With the winter season at Dakota Ridge now complete, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) discussed future plans and ideas for the outdoor recreation facility at the April 21 community services committee meeting.
Parks services manager Carleen McDowell presented the committee with a report on the Dakota Ridge business plan.
She explained the development of a strategic business plan would establish priorities and recommendations for the next five years or longer. Tasks to be performed, in conjunction with the plan, include reviews of previous studies, trend and demographic identification, public consultation and financial considerations.
The Dakota Ridge advisory committee (DRAC) will work with SCRD staff. Directors passed a motion in favour that two to three members of DRAC form an ad hoc committeeto work toward developing the Dakota Ridge business plan.
Halfmoon Bay director Garry Nohr approved of the plan and felt it would be a good idea to look at an audit further down the line.
"Let's do this well financially and look to the future," Nohr said.
A final report on Dakota Ridge's 2010/2011 season, with operating, financial and user information, is currently in the works.
VOICE update
The issue of retaining young adults on the Sunshine Coast has been a topic of great discussion. VOICE, a non-profit organization that acts as an advocate for the younger generation on the Coast, presented their financial and draft strategic plans to the SCRD last week.
VOICE discussed three key directions they plan to take: a Coast-wide branding strategy, empowerment of the younger generation, and diversification of employment opportunities.
When asked how they are making connections, VOICE member J.M. Boyd explained they use social media tools such as Facebook, and are currently looking at the development of a smart phone application. Event sponsorship and promotion and regular monthly information gatherings also act as connectors. VOICE asked directors what they would like to know from young adults and how VOICE can assist in attaining the information.
Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk said directors would love to take advantage of the information VOICE could provide to better the community, while Roberts Creek director Donna Shugar asked that staff examine VOICE's questions to the SCRD, that they be used as a referral group and that a liaison be appointed.
Hike BC
Hike BC is looking for access to develop the Sun-coaster Trail. Patrick Harrison, president of Hike BC, a society working on trail building, development and maintenance since the 1980s, expressed his interest in working on the Suncoaster and linking it to Canada's National Hiking Trail.
The Suncoaster currently runs from Earl's Cove to Halfmoon Bay, and the SCRD has plans to expand it to Langdale, making it Coast-wide.
Pender Harbour director Eric Graham stated his concerns about people using all terrain vehicles (ATV), saying that while there are good groups, there are also people who use ATVs in highly sensitive areas.
Harrison said he has worked with many motorized groups.
"The key, I think, is to try to keep educating the public, work with responsible groups. But yes, it is an issue," Harrison said of irresponsible ATV users.
Directors asked staff to work on identifying the proposed trail route, provide an estimate of cost and labour and to engage in further dialogue with Hike BC on the project.
