Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey

August 2010 Nobody’s Unpredictable Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Key Findings 7

Detailed Findings 12 Boat Ownership 13 Boating Activities 21 Boat Launches 24 Current Marine Recreation Facilities 44 Feedback on Specific Initiatives 56

Weighted Sample Characteristics 61

Nobody’s Unpredictable Background and Objectives

GDH Solutions and the Regional District of North Okanagan commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct a public opinion survey to better understand usage and perceptions of local marine recreation facilities. More specifically, the main objectives of the survey were to: Gauge the overall incidence of boat ownership in the region; Determine participation in boating activities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake; Assess usage of local boat launches; Explore perceptions of current marine recreation facilities; Determine the distance boat owners are willing to drive to access a public boat launch; and, Obtain feedback on specific initiatives aimed at improving public access to local marine facilities. Ultimately, the results of the research will be used to help develop a comprehensive twenty year plan and implementation strategy for the provision of marine recreation facilities in the Regional District of North Okanagan.

Random and representative telephone survey of 300 boat owners aged 18 years or older living in the Greater Vernon area. Sample was drawn by postal code and respondents were asked in the beginning of the survey whether or not they live in the target area to further validate residency. Conducted between July 21 and July 29, 2010. Completion targets were set by region (see table below) and the final data was weighted to further ensure the regional distribution of boat owners reflects that of the actual population in Greater Vernon.

Community Number of Interviews Vernon 200 Coldstream 50 Electoral Areas B&C 50

Overall results are accurate to within ±5.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The margin of error will be larger for sample subgroups. Questions aimed at assessing the incidence of boat ownership were asked to a larger sample size and can be considered accurate to within ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

As noted under the Background and Objectives section of this report, one of the primary objectives of this survey was to assess usage of local boat launches. The survey was designed to assess overall usage of these boat launches as well as understand how behaviour varies by type of boat. While a summary of this analysis has been included in the following report, the small number of respondents answering some of these questions means the results should be considered as directional in nature only and interpreted with caution.

Nobody’s Unpredictable Key Findings

Boat Ownership More than one-third of Greater Vernon households currently own a boat. Just under 10% of households plan on purchasing a boat in the next five years. The likelihood of purchase is slightly higher among current boat owners. Motor boats, followed by boats with oars or paddles, are the most common types of boats to own. Analysis of future purchase behaviour suggests these will continue to be popular choices over the next five years.

Boating Activities Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake experience similar types of boating activities. In the past 12 months, half of all boat owners participated in some kind of boating activity on Okanagan Lake, with motorized boating activities being slightly more popular than non-motorized activities. A similar pattern of behaviour is seen when considering usage of Kalamalka Lake.

Boat Launches The survey suggests that boat launches are, and will continue to be, in demand. Most boat owners transport their boat to and from the water using a trailer. Those who anticipate buying a boat also plan on transporting it to and from the water. The exception is for sail boats, which are more likely to be moored than transported. Paddlewheel Park, Kalavista, and Kekuli Bay are all popular places to launch a boat. Paddlewheel Park is the most common location among those launching a motor boat or sail boat. While Paddlewheel Park is also popular among those launching a boat with oars or paddles, Kalavista is a slightly more popular destination with this segment. Overall, proximity to home primarily determines where respondents launch their boat. However, the reasons for using a particular boat launch vary depending on what launch they use. Usage of Paddlewheel Park and Kalavista is driven by proximity to home. Kekuli Bay’s parking and ramp facilities are what draws people to launch at this location.

Current Marine Recreation Facilities There is an appetite for increased investment in local marine recreation facilities. Three-quarters of boat owners agree the Regional District should invest more in marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. Two-thirds of boat owners agree it is important to build new or upgrade existing facilities because the current ones are in poor shape. Two-thirds of boat owners do not think the current marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake are sufficient to meet regional demand. When asked what types of marine recreation facilities they would like to see more of, four-in-ten boat owners mention boat launches. Boat owners are more satisfied with Okanagan Lake than Kalamalka Lake, although both are seen as in need of improvement. While seven-in-ten are satisfied with the overall marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake, only half feel this way about Kalamalka Lake. Furthermore, when asked about their satisfaction with specific aspects of these facilities, none of those on either Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake are deemed satisfactory by the majority of boat owners. Of all the attributes tested, parking facilities for boaters garners the highest dissatisfaction rating on both Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake, suggesting this is the area most in need of improvement. 10 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Key Findings (cont’d)

Current Marine Recreation Facilities (cont’d) More than one-third of boat owners have had to leave Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake without launching their boat because the public boat launches were at capacity. On average, boat owners are willing to drive 21.7 kilometres from where their boat is stored to a public boat launch.

Feedback on Specific Initiatives The majority of boat owners are not interested in either of the two services tested. While these findings indicate that many are unlikely to use these services if they were available, they do appeal to a pocket of boat owners. Four-in-ten are interested in a service that would help launch their boat, park their vehicle and trailer off-site while they are boating, and then return their vehicle and trailer to the boat launch when they are finished boating. One-third are interested in a service that would store their boat when it’s not in use and then retrieve and launch their boat when they call ahead to say they’d like to use it at a certain time. The survey suggests charging between $5 and $10 for access to a public boat launch.

Nobody’s Unpredictable Boat Ownership

Nobody’s Unpredictable More than one-third currently own a boat; motor boats are the most common type of boat owned

Overall, 36% of all households in Greater Vernon currently own a boat. With approximately 21,830 households in Greater Vernon, it can be estimated that roughly 7,860 households have at least one boat. The incidence of boat ownership is highest in Coldstream (56%) and Electoral Areas B&C (45%). In comparison, only 32% of Vernon households are boat owners. Motor boats, followed by boats with oars or paddles, are the most commonly owned types of boats. Specifically, among boat owners: 71% own a motor boat (includes 37% with a motor boat that is under 15 feet and 45% with a motor boat that is 15 feet or more); 63% own a boat with oars or paddles, including row boats, canoes, and kayaks; 9% own a sail boat; 2% own a jet ski; and, 16% own some other kind of boat.

Do you or does anyone in your household currently own a boat? This could be any kind of boat including motor boats, sail boats, row boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, etc.

Don't know 1%

Yes 36%

No 63%

Earlier you indicated that you or someone in your household owns a boat. Which of the following types of boats do you own?

Motor boat Motor boat under 15 15 feet or Motor boat 71% feet more 37% 45%

Boat with oars or paddles, including row 63% boats, canoes, and kayaks

Sail boat 9%

Jet ski 2%

Some other kind of boat 16%

Overall, 5% of households say they “definitely will” purchase a boat in the next five years. Another 7% are “very likely” and 12% are “somewhat likely” to do so, bringing the stated likelihood of purchase to 24%. However, it is our experience that people generally overstate their purchase intentions and the actual likelihood of purchase is much smaller. To that end, we have applied a correction factor to the data to predict what we believe is a more realistic estimation of overall likelihood of purchase. Based on this, the predicated likelihood of purchase stands at 8%. Current boat owners are slightly more likely to anticipate purchasing a boat in the next five years (8% “definitely will”, 12% “very likely”, and 16% “somewhat likely”, for a total of 36% who say they are at least somewhat likely to do so). Once the correction factor is applied, the predicted likelihood of purchase among this segment stands at 12%.

Among boat owners who are at least somewhat likely to purchase a boat in the next five years: 73% anticipate buying a motor boat (includes 22% mentioning a motor boat that is under 15 feet and 56% mentioning a motor boat that is 15 feet or more); 48% anticipate buying a boat with oars or paddles, including row boats, canoes, and kayaks; 13% anticipate buying a sail boat; 7% anticipate buying a jet ski; and, 10% anticipate buying some other kind of boat.

How likely are you or someone in your household to purchase a boat in the next five years?

Predicted Likelihood of Purchase Predicted Likelihood of Purchase 8% 12%

Definitely will 5% Definitely will 8%

12% 20% Very likely 7% 24% Very likely 12% 36%

Somewhat Somewhat 12% 16% likely likely

Not very likely 17% Not very likely 24%

73% 63%

Not at all likely 56% Not at all likely 39%

Don't know 3% Don't know 1%

Earlier you indicated that you or someone in your household was at least somewhat likely to purchase a boat in the next five years. Which of the following types of boats will you most likely buy?

Motor boat Motor boat under 15 15 feet or Motor boat 73% feet more 22% 56%

Boat with oars or paddles, including row 48% boats, canoes, and kayaks

Sail boat 13%

Jet ski 7%

Some other kind of boat 10%

Nobody’s Unpredictable Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake experience similar types of boating activities

In the past 12 months, half (51%) of all boat owners participated in some kind of boating activity on Okanagan Lake. 36% participated in some kind of motorized boating activity such as speed boating, water skiing, wake boarding, or jet skiing. 29% participated in some kind of non-motorized boating activity such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, or dragon boating. A similar pattern of activity is seen when considering Kalamalka Lake, with 47% of all boat owners saying they participated in some kind of boating activity on this lake in the past 12 months. 34% participated in some kind of motorized boating activity such as speed boating, water skiing, wake boarding, or jet skiing. 30% participated in some kind of non-motorized boating activity such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, or dragon boating. While usage of Okanagan Lake is consistent across all regions, Kalmalka Lake is particularly popular among those living in Coldstream (64% overall, compared to 41% of Vernon residents and 44% of those living in Electoral Areas B&C).

In the past twelve months, have you participated in any kind of…on Okanagan Lake? In the past twelve months, have you participated in any kind of…on Kalamalka Lake?

Okanagan Lake Kalamalka Lake

51% Total participated (any kind of boating activity) 47%

Participated in motorized boating activity such as 36% speed boating, water skiing, wake boarding, or 34% jet skiing

Participated in non- motorized boating activity 29% such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, or 30% dragon boating

Nobody’s Unpredictable Most boat owners transport their boat to and from the water using a trailer

Three-quarters (75%) of boat owners transport their boat to and from the water using a trailer. Only 18% moor their boat, either at their own personal dock (11%), a boat or yacht club (4%), or a private marina (3%). Respondents who are most likely to transport their boat to and from the water using a trailer include those with a motor boat (72%), boat with oars or paddles (71%), or jet ski (51%). In comparison, those who own a sail boat are more likely to moor their boat (44%) rather than transport it (34%).

Which of the following best describes how you get your… to the water?

Transport it to and from the water using 75% a trailer [or car top]

Moor boat at Moor boat at a Moor boat at a your own boat or yacht private marina personal dock club where you where you rent Moor boat 18% are a member a slip

11% 4% 3%

Other 15%

Don't know 2%

Which of the following best describes how you get your… to the water?

Boat with Total Motor boat oars or Sail boat Jet ski (n=300) (n=212) paddles (n=26*) (n=5*) (n=190) Transport it to and from the water using 75% 72% 71% 34% 51% a trailer [or car top]

Moor boat 18% 17% 15% 44% -

Moor boat at your own personal dock 11% 13% 12% 11% -

Moor boat at a boat or yacht club 4% 2% 2% 22% - where you are a member

Moor boat at a private marina where 3% 2% 1% 12% - you rent a slip

Other 15% 11% 14% 19% -

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Boat owners (n=300) 27 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Paddlewheel Park, Kalavista, and Kekuli Bay are all popular places to launch a boat

Among those who transport their boat to and from the water, one-quarter (23%) usually launch their boat at Paddlewheel Park. Another 19% go to Kalavista and 17% go to Kekuli Bay. Regionally, those living in Vernon or Electoral Areas B&C are most likely to use Paddlewheel Park (28% and 26%, respectively, compared to 8% of Coldstream residents). In comparison, those living in Coldstream are more likely to use Kalavista (32%) or Kekuli Bay (30%). The type of boat respondents are launching also appears to impact their choice of launch location. Paddlewheel Park is the most common location among those launching a motor boat (24%) or sail boat (36%). While Paddlewheel Park is also popular among those launching a boat with oars or paddles (14%), Kalavista is a slightly more popular destination with this segment (17%) . The few respondents launching a jet ski tend to visit Kalvista (33%), Kekuli Bay (33%), or Kin Beach (33%) equally.

Where do you usually launch your…?

Paddlewheel Park 23%

Kalavista 19%

Kekuli Bay 17% Unspecified location mentions (lake, 10% beach, camp site, road side, etc) Unspecified mountain lakes 5%

Okanagan Lake 5%

Mabel Lake 4%

Wood Lake 4%

Kinloch 3%

Swan Lake 3%

Kalamalka 3%

Don't know 2%

Note: Only responses of 3% or more are shown. Base: Transport boat to and from the water (n=223) 29 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Boat Launches – by Type of Boat

Where do you usually launch your…?

Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Motor boat (n=150) Boats with oars or paddles Sail boat (n=8*) Jet ski (n=3*) Paddlewheel Park 24% (n=136) Paddlewheel Park 36% Kalavista 33% Kekuli Bay 18% Kalavista 17% Kekuli Bay 17% Kekuli Bay 33% Paddlewheel Park 14% Kalavista 17% Okanagan Lake 14% Unspecified location Kin Beach 33% Unspecified location 12% 7% mentions Mabel Lake 9% mentions Kekuli Bay 9% Kinloch 4% Adventure Bay 9% Unspecified mountain 6% Mabel Lake 4% lakes

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Transport boat to and from the water 30 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Proximity to home primarily determines where respondents launch their boat

Nearly four-in-ten (38%) of those who transport their boat to and from the water say they use a particular boat launch because it is “closest to where I live”. Regional analysis shows this is a particularly important consideration for those living in Coldstream and Vernon (51% and 39%, respectively, compared to 21% of those in Electoral Areas B&C). Other factors that play a role in determining where respondents launch their boat include: “Good for fishing” (19%); “Not as busy as other places” (17%); “Good parking facilities” (13%); and, “Better facility/ramp” (10%). Analysis by type of boat shows that proximity to home is a key driver of launch location for those with a motor boat (40% mention “closest to where I live”), boat with oars or paddles (26%), or sail boat (36%). While this is also an important consideration for the few respondents launching a jet ski (33% mention “closest to where I live”), this group also gives equal weight to “good parking facilities” (33%), “not as busy as other places” (33%), and “convenience” (33%).

31 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Some differences are seen when looking specifically at the reasons for using Paddlewheel Park, Kalavista, and Kekuli Bay

While usage of Paddlewheel Park and Kalavista is primarily driven by proximity to home, people are drawn to Kekuli Bay because of its facilities.

Paddlewheel Park Half (51%) of those who usually launch their boat at Paddlewheel Park say they do so because it is “closest to where I live”. Other reasons for using Paddlewheel Park are “good parking facilities” (23%), “better facility/ramp” (18%), and “not as busy as other places” (10%).

Kalavista Nearly three-quarters (72%) of those who usually launch their boat at Kalavista say they do so because it is “closest to where I live”. Other reasons are mentioned much less often and include “not as busy as other places” (13%), “convenience” (11%), and “good parking facilities” (11%).

Kekuli Bay One-third (33%) of those who use Kekuli Bay say they do so because it has “good parking facilities” and 28% say it has a “better facility/ramp”. Other reasons include “closest to where I live” (22%) and “not as busy as other places” (22%). 32 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Specific Boat Launch – All Boats Combined

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Closest to where I live 38%

Good for fishing 19%

Not as busy as other places 17%

Good parking facilities 13%

Better facility/ ramp 10%

Convenience 7%

Suitable for canoes/ small boats 4%

Friends/ family also launch their boat here 4%

Easy to access 4%

Nice area/ like the area 4%

Good place to launch (unspecified) 3%

None/ no reason 7%

Note: Only responses of 3% or more are shown. Base: Transport boat to and from the water (n=223) 33 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Specific Boat Launch – by Type of Boat

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Motor boat (n=150) Boats with oars or paddles Sail boat (n=8*) Jet ski (n=3*) Closest to where I (n=136) Closest to where I Good parking 40% 36% 33% live Closest to where I live facilities 26% Not as busy as other live Not as busy as other 15% Better facility/ ramp 26% 33% places places Good for fishing 16% Friends/ family also Closest to where I Good for fishing 15% Not as busy as other launch their boat 17% 33% 15% live Good parking places here 13% Good parking Good parking Convenience 33% facilities 7% 17% facilities facilities Better facility/ ramp 11% Suitable for canoes/ 7% Good lake for sailing 14% small boats Convenience 7%

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Transport boat to and from the water 34 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Paddlewheel Park – All Boats Combined

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Closest to where I live 51%

Good parking facilities 23%

Better facility/ ramp 18%

Not as busy as other places 10%

Good for fishing 7%

Suitable for canoes/ small boats 7%

Nice area/ like the area 6%

Convenience 5%

Good place to launch (unspecified) 5%

Friends/ family also launch their boat here 5%

No other options 4%

None/ no reason 14%

*Small base size, interpret with caution.

Note: Only responses of 3% or more are shown. Base: Launch boat at Paddlewheel Park (n=54*) 35 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Paddlewheel Park – by Type of Boat

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Motor boat (n=40*) Boats with oars or paddles Sail boat (n=3*) Jet ski (n=0) Closest to where I (n=20*) Closest to where I 55% 100% No data available live Closest to where I live 35% Good parking live Friends/ family also 18% facilities Good parking launch their boat 48% 28% Better facility/ ramp 17% facilities here Better facility/ ramp 15% Better facility/ ramp 26% Convenience 7% Not as busy as other Not as busy as other 11% 6% places places No other options 7%

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Launch boat at Paddlewheel Park 36 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Kalavista – All Boats Combined

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Closest to where I live 72%

Not as busy as other 13% places

Convenience 11%

Good parking facilities 11%

Good for fishing 8%

Suitable for canoes/ 4% small boats

Good place to launch 3% (unspecified)

None/ no reason 2%

*Small base size, interpret with caution.

Note: Only responses of 3% or more are shown. Base: Launch boat at Kalavista (n=41*) 37 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Kalavista – by Type of Boat

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Motor boat (n=24*) Boats with oars or paddles Sail boat (n=0) Jet ski (n=1*) Closest to where I (n=22*) 77% No data available Convenience 100% live Closest to where I 58% Convenience 8% live Good parking Convenience 13% 6% facilities Not as busy as other Not as busy as other 11% 6% places places Suitable for canoes/ 7% Friends/ family also small boats launch their boat 3% Good parking 7% here facilities No other options 3%

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Launch boat at Kalavista 38 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Kekuli Bay – All Boats Combined

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Good parking facilities 33%

Better facility/ ramp 28%

Closest to where I live 22%

Not as busy as other 22% places

Nice area/ like the area 7%

Good for fishing 5%

Convenience 5%

None/ no reason 4%

*Small base size, interpret with caution.

Note: Only responses of 3% or more are shown. Base: Launch boat at Kekuli Bay (n=35*) 39 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Reasons for Using Kekuli Bay – by Type of Boat

Why do you usually launch your…at this location?

Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Top Mentions Motor boat (n=25*) Boats with oars or paddles Sail boat (n=1*) Jet ski (n=1*) Good parking (n=11*) Better facility/ ramp 100% Good parking 39% 100% facilities Closest to where I Good parking facilities 39% 100% Better facility/ ramp 34% live facilities Not as busy as other Not as busy as other 37% 21% places places Closest to where I Good for fishing 11% 14% live Good parking 7% Convenience 7% facilities Nice area/ like the 7% area

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Launch boat at Kekuli Bay 40 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey The vast majority of boat owners who anticipate buying a boat in the next five years plan on transporting this boat to and from the water

As mentioned earlier in this report, 36% of boat owners say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a boat in the next five years. When these respondents were asked how they plan on getting this boat to the water, 83% anticipate transporting it to and from the water using a trailer. Another 21% will most likely moor this boat, either at their own personal dock (11%), a boat or yacht club (7%), or a private marina (3%). Respondents who are most likely to transport this future boat to and from the water using a trailer include those who intend to purchase a motor boat (79%), a boat with oars or paddles (83%), or jet ski (81%). In comparison, those who anticipate purchasing a sail boat are just as likely to moor this boat (45%) as they are to transport it to and from the water using a trailer (45%).

Which of the following best describes how you would most likely get this… to the water?

Transport it to and from the water using 83% a trailer [or car top]

Moor boat at Moor boat at a Moor boat at a your own boat or yacht private marina personal dock club where you where you rent Moor boat 21% are a member a slip

11% 7% 3%

Other 5%

Base: Boat owners who are likely to purchase boat in next five years (n=109 - excludes those only saying some other kind of boat) 42 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Transporting versus Mooring Future Boats – by Type of Boat

Which of the following best describes how you would most likely get this… to the water?

Boat with Total Motor boat oars or Sail boat Jet ski (n=109) (n=80*) paddles (n=15*) (n=9*) (n=52*) Transport it to and from the water using 83% 79% 83% 45% 81% a trailer [or car top]

Moor boat 21% 17% 9% 45% 19%

Moor boat at your own personal 11% 12% 6% - 19% dock

Moor boat at a boat or yacht club 7% 2% 3% 33% - where you are a member

Moor boat at a private marina where 3% 2% - 12% - you rent a slip

Other 5% 4% 9% - -

*Small base size, interpret with caution. Base: Boat owners who are likely to purchase boat in next five years (excludes those only saying some other kind of boat) 43 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Current Marine Recreation Facilities

Nobody’s Unpredictable There is an appetite for increased investment in local marine recreation facilities

The majority of boat owners support increased investment in and upgrades to local marine recreation facilities. Specifically: 73% agree that “the Regional District of North Okanagan should invest more in marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake” (41% “strongly agree”). 66% agree that “it is important to build new or upgrade existing marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamlaka Lake because the current facilities are in poor shape” (33% “strongly agree”). A similar proportion (66%) disagrees with the statement “the current marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake are sufficient to meet the demands of the region’s growing population and tourists” (38% “strongly disagree”).

Please tell me the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake, using a scale of strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.

Strongly agree Somewhat agree

The Regional District of North Okanagan should invest more in marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake 41% 73% and Kalamalka Lake

It is important to build new or upgrade existing marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka 33% 66% Lake because the current facilities are in poor shape

The current marine recreation facilities on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake are sufficient to meet the 9% 31% demands of the region’s growing population and tourists

Unprompted, 42% of boat owners say they would like to see more boat launches on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. Suggestions for other types of marine recreation facilities are mentioned much less often and include: Parking (14%); Docks (11%); and, Marinas (10%). Three-in-ten (29%) boat owners are unable to think of any specific types of marine recreation facilities they would like to see more of on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake.

What specific types of marine recreation facilities, if any, would you most like to see more of on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake? Please be as specific as possible.

Boat launches 42%

Parking 14%

Docks 11%

Marinas 10%

Buoys 5%

Designated areas for non-motorized boats 5%

Beaches/public beaches 4%

Areas designated for public use 2%

Gas stations 2%

Restaurants 2%

Stores 2%

None/ nothing 29%

Don't know 4%

Note: Only responses of 2% or more are shown. Base: Boat owners (n=300) 48 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Boat owners are more satisfied with Okanagan Lake than Kalamalka Lake, although both are seen as in need of improvement

Okanagan Lake Seven-in-ten (69%) boat owners are satisfied with the “overall marine recreation facilities” on Okanagan Lake, including 11% saying they are “very satisfied”. However, when asked about their satisfaction with specific aspects of these facilities, respondents report much lower satisfaction ratings, suggesting a perceived need for improvement in these areas. For example: 45% are satisfied with “fuelling facilities”; 43% are satisfied with “public boat launches”; 39% are satisfied with “washroom facilities”; 35% are satisfied with “the availability of public mooring facilities”; 30% are satisfied with “parking facilities for boaters”; and, 21% are satisfied with “gray water pump-outs”. However, closer analysis of the data suggests a lack of familiarity is contributing to this lower satisfaction rating, with 41% saying they “don’t know” how to rate this attribute. Actual dissatisfaction stands at 38%. Of all these attributes, parking facilities for boaters garners the highest dissatisfaction rating (65%), suggesting this is the one area most in need of improvement.

49 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey Boat owners are more satisfied with Okanagan Lake than Kalamalka Lake, although both are seen as in need of improvement (cont’d)

Kalamalka Lake Half (50%) of all boat owners are satisfied with the “overall marine recreation facilities” on Kalamalka Lake, including 11% saying they are “very satisfied”. Again, satisfaction with specific aspects of these facilities is much lower, suggesting a perceived need for improvement in these areas. For example: 38% are satisfied with “public boat launches”; 34% are satisfied with “parking facilities for boaters”; 33% are satisfied with “washroom facilities”; 31% are satisfied with “the availability of public mooring facilities”; 29% are satisfied with “fuelling facilities”; and, 23% are satisfied with “gray water pump-outs”. However, closer analysis of the data suggests a lack of familiarity is contributing to this lower satisfaction rating, with 37% saying they “don’t know” how to rate this attribute compared to 41% saying they are dissatisfied. Of all these attributes, parking facilities for boaters garners the highest dissatisfaction rating (61%), suggesting this is the one area most in need of improvement.

How satisfied are you with each of the following amenities on Okanagan Lake?

% % Not Don’t Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Satisfied know The overall marine 11% 69% 26% 5% recreation facilities

Fuelling facilities 12% 45% 34% 21%

Public boat launches 11% 43% 51% 6%

Washroom facilities 9% 39% 49% 12%

The availability of public 7% 35% 53% 11% mooring facilities

Parking facilities for 9% 30% 65% 5% boaters

Grey water pump-outs 4% 21% 38% 41%

How satisfied are you with each of the following amenities on Kalamalka Lake?

% % Not Don’t Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Satisfied know The overall marine 11% 50% 41% 9% recreation facilities

Public boat launches 10% 38% 56% 6%

Parking facilities for 11% 34% 61% 5% boaters

Washroom facilities 6% 33% 55% 12%

The availability of public 9% 31% 55% 14% mooring facilities

Fuelling facilities 10% 29% 49% 22%

Grey water pump-outs 3% 23% 41% 37%

Base: Boat owners (n=300) 52 © 2009 Ipsos Regional District of North Okanagan Marine Recreation Facilities Survey More than one-third have left Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake because the public boat launches were at capacity

Overall, 36% of boat owners have had to leave either Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake without launching their boat because the public boat launches were at capacity. This is most likely have happened to those with a motor boat (42%). When asked how far they would be willing to drive from where their boat is stored to a public boat launch, the average response is 21.7 kilometres. Responses range from 3% saying 0 kilometres to 4% saying they would drive 51 or more kilometres.

Have you ever had to leave either Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake without launching your boat because the public boat launches were at capacity?

Don't know 1%

Yes 36%

No 63%

How many kilometers would you be willing to drive from where your boat is stored to a public boat launch?

0 km 3%

1 to 10 km 35%

11 to 20 km 33%

Mean 21 to 30 km 12% 21.7 km

31 to 40 km 2%

41 to 50 km 6%

51+ km 4%

Don't know 5%

Nobody’s Unpredictable The majority of boat owners are not interested in either of the two services tested

These findings indicate that many are unlikely to use these services if they were offered although they do appeal to a pocket of boat owners. Specifically: 39% are interested in “a service that would help launch your boat, park your vehicle and trailer off-site while you were boating, and then return your vehicle and trailer to the boat launch when you are finished boating” (15% “very interested”). Analysis of the results by how respondents currently get their boat to the water shows that 42% of those who transport their boat and 33% of those who moor their boat are interested in this service. 32% are interested in “a facility that would store your boat when it’s not in use and then retrieve and launch your boat when you call ahead to say you’d like to use your boat at a specific time” (12% “very interested”). Analysis of the results by how respondents currently get their boat to the water shows that 33% of those who transport their boat and 36% of those who moor their boat are interested in this service.

On average, boat owners say $7.20 would be a reasonable price to pay to launch their boat at a public boat launch. However, closer analysis of the data shows that nearly half (46%) of respondents suggest a price that is between $1.00 and $5.00. Overall, these findings indicate that a more reasonable price would be closer to $5.00.

When asked to identify the price at which it would become too expensive for them to even consider paying, boat owners cite an average price of $16.40. However, roughly half (47%) give a response of $10.00 or less. Overall, these findings indicate that a maximum price of $10.00 could be charged without deterring the majority of boat owners.

Please tell me how interested you would be in each of the following types of services. For the purposes of this survey, please assume that the costs associated with each of these services would be reasonable.

Not at all interested Not very interested Very interested Somewhat interested

A service that would help launch your boat, park your vehicle and trailer off-site while you were 15% 60% 43% boating, and then return your vehicle 39% and trailer to the boat launch when you are finished boating

A facility that would store your boat when it’s not in use and then retrieve 68% 47% and launch your boat when you call 12% 32% ahead to say you’d like to use your boat at a specific time

As you may know, maintaining and operating a boat launch facility can be expensive. To help offset some of these costs, some places charge a user fee for access to their boat launch. What is a reasonable amount that you would be willing to pay to launch your boat at a public boat launch? Please indicate the amount that you think would be reasonable to pay on average each time you launched your boat. At what price would it become too expensive for you to even consider paying to launch your boat at a public boat launch? Please indicate the amount that you think would be too expensive to pay on average each time you launched your boat.

Reasonable Amount to Pay Amount at Which Too Expensive

17% $0 4%

46% $1 to $5 16% Mean 20% $6 to $10 27% Reasonable Amount at Amount to Which Too 7% Pay Expensive $11 to $20 26% $7.20 $16.40 3% $21 to $30 13%

1% $31+ 8%

6% Don't know 5%

Nobody’s Unpredictable Weighted Sample Characteristics

All All Respondents Respondents (n=300) (n=300) Region: Length of Residency in Greater Vernon: Vernon 54% 1 to 10 years 23% Coldstream 25% 11 to 20 years 28% Electoral Areas B&C 21% 21 to 40 years 31% 41 to 60 years 14% Age: 61 to 80 years 3% 18 to 44 23% Average 25 years 45+ 76% Household Income: Average 53 years Under $30,000 4% $30,000 to less than $60,000 21% Gender: $60,000 to less than $90,000 28% Male 54% $90,000 to less than $120,000 19% Female 46% $120,000 or more 17% Don’t know/refused 12%