The municipality’s Cultural Plan Task Force would like Summerlanders to share their ideas about local culture.
The input is needed as the members of the task force gather information for a municipal plan for cultural development.
Five roving display boards are being used to gather information and suggestions from the community.
The boards will be seen at community locations including the recreation centre, the library, the art gallery and coffee shops.
The boards will have three questions.
1. What makes Summerland’s culture unique compared to other Okanagan communities?
2. What cultural strengths should Summerland build on?
3. What cultural activities would add to the quality of life in Summerland?
In addition, members of the task force have been handing out questionnaires at the farmers’ markets and the Wednesdays on the Water concert series.
The survey is available online at fluidsurveys.com/s/survey2015.
Survey forms are also available at Municipal Hall.
“We’re taking a decentralized approach to consultation so we can hear from as many people as possible,” said Denese Espeut-Post, chair of the task force.
“We want to get out to where the people are, not expect them come to us.”
So far, more than 300 written surveys have been received. Online surveys have also been submitted.
Espeut-Post said the surveys received so far are from all age groups, from youths to seniors.
They include responses from permanent residents, part-time residents and visitors.
The committee members will also hold workshops to gain more understanding of the community’s views on culture.
The 15-member task force was formed in May. Its mandate is to consult with the community and develop a cultural plan. Members intended to spend six months collecting feedback from the community.