Dorset Waterfront Plan & Downtown Study March 1 st, 2016 Dorset Recreation Centre

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1 PHOTO SOURCE: Muskoka UAV Dorset Waterfront Plan & Downtown Study March 1 st, 2016 Dorset Recreation Centre

2 2 AGENDA: Facilitated Engagement Session Live Audience Polling 101: The Ground Rules Review Findings of Online Survey Confirm Findings Using Live Audience Polling Open Discussion Question & Answer Confirmation of Next Steps Live Audience Polling Combined Results 2PM and 6PM Session n=51

3 3 Context M M

4 4 QUANTIFIED ENGAGEMENT: Live Audience Polling 1. Interactive 2. Transparent 3. Instantaneous 4. Enables quick diagnostic discussions 5. Empowering 6. No Voice left behind 7. Results are tabulated on the spot! 8. FUN & EFFICIENT!

5 5 Which of the following best describes your present connection to Dorset? A. Permanent Resident 60.00% 52.17% B. Seasonal Resident 50.00% C. Business Owner/Merchant D. Municipal Staff 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 21.74% 13.04% E. Elected Official 10.00% 0.00% 4.35% 6.52% 2.17% F. Regular Visitor 0.00% G. Other

6 6 HERE IS WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU

7 7 HERE IS WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU

8 8 HERE IS WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU

9 9 HERE IS WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU Popular responses for communities that set an example for Dorset, include: Port Carling (45) Huntsville (30) Baysville (22) Gravenhurst (17) Bobcaygeon (8) Bracebridge (8) Dwight (7) Bala (7)

10 LISTENING TO RESIDENTS: ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS 354 Completions TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Public 10

11 11 We Asked: Which of the following BEST describes your connection to Dorset? Response Chart Percentage Count I am a permanent resident of Dorset 16.1% 57 I am a permanent resident of the surrounding area 13.6% 48 I am a seasonal resident of Dorset or the surrounding area 60.2% 213 I am a regular visitor to Dorset 10.2% 36 Total Responses 354

12 12 We Asked: Do you work or own a business in Dorset? a) Response Chart Percentage Count Yes 11.9% 42 No 88.1% 312 Total Responses 354 b) Response Chart Percentage Count I am a business owner in Dorset 47.6% 20 I work in Dorset 52.4% 22 Total Responses 42

13 13 We Asked: How did you first learn about the Dorset Waterfront Plan & Downtown Study? Response Chart Percentage Count Community meeting/event 7.6% 27 Dorset tourism website (dorsetcanada.com) 0.3% 1 communication 33.9% 120 Facebook or Twitter 30.2% 107 Township websites (i.e. Lake of Bays, Algonquin Highlands) 4.0% 14 Word-of-mouth 15.5% 55 Other, please specify % 30 Total Responses 354

14 14 Did you complete the survey? A. Yes Online B. Yes Paper Copy C. No I was not aware D. No I did not have time 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 44.44% 22.22% 22.22% 20.00% 15.00% 11.11% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% Yes Online Yes Paper Copy No I was not aware No I did not have time

15 We Asked: How familiar are you with the DCP? Response Chart Percentage Count Very familiar - I am part of the DCP and/or I have been directly involved in recent DCP initiatives Moderately familiar - I am aware of recent DCP initiatives but have had little direct participation or involvement Somewhat familiar - I am only learning about DCP and recent projects now 9.6% % % 111 I am not aware of the DCP 23.2% 82 Total Responses 354 Public 15

16 16 Just as a refresher some recent initiatives undertaken by the DCP include: new Dorset Community Park & Pavilion new Colebridge Park Children's Playground new Dorset Community Health Hub improvements to the outdoor seating along the waterfront Other recent initiatives undertaken by the Lake of Bays Marine Musem & Navigation Society include: ongoing restoration of the SS Bigwin renovation of the Marine Museum

17 17 We Asked: When visiting Dorset, what are the three main drawing features? TOP 3 RESPONSES 1) Shopping 2) Restaurants 3) Boating and/or fuel

18 In your opinion what are your top three aspects of Dorset? A. Beaches/swimming B. Boating and/or fueling C. Community facilities (e.g. Recreation Centre; parks) D. Events/festivals E.

18 18 In your opinion what are your top three aspects of Dorset? A. Beaches/swimming B. Boating and/or fueling C. Community facilities (e.g. Recreation Centre; parks) D. Events/festivals E. Passive recreation (e.g. walking; cycling) F. Restaurants G. Shopping H. Tourism attractions (e.g. Dorset Tower; SS Bigwin) I. Winter sports (e.g. snowmobiling; ice fishing) J. Other 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00%

19 19 We Asked: How often do you visit Dorset by season? Chart refers to daily and/or weekly visitors Reflects seasonality

20 20 We Asked: How do you typically travel to/from Dorset? *

21 21 We Asked: When visiting Dorset, how long do you typically spend in the downtown and waterfront? Response Chart Percentage Count 30 minutes or less 15.0% 53 Between 30 minutes and 1 hour 54.7% 193 Between 1 and 3 hours 27.8% 98 More than 3 hours 2.5% 9 Total Responses 353

22 Would you spend more time in Dorset with improvements to the downtown and waterfront area? A. Yes, definitely B. Likely C. Not Likely D. No, it will make no difference E.

22 22 Would you spend more time in Dorset with improvements to the downtown and waterfront area? A. Yes, definitely B. Likely C. Not Likely D. No, it will make no difference E. Don t know 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 26.32% 34.21% 19.74% 15.35% 4.39% 0.00% Yes, definitely Likely Not Likely No, it will make no difference Don t know

23 23 We Asked: What three improvements would have the greatest impact on Dorset? TOP 3 RESPONSES 1) Shoreline preservation 2) Pedestrian connections 3) Outdoor community space

24 Rank the TOP 3 improvements that you think would most benefit Dorset A. New community meeting space B. Bridge maintenance or improvements C. Developing arts & culture D.

24 24 Rank the TOP 3 improvements that you think would most benefit Dorset A. New community meeting space B. Bridge maintenance or improvements C. Developing arts & culture D. Enhancing outdoor community space E. Enhancing pedestrian connections F. Improving docking availability & boating accessibility G. Linking Health Hub to Marina H. Tourism and/or commercial development I. Shoreline preservation and environmental protection J. Other 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 2.09% 1.59% 14.87% 10.61% 11.78% 17.04% 0.84% 23.56% 11.78% 5.85%

25 25 We Asked: During the Summer, which public assets attract visitors to Dorset? TOP 3 RESPONSES 1) Dorset Lookout Tower 2) SS Bigwin 3) Heritage Museum

26 26 We Asked: During the Winter, which public assets attract visitors to Dorset? TOP 2 RESPONSES 1) Outdoor Skating Rink 2) Dorset Recreation Centre

27 27 We Asked: How important is the presence of government offices in Dorset? LESS IMPORTANT MORE IMPORTANT Average response = 5 Most common response = 1

28 28 We Asked: What are the biggest obstacles impacting the future of Dorset?

29 What would be the best way to improve shops and services in Dorset? A. Greater variety of 35.00% businesses 30.00% B. More independent retailers 25.00% C. More chain retailers 20.00% D.

29 29 What would be the best way to improve shops and services in Dorset? A. Greater variety of 35.00% businesses 30.00% B. More independent retailers 25.00% C. More chain retailers 20.00% D. More services (e.g % restaurant; coffee shop) 10.00% E. Improved merchandise at 5.00% existing stores 0.00% F. Other 34.69% Greater variety of businesses 20.41% More independent retailers 2.04% More chain retailers 30.61% More services (e.g. restaurant; coffee shop) 8.16% Improved merchandise at existing stores 4.08% Other

30 30 How would you address challenges related to seasonality and low population? A. New Housing B. More Accommodations 35.00% 30.00% 30.61% 28.57% C. More Retail + Services D. More Special Events E. Year Round Attractions 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 14.29% 8.16% 8.16% 10.20% F. Other 5.00% 0.00%

31 How would you improve the quality/variety of attractions in Dorset? A. More outdoor attractions (e.g. parks) B. More indoor attractions (e.g. museum; art gallery) 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.

31 31 How would you improve the quality/variety of attractions in Dorset? A. More outdoor attractions (e.g. parks) B. More indoor attractions (e.g. museum; art gallery) 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.83% 22.92% 37.50% C. Enhancing pedestrian connections between existing attractions (e.g. signage; paths; wayfinding) D. Improved marketing and communication E. Other 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 10.42% More outdoor attractions (e.g. parks) More indoor attractions (e.g. museum; art gallery) Enhancing pedestrian connections between existing attractions (e.g. signage; paths; wayfinding) Improved marketing and communication Other 8.33%

32 32 We Asked: Which parcels require the most attention to promote tourism, economic development and job creation?

33 33 However. Information booth at Snowball Winter Carnival residents asked to identify the top investment priority Indicated that Clayton building (1090 Main Street) was the top priority Final Results: March 1st, 2016

34 34 In your opinion, which parcel is the top investment priority? A. Parcel A B. Parcel B C. Parcel C D. Parcel D E. Other 80.00% 70.00% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 75.51% 20.00% 10.00% 4.08% 10.20% 8.16% 2.04% 0.00% Parcel A Parcel B Parcel C Parcel D Other

modifications) Demolish the building and clear for use as public open space Demolish the building and replace with newly constructed

35 We Asked: What is the best course of action for the Clayton building? Response Chart Percentage Count Leave the building as-is (some minor modifications) Re-purpose the building (with major modifications) Demolish the building and clear for use as public open space Demolish the building and replace with newly constructed building for immediate occupancy Demolish the building to clear the entire property for sale/future development 23.4% % % % % 28 Other, please specify % 28 Total Responses

36 36 We Asked: How could the Clayton property be put to better use? TOP 3 RESPONSES 1) New commercial tenant(s) 2) Art gallery / studio 3) New tourism attraction

37 How should the Clayton Building be addressed as part of this plan? A. Leave the building as-is (some minor modifications) B. Re-purpose the building (with major modifications) C.

37 37 How should the Clayton Building be addressed as part of this plan? A. Leave the building as-is (some minor modifications) B. Re-purpose the building (with major modifications) C. Demolish the building and clear for use as public open space D. Demolish the building and replace with newly constructed building for immediate occupancy E. Demolish the building to clear the entire property for sale/future development 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 14.29% Leave the building as-is (some minor modifications) 40.82% Re-purpose the building (with major modifications) 4.08% Demolish the building and clear for use as public open space 32.65% Demolish the building and replace with newly constructed building for immediate occupancy 8.16% Demolish the building to clear the entire property for sale/future development 0.00% Other F. Other

38 38 We Asked: During the boating season, how often do you access Dorset by boat? Response Chart Percentage Count Daily 8.2% 29 Weekly 24.3% 86 Monthly 8.2% 29 Rarely (i.e. less than once a month) 17.5% 62 Never 41.8% 148 Total Responses 354

39 39 We Asked: How would you rate docking and boating accessibility in Dorset?

40 How important is adding new boat slips to the local economy in Dorset? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development 60.00% 50.00% 58.33% B.

40 40 How important is adding new boat slips to the local economy in Dorset? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development 60.00% 50.00% 58.33% B. MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial 40.00% 30.00% 22.92% C. NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development 20.00% 10.00% 8.33% 10.42% D. DON T KNOW 0.00% VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development DON T KNOW

41 41 We Asked: How often do you access Dorset by car? Response Chart Percentage Count Never 0.6% 2 Rarely (i.e. less than once a month) 8.5% 30 Monthly 19.8% 70 Weekly 46.0% 163 Daily 25.1% 89 Total Responses 354

42 How important is increasing car parking as part of the plan? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 39.58% 41.67% B.

42 42 How important is increasing car parking as part of the plan? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 39.58% 41.67% B. MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 14.58% C. NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development D. DON T KNOW 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development 4.17% DON T KNOW

43 43 We Asked: How would you rate Dorset as a pedestrian friendly community? LESS WALKABLE MORE WALKABLE Average response = 6.2 Most common response = 8

44 44 We Asked: Would improved pedestrian connectivity increase your visitation to Dorset? Response Chart Percentage Count Yes 31.5% 111 No 42.6% 150 Don't Know 25.9% 91 Total Responses 352

45 45 We Asked: How important is pedestrian connectivity (i.e. signage; wayfinding)? * Conflicts with previous chart Response Chart Percentage Count Very Important 44.6% 157 Important 42.0% 148 Not Important 9.9% 35 Don't Know 3.4% 12 Total Responses 352

46 46 We Asked: What is the greatest priority to enhance connectivity? TOP PRIORITY: Enhancing connection between public assets

47 How important is it to improve pedestrian connections as part of this plan? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development B. MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial 45.00% 40.

47 47 How important is it to improve pedestrian connections as part of this plan? A. VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development B. MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 29.79% 42.55% 21.28% C. NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 6.38% D. DON T KNOW 0.00% VERY IMPORTANT crucial to local economic development MODERATELY IMPORTANT adds value, but not crucial NOT IMPORTANT has no impact on local economic development DON T KNOW

48 If you answered important (A or B) where should these improvements be made? A. At the water s edge B. Along Main Street 35.00% 30.00% 30.56% 33.33% 30.56% C. Trails and Pathways 25.00% D.

48 48 If you answered important (A or B) where should these improvements be made? A. At the water s edge B. Along Main Street 35.00% 30.00% 30.56% 33.33% 30.56% C. Trails and Pathways 25.00% D. Direct connection Health Hub to Marina 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.56% E. Other 5.00% 0.00% 0.00% At the water s edge Along Main Street Trails and Pathways Direct connection Health Hub to Marina Other

49 49 We Asked: What is the key priority with respect to shoreline preservation? Response Chart Percentage Count Enhancing public access 14.6% 51 Ensuring environmental sustainability 63.0% 220 Providing more opportunities for commercial and/or tourism development 20.1% 70 Other, please specify % 8 Total Responses 349

50 50 Do the online survey results surprise you? A. Yes pleasantly surprised B. Yes I am disappointed C. No this seems about right 90.00% 80.00% 70.00% 60.00% 84.78% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 4.35% 10.87% 0.00% Yes pleasantly surprised Yes I am disappointed No this seems about right

51 51 Context

52 52 Summary - Challenges Low population Seasonality & variety of attractions Limited number of boat slips Limited space to launch boats in the narrows Limited parking at peak season Breaks in pedestrian connectivity and minimal way-finding

53 53 Summary - Opportunities Improve pedestrian connectivity Develop way-finding system Enhance community spaces & activities Improve water access number of boat slips, approach, navigation Improve vehicular circulation and parking Enhance culture & arts and tourism

54 54 Existing Conditions

55 55 Existing Views

56 56 Community Survey : Key Improvement Suggestions Enhancing Pedestrian Connection Enhancing Outdoor Community Space Shoreline Preservation & Environmental Protection

57 57 Pedestrian Connections & Way-finding

58 58 Are these good examples for the Village Path?

59 59 Are these good examples for a Village Path? A. Yes B. No 80.00% 70.00% 78.95% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 21.05% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Yes No

60 60 Are these good examples for the Shoreline Path?

61 61 Are these good examples for a Shoreline Path? A. Yes B. No 70.00% 68.42% 60.00% 50.00% 31.58% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Yes No

62 62 Are these good examples for the Secondary Path?

63 63 Are these good examples for a Shoreline Path? A. Yes B. No 70.00% 68.42% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 31.58% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Yes No

64 64 SUMMER What does Enhancing Outdoor Community Space look like in Dorset?

65 65 Which enhancements resonate with Dorset? A B C D E F

66 66 Rank the TOP 3 enhancements you would support in Dorset? A. D % 30.00% 25.51% 32.12% 25.00% B. E % 18.22% 15.00% 11.85% 10.02% C. F % 5.00% 2.28% 0.00% A B C D E F

67 67 View Opportunities

68 68 RESTAURANT/CAFÉ Is this a viable option for a New Tourism Attraction in Dorset?

69 69 RESTAURANT/CAFÉ Is this a viable option for a New Tourism Attraction in Dorset? A. Yes B. No 60.00% 57.89% 50.00% 42.11% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Yes No

70 70 ART GALLERY/CAFE Is this a viable option for New Tourism Attraction in Dorset?

71 71 A. Yes B. No ART GALLERY/INSTALLATION Is this a viable option for New Tourism Attraction in Dorset? 60.00% 58.82% 50.00% 41.18% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Yes No

72 72 Table Discussions PATHS & WAY-FINDING Are we missing any options? What should the way-finding signage look like? VISTAS Are we missing any important views? WATER ACCESS What should motorized and non-motorized boating circulation look like? Should they have separate access points? VEHICULAR PARKING How can this issue be addressed? What are some ways to balance parking without losing community space? BOAT SLIPS How can this issue be addressed? What are the best locations for additional boat slips? Is the current configuration the most efficient?

73 73 Open Discussion Question & Answer

74 74 Next Steps Consultant will make these results public (posted on the Township of Lake of Bays website). Consultant will be preparing Draft Options based on your feedback. Presentation will be made by the consultant on March 22 to review and prioritize potential Draft Options everyone is welcome to attend and provide feedback. Daytime: 2:00 PM, Dorset Recreation Centre, 1051 Main St, Dorset, or Evening: 7:00 PM, Dorset Seniors Centre, 5025 Highway 117, Dorset Consultant will prepare a report summarizing findings of the process. Consultant will make recommendations on the best course of action to enhance the downtown and waterfront area in Dorset. Consultant will prepare a report which includes a comprehensive strategy and artistic renderings.

75 Endnotes The materials provided in this package summarize the results of our community

They contain the results of our online survey (February 2016, n=354), and live audience

Questions can be directed to: Jennifer Pilon, Economic Development Coordinator Township of

75 75 Endnotes The materials provided in this package summarize the results of our community engagement process for the Dorset Waterfront Plan & Downtown Study. They contain the results of our online survey (February 2016, n=354), and live audience polling carried out at our two Public Community Engagement Sessions (March 2016, n=51). Questions can be directed to: Jennifer Pilon, Economic Development Coordinator Township of Lake of Bays Peter Thoma, Consultant & Partner urbanmetrics inc. Photo Source: Muskoka UAV.

3 Economic Development

3 Economic Development Introduction: The Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan is intended to guide the climate for enterprise and commercial exchange in Buckley and reinforce the overall