) as motorized water-sports (36.11%) (Q2). Committee members appreciate that many local residents and visitors enjoy motorboats, and that their interests should be addressed in overall lake access planning. Page 11 of /28

12 Recommendation: Continue to investigate tools and cooperate with responsible agencies to redirect boat traffic away from Coldstream s water intake area and the areas heavily used for non-motorized recreation. Tools could include limiting boat launches, speed limits in certain areas, no wake zone, etc. Community and stakeholder engagement, and education will be important in implementing any changes. Head of the Lake Redevelopment The head of Kalamalka Lake area (conceptually defined as extending from West Kal to Kalavista and north along Kal Lake Road to the Vernon boundary) has experienced significant change in recent years including development of the College Way bypass, on-going housing development on Middleton Mountain, development of trails and a park on Middleton Mountain, and the athletic park at the college, and growth in popularity of standup paddle-boarding. Most recently, the inter-jurisdictional acquisition of the CN corridor, and completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail and Kal Lake Road multi-use pathway have resulted in significantly increased traffic, including cyclists and vehicles looking for parking and trail access. In the tourism and recreation survey, most of the areas identified as priorities for planning are part of the head of the lake area, including: Rail Trail (access and amenities) Improved parking (Kal Park, Rail Trail, beaches), Kal Beach and pier Maintain/improve public lake access, Regulate/limit motorboats and jet skis. The Coldstream OCP recognizes the need to reassess the Kalamalka Lake Road Commercial Area as the Okanagan Rail Trail comes into use. The Tourism and Recreation Survey offered several recommendations for commercial development including hotel/motel accommodation, restaurants, cafes, shops selling local products, campgrounds, food trucks, and others. With the completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail and multi-use pathway from Vernon, along with work on the Coldstream property on Kal Lake Road, and the transition of Kal Beach to Coldstream, timing is critical to plan for this area in a strategic and coordinated fashion. Recommendation: Prioritize redevelopment of the head of Kal Lake. Create coordinated and staged plans to address current and future impacts, opportunities, and options related to the upgrading and completion of recreation/tourism amenities. Traffic flow, including vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, is an important component of this coordinated planning. Objectives and focus areas could include the following: 1. Complete rail corridor securement. Work with RDNO to Page prioritize 12 of /28

13 the securement of the remainder of the CN corridor, from Mile 88 to College Way. This will provide safe access from the parking area on Kalamalka Road, and an end/beginning point to identify as Km 0/Km Walking and Cycling Routes. Investigate additional options to facilitate the flow of recreation users to Coldstream s main amenities (Kal Beach and Okanagan Rail Trail, and beyond), and reduce conflict with general Coldstream traffic. Four of the top six priorities identified by the Coldstream Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (2007) are located within this area: Multi-use pathway along Kalamalka Beach (Kidston Road to West Kal), Sidewalk/marked wide curb lanes along West Kal (Kickwillie to Kal Lake Road) Paved shoulder and sidewalk Husband Road (Middleton Way to Kal Lake Road) Shared route/multi use pathway between Husband Road and Kal Beach 3. Kalamalka Beach. Develop a master plan for Kal Beach park that recognizes its role as a community gem and connects it to the overall redevelopment of this area. Kal Beach was the most frequently mentioned destination for tourism/recreation activities (Q1 Tourism and Recreation Survey). Nearly 65% of respondents feel that additional parking is required at Kal Beach (Q6). Kalamalka Beach. Develop a master plan for Kal Beach park that recognizes its role as a community gem and connects it to the overall redevelopment of this area. Kal Beach was the most frequently mentioned destination for tourism/recreation activities (Q1 Tourism and Recreation Survey). Nearly 65% of respondents feel that additional parking is required at Kal Beach (Q6). The master plan should also signal potential future opportunities to expand Kal Beach Park by relocating Kal Lake Road northward above the rail tracks, and the potential to tie large scale improvements to appropriate commercial development. 4. Rail Trail Planning and Development. Work with RDNO to: Redirect the main focus of trail access to the District property on Kal Lake Road through provision of services, signage, information, and parking. Formalize parking and trail access from West Kal at Kickwillie through fencing, barriers, signage and landscaping. Relocate pit toilets to location about 1 km down trail. Plan for picnic areas and lake access along trail, interpretive signage, vegetation management plans, etc. 5. Potential Tourist Commercial Development. Consider Page 13 of /28

14 opportunities to encourage and support new tourist commercial uses that complement recreational/tourism amenities, and drive economic benefits to Coldstream while respecting surrounding neighbourhoods,. Create an inventory of lands with potential for redevelopment, and signal District interest in working with proponents and/or willing and reasonable landowners. 6. District property on Kal Lake Road. Continue the next phases of development of this property to: Relieve residential neighbourhood pressure from increased recreational use, and parking. Provide a welcome and orientation to Coldstream, with information that identifies trail connections, tourist/recreation amenities, and encourages visitors to explore what makes Coldstream unique. Help beautify the main entrance to Coldstream Provide opportunities for complementary recreational/tourism commercial developments 7. Community Properties. Consider all community-owned properties at the north end of Kal Lake and how they best fit in with the overall vision for redevelopment of this area, or whether they could be relocated. This includes the Kalavista Lagoon, tennis courts, boat and other parking lots, Log House Property, etc. 8. Lake Access. Within the context of the head of lake redevelopment plan, consider the role and potential for upgrades of other lake access points, including Pumphouse Beach. Kalamalka Park Kal Park is amount the top 3 recreation/tourism destinations in Coldstream (Tourism/Recreation Survey Q1). The park attracts many users, protects several kilometers of Kal Lake shoreline, includes sensitive ecosystems that are underrepresented in the park system, and provides nature-oriented park experiences. Walking and hiking, swimming and beach activities, and nature appreciation were the top 3 activities identified in the Tourism and Recreation Survey (Q4). Recommendation: Continue to work with BC Parks and local residents regarding park management, including parking, vegetation and fuel management, events, etc. 4. Eastern Coldstream East of Aberdeen Road, Coldstream s rural nature creates a cherished active lifestyle and scenic recreation opportunities. Lavington has a number of public and private amenities that are popular with local residents and visitors. The country roads, orchards, cafes, rural activities, and access to Crown lands all Page 14 of /28

15 provide a chance for authentic experiences with rural Coldstream, including agri-tourism. With the current priority of developments and issues in western Coldstream, eastern Coldstream and Lavington received less discussion by the Tourism Committee. A small proportion of survey responses came from the Lavington area. With development of market-ready products and active marketing, eastern Coldstream could benefit from tourism. Visitors to Coldstream s most popular recreation amenities could also be encouraged to check out rural Coldstream s best kept rural secrets. Recommendations: As part of developing a District-wide vision and strategy for tourism, engage residents of eastern Coldstream to assess their interests, and potential for development of tourism products such as agri-tourism. Increase awareness of agri-tourism and active lifestyle opportunities in eastern Coldstream. Support appropriate tourism opportunities and infrastructure. Consider the specific needs of farm gate and other rural activities and business opportunities (including those within the ALR). Consider the future tourism development potential for the Trintec property off Aberdeen Rd. Ensure that Coldstream communications (e.g. website) and Vernon Tourism promote rural experiences including farm gate sales, and eco tourism maps, biking and hiking maps etc. 5. General Recommendations This section describes general recommendations for consideration in all areas when addressing recreation and tourism. Recommendations: Use the District website and other communications tools to share information on the amenities and experiences in Coldstream, and how visitors can help residents to respect, protect and sustain these amenities. Develop a more inspiring, informative and interactive web site and social media. Develop and map trail connections throughout the community so that it is easy and safe for residents and visitors to enjoy an active healthy lifestyle. When responding to public demand for parking at popular attractions, consider the carrying capacity of the amenity and impacts to adjacent neighbourhoods. Sustainable management of tourist amenities may mean limiting use. Explore opportunities for Page alternative 15 of /28

16 transportation, shuttle service, etc. Support and encourage events that celebrate our community and special places, and do not adversely impact sensitive resources. Ensure adequate budgets for maintenance of recreation and tourist amenities. Management of overgrown vegetation and weeds are particularly important. Include budget for replacement of signs and infrastructure at end of life cycle. Provide incentives for local neighbourhoods to help steward local parks and trails. Short Term Rentals are not allowed in Coldstream but are occurring. This could become a large issue in Coldstream as it is in other communities. The topic was discussed briefly by the Tourism Committee. As other communities determine approaches to this issue, Coldstream should adopt procedures and bylaws that reflect best practices. Beyond the development of commercial tourism, Coldstream should consider other ways to recover some costs from the large number of visitors drawn to main amenities. The potential for parking fees and user fees was frequently mentioned in responses to Q10 on Tourism and Recreation Survey. Renew the mandate of the Tourism Committee with a goal to represent all areas of Coldstream, and specific tasks to continue the process of tourism planning, and providing advice on current issues and opportunities. Page 16 of /28

17 Appendix 1: Summary of Recommendations Develop a Tourism Vision and Strategy Re-asses Community Identity and Refresh Coldstream Branding Western Coldstream (west of Aberdeen Road) Protect Kalamalka Lake even if that means limiting or regulating recreation use, particularly around Coldstream s water intake area. Prioritize redevelopment of the head of Kal Lake area to upgrade recreation and tourism amenities, and support related commercial opportunities. Included in this area is the Okanagan Rail Trail, Kalamalka Beach, the District property on Kal Lake Road, walking/cycling routes, and areas with potential for related commercial development. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Continue to work with BC Parks and local residents regarding park management, including parking, vegetation and fuel management, events, etc. Eastern Coldstream (east of Aberdeen Road) Increase awareness of agri-tourism and active lifestyle opportunities in eastern Coldstream. Support appropriate tourism opportunities and infrastructure. Consider the future tourism development potential for the Trintec property off Aberdeen Rd. Develop and map trail connections throughout the community. Support and encourage events that celebrate our community and special places. Ensure adequate budgets for maintenance of recreation and tourist amenities. Refine procedures that reflect best practices in management of short term rentals. Consider tools (in addition to commercial development) to recover some costs from the large number of visitors drawn to Coldstream s amenities. Renew the mandate of the Tourism Committee. Page 17 of /28

18 Appendix 2: Benefits and Impacts of Tourism Benefits Economic Impacts Increase commercial land base Can spur the growth of facilities that benefit residents Better capitalization of exiting tourism infrastructure, including parks, trails, and beaches and funding for improvements Local jobs and business opportunities. Trickle down benefits to existing retail trade, service providers and real estate Improve potential for residents to launch new businesses May increase property values Can help foster conservation and preservation of natural, cultural and historical resources. Encourages community beautification and revitalization. Could be considered a clean industry. Environmental Social Costs of infrastructure development May create problems from inflated property values Leakage to outside communities if there are not local tourism operators Seasonal employment; jobs often minimum wage May threaten specific natural resources or historical sites. May increase litter, noise, and pollution. Brings increased competition for limited resources such as water and land, resulting in land degradation, impact to wildlife habitats and deterioration of scenery. Directly contributes to sewage and solid waste pollution. Brings in outside dollars to support community facilities and services that otherwise might not be developed. Encourages civic involvement and pride. Provides cultural exchange between hosts and guests. Encourages the preservation and celebration of local festivals and events. Facilities and infrastructure developed for tourism can also benefit residents. May attract visitors whose lifestyles and ideas conflict with the community s. May create crowding and congestion. May compete with residents for available services, facilities, and existing recreation opportunities. Page 18 of /28