Survey results summary

Thank you to those who responded to our recent survey. As we look to update the 2009 Bolton Community Improvement Plan, your feedback is important.

Highlights

It's clear from the responses that people care about Bolton. They value the small-town, friendly feel, the amenities, the green space, the heritage vibe (downtown). But there are challenges, too: traffic, pedestrian access/connectivity, shopping choices, and need for revitalization.

Next steps

The data collected through the entire consultation phase of the project is being analyzed and will be used to guide the Strategic Directions Report. The Report will be available on this site in the coming weeks. The draft CIP document will be posted in December and a Public Information meeting scheduled for January. Please stay tuned by subscribing to this project (see the sidebar at right to subscribe).

Summary

55 people took the survey.

Here is a selection of the data.

QUESTION:
Describe Bolton as you know it today (what it offers and what characterizes the community).

The most common positive responses: small town, friendly, peaceful, lots of amenities, safe, abundance of green space, heritage preservation.

Comments about challenges or room for improvement: too much traffic/too many trucks, revitalization of downtown and south hill needed, not enough of certain types of retail (clothing), lack of transit, encourage changes on private property (vacant buildings and fence between commercial properties).

QUESTION:
Bolton as you wish to see it in the future (what it will offer, what will excite people, and what will attract people and businesses to the community).

The most common responses: Stay small, more parking, better connectivity/sidewalks/trails, improved road and transit options, more residential development downtown, more business diversity

QUESTION:
There may be some actions or initiatives the Town can undertake to support community improvement.

The top three choices:

• Improved appearance of streets/sidewalks
• Enhanced trails and pathways
• More pedestrian-oriented furniture and features

Chart 1: What actions can the Town undertake to support community improvements?

QUESTION:
CIPs can be used to achieve many community benefits. Rank the importance of the activities provided.

Top three responses (ranked):

• Preserving community heritage
• Improving attractiveness of commercial areas
• Redevelopment of former industrial or brownfield sites

Chart 2: How would you rank the following benefits?

QUESTION:
Are there specific commercial and industrial areas of the community that you believe are in need of improvement, redevelopment, or revitalization?

Most common answers:

• Industrial area should be greener/revitalized
• Downtown core – Chapel, Mill and Elm Street, old fire hall, empty storefronts, garbage
• South Hill – strip malls

QUESTION:
Do you have any additional questions?

There were a couple responses where we were asked how to access the CIP grant programs.

• Answer: If you are a commercial or industrial business or property owner in Bolton contact Economic Development staff at business@caledon.ca or 416-460-4177 to see if you are located in the CIP area (CIPA) and if your improvement project may meet the eligibility criteria.

Please note: Comments outside of the scope/area of the project have been passed on to the appropriate Town departments.

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