Marsh Lake Community Society Recreation Survey
Introduction: With the creation of Marsh Lake’s Local Advisory Council, and recognition of Marsh Lake as a Yukon Community, the ability to access funding for recreation increased significantly. The Marsh Lake Community Society (MLCS) is now formally the one organization designated by government and the LAC to receive and manage recreation funding in the community. For the fiscal year 2002/03, the operating budget for MLCS is over $65,000. Determining how or if this money should be spent is the primary reason for this survey.
· Vision: To support healthy lifestyles for all ages through accessible recreation opportunities within the community
· Mission: To establish a recreation plan, based on community input, which supports activities and the development of recreational opportunities for the benefit of Marsh Lake residents.
Public meetings will also be announced to report the findings of this survey and further discuss the recreation plan. This is the time to make sure your opinions are included. Regular MLCS meetings are held the last Wednesday every other month (on odd numbered months)
Land: MLCS had 2 land leases and 2 recreation reserves established in Marsh Lake at this time. A land lease is with the Federal government of Canada and permits major construction to take place on that land, while a land reserve is YTG land that they have marked on their official map as land being used for recreation.
· The land leases that MLCS is responsible for: 1) around the ice rink in Judas Creek and 2) the corner of property between the boat ramp and the highway at McClintock Place. The two reserve areas are 1) the ski trails and surrounding area at Judas Creek, and 2) the new park area in New Constabulary. Other land can be requested as needed.
Input: Your ideas are greatly needed to ensure that the recreation projects in the community are supported and enjoyed by the community. Please complete this questionnaire for up to two adults in your household. Anyone who lives or owns property between the Yukon River Bridge and Judas Creek (the creek) (the LAC boundary) can complete this questionnaire. If you have any questions, please phone Donna at 660-4600. You can also write additional comments at the end of this survey.
The following are the results of the survey (from the slide presentation)
A note on why the surveys were numbered: The surveys were mailed and then handed out to the lots where a survey was not mailed back from. The Planning committee had no way of knowing if there were duplications, as we sent them 2 opportunities to do the survey. Having a number on the survey allowed us to check to see if there were duplications from the same lot number. People were encouraged to identify themselves on the first page: "5. Which sub-division and lot number you live at? We are asking you to identify your sub-division and lot number so we can track who has not returned a survey and make a second attempt to include them. If you do not want to put your lot # on this form, please phone 660-4603 and leave a message with your lot number after you return the survey. "
I am happy to report that 160 of the 171 people returning the surveys included their lot number (93.5 %)
Many Thanks Planning Committee:
Door-to-door delivery: Stan Naylor
Data Entry Programming: Mike Larsen
Data Entry: Pat Healy ,Eddie Davis
Data Analysis/Tables/Graphs: Mike and Donna Larsen
Funding: YTG – Sport and Rec.
The survey can be viewed here: (from the original Word document, some formatting may not be correct)
Below are the comments from the survey
adult1 comments:
Special events important to bring business to locals & community club fundraising. Not to mention not having to drive to a fun event for a change
We are concerned about O & M costs in any facility raised. We would not support an increase in property taxes. Also there are countless facilities in Whitehorse that need our support
We need blast rock or access to it. We need a septic dump area. It you put more recreation it should be user pays
There is no need to move the existing playground in Judas C reek-but it should be regularly maintained. We should keep most of the major facilities together near the ice rink for access to services and ease of maintenance,
Have chosen to live outside of Whitehorse because I enjoy the seclusion and isolation M.L. provides. If I wanted extensive access to facilities & recreation resources I would live in Whitehorse. Because I work in town I chose to swim & ride at lunch also
Concern about maintenance of any equipment available of multi-use building ( eg. Weight room, sports equip. ) weight room would require fees & any types of classes could/should have a cost-self supporting. Support having kitchen facilities rec bldg.& use Mash Lake Community as a retirement community not a residential one. Bussing children 3hrs a day is criminal. A community should not develop to maximize its eligible benefits. A community is 1st its people We have been living here last 14 yrs and out reason we moved here was to get away from the city. We do work in town so when we come home we just want to enjoy quiet living here.
good idea for survey but I think only permanent residents should respond some questions do not apply as we live in Whitehorse
I'm not interested. I think it is just fine like it is. Remain as is
Note. We love feeling isolated. We like the sense of community & pride most people have in living at ML. There is a ample opportunity existent for doers &space for folks who seek their own privacy & independence. The scenery & proximity to Whse. Make ML
As a senior I would like to see things like darts, horseshoes, badminton, tennis, pool tables etc. So seniors can get together to hob knob & exercise, killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Youth gatherings are just as important.
The access road to Lot 60 is YTG land and has never been upgraded as a road. Please help soon.
"I don't know if everyone else needs more recreation facilities. I do know that with everything that needs doing around my place I'm going to have all the "" recreation"" I can handle for the rest of my days."
it is absolutely essential that the hiking trails, berry picking areas between army Beach & South McLintock Bay be protected & kept in its current pristine state. The S. McLIntock Bay Association has spent countless hours developing & cutting the trials "because of moving ahead too quickly concept of "" Community Society"" involves people working together for common goals in coopeation for common good please insure money isn't always the big issue"
too many govt levels 1. McClintock Place 2. Marsh Lake Govt. 3 LAC govt. all these un elected bodies have paralized meaningful responsible govt for the people, by the people, and of the people. Private enterprise and economic development is paralized and
Facilities would be best located where population is the greatest which if the New/Old Constabulary & Judas Creek. These and all other locations should have the basics, like playground, ski trails from users but any major buildings ,tennis courts "Some lots overloaded with ""junk""-old cars, tires etc. Makes our community look like a garbage dump. Also reduces property values and is afire & health hazard. Can we encourage a cleanup?" cabin is for recreational purposes. We do not have electricity or phone, although both run by the cabin. Over years we have seen aea change from recreation to residential. We come out here to get away from it all.
NOT INTERESTED Just a thought re: building. It will need as security alarm system, so make sure that cost is factored in.
I feel more emphasis should be put on for the younger people in the area for recreation. Cannot comment on priorities because we may not use it very often. A lot of younger people would.
Please note that neither of us are active in any sports either for health reasons or our ability to be active in any sports. "Most people who started cottage lots here did so to get away from all above and enjoy what the outdoors has to offer. That is still my wish. Those who move out to the country, then try to change it to be "" as good as town"" either can't compete in town or"
Topics of survey don't matter much to us, but would support if majority of residents wanted building or events if this Marina was to even get back even to close to what it was, it would than make sense to develop the are around the Fire Hall. The more you get in on area, the better. All members of a family could enjoy the same area. My children are all adults & my grandchildren also. Mostly ski-dooing, skiing & boating are the things my family is interested in & really like the cabin for te activities. Thanks The dogmatic attitude towards all property owners( including recreational) of the numerous Gov't agencies& inspections have made improvements very expensive & a large pain in the ---
hire a recreation coordinator to do proposal work, recreation maintenance of reserve areas, organize recreational activity schedules, do a monthly newsletter, organize volunteers, oversee fundraising activities& planning. Coord. To report to board.
This survey is an excellent idea. Thanks This is a difficult survey for us to complete. We get to our cabin perhaps once every 4 years ( but we sure enjoy it when we're there ) .We certainly support the MLCS & wish it well.
I think the skate rink at JC is good place for tennis courts because is already prepared & not so windy as McClintock PL. And would be a good place for coffee room for meetings. Most people are living here & neighbourhood. Greeting and good luck.
Pave existing skating rink for summer use such as volleyball tennis etc. I prefer a rural setting as is now available without amenities which are available to those who desire an urban environment.
Despite the neg. anti-building tone of my comments, I do believe that every community once it reaches a certain stage needs/deserves a community centre/meeting place. I just think the Marsh Lake community has reached that point.
Please - Whatever you have planned shall not effect property taxes.
Continue the hiking ski trails to join Grayling place I think a multi-use building is a wonderful idea, but I think it’s a long way down the road. In the meantime, we will help in whatever way we can. First-computer classes Congratulations to the Community Society for a job well done. Perhaps recreational activities could be also used as fundraising events. Eg. Trap & skeet tournaments, turkey shoots, or ping pong competition
Any/all services are appreciated
The Marsh Lake Community seems to be well equipped for winter activities such as rink/ski trails/etc The initial outlay is not as much as one would think considering volunteer labour etc. ( mountain view course in Whitehorse is a larger example ) Tourists would also make use of.
Good survey Recreational funds should be invested in infrastructure that enhances the differences & advantages of Marsh Lake residents 7 lifestyles rather than duplicating services available in Whitehorse. Public walking trails, multi use building, snowmobiling etc. would not support a multi use building in Judas Creek. Rec facilities S/B/ central for ball/soccer field for all activities
Better centralization of facilities to better serve the size of the hamlet ie. Firehall in Judas Creek when it covers the area to Yukon Crossing I think a community hall such as we had at the Marina is a great asset for courses in safety & also a gathering place for clubs such as water/snow related whether they would like to do such things as festivals would be their responsibility
"Note: Live in Whse. Use Marsh Lk. Property a few days per month. A different perspective perhaps from that of a full time resident.We have all the services WE need & have concerns about more "" govt."" impact on taxes for more services etc." would like to see more control over ATV's especially in beach/wetlands area Our community is very helpful & necessary. But I would approve for the Judas Creek area: all the govt. grants should kgo1st to fire dept before money spent on rec events for multi purpose bldg. Fire dept still needs a lot more equip. Security before rec. This was a outside type of rec survey. What we need is privacy Whitehorse is close. No need for buildings--expensive - require O&M expenses & staff.
With our population base we should lobby for School. Old Crow ( pop 195 re ) has one. Haines Junction ( 296 re) has one. Faro ( pop271 res) has one busing kids to Whse is dangerous & a hardship on kids. A school would solve many recreation needs & be good
Live in Whse., spend summer months at cabin. Community hall first, the neither activities will follow, depending on need & feelings of those using the facilities A recreation building should be used to school young children & as a church weekly
bedroom community via industry based comm.. Rural lifestyle is significantly different in nature to municipal, indust. Based use & sevices unless needs are met by the pop.. New uses will be short lived ie. Vacant buildings in other rural comm. I would like to see a recreation facility similar to Mt. Lorne but with a workout area. I am opposed to an office for RCMP. It would be nice to have Yoga classes, art, etc. Q11: ? Depends on what that was. Thanks for all your work on this. We have visiting grandchildren who would benefit from recreational improvements. Carpool for disabled and alone people-once a week. Would volunteer but no transportation and unable to walk that far!!….to FireHall, etc. 10. Most of facilities are at south end…. 7a. Need more information to answer this. 7c. NO!!! 7d. Like the idea, but need more information. Quite literally, I am neither here nor there over any of these issues mentioned, as I am not especially outgoing and lead a very quiet life out here. I clarify, neither am I against.
The ski trails at Judas Creek are great for walking in summer too. I am looking forward to the meeting at the Fire Hall on Sept. 25. I do miss the old marina. We are new residents. We are enjoying our new home and community. I started to fill out this form and stopped. First, I am just a week-end resident; Next, I think this wish list is a dream, not reality. Who will pay for this and maintain everything? I don't want to pay more taxes for things that I do not use….
By paving the rink we could do so many other activities, I.e., shuffleboard, basketball, road hockey, etc. The is NO need to create a $110,000 tennis court at M'Clintock Place when we could have a perfectly accessible court at the rink. I am very happy with New Constab just the way it is. We live in a small, quiet area because we choose to. If we wanted city amenities we would live in the city. There are already miles of trails in the area. 7c. Does not make sense. Why here? Why not Judas Creek? Renovate the hockey rink. 7i. There isn't one, nor will we support one. We live out of the city for a reason; get away from city life. We have biking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling,… We don't live in the Yukon. We visit every 2-3 yrs. Our son & family visit the cabin periodically. We don't feel qualified to meaningfully answer questions. Signed ?J. Hunter.
These lots wee purchased as recreational lots-not for permanent dwellers. Let's leave it that way.
Not interested in volunteering more time as I already groom hiking and snowmobile trails at Army Beach.
The Marsh Lake community needs a central gathering point to further develop a sense of community and strengthen bonds between the subdivisions. Regular events like dances, breakfasts, meeting/potlucks help us get to know each other better and can…
Build a proper pump-house at Army Beach where good drinking water could be obtained year round.
We only use the cottage on weekends, but the plan in 8-10 years is to live here for part of the year and the more things there are to do, the more it will make it comfortable in my retirement years. I sure miss the marina and hope that someone will…
As seasonal and holiday inhabitants only, we enjoy the peace and outdoors, so this form is not really relevant to us.
The property was purchased more than 15 years ago as recreational. Our primary residence is in the city where we already pay taxes that support recreation facilities. We are not anxious to see further development in the Marsh Lake Area nor wish… Need a nice coffee shop at M'Clintock place. Make it easier for private sector to start businesses. Miss Lakeview Marina. Add school, nurse station, RCMP to Rec Centre. Make Rec Centre state of art-solar panels, etc. Love the feeling of isolation. We can see the need for recreational facilities, especially for the kids. Our choice would be to have none though, as we enjoy the surroundings as it is. Ski trails, bird watching, etc., are OK to share…. "15. Entire question area crossed out with ""not at all"" written above it."
Tennis courts should be built in 2003. Recreation Hall to follow in 2-5 years. Plans for Recreation Hall to be completed within 2 years, to be built at least at M'Clintock Place.
Section 4 not completed as we do not live here.
"AS a 42 year summer resident of Army Beach, I would like the Army Beach community to stay as it is , but I guess you can't stop ""progress"". Do what the majority wants."
Question Mark by Section Four. Live in Whitehorse. Marsh Lake my get-a-way. Peace, tranquility preferred. That's what I like about it. If I were to move to M. L. full time, I'd be more concerned about having a local school before I'd worry about recreation. I am resigned to the fact… It's too far to Whitehorse. I find that after living here 9 yrs. At Judas Creek Sub. and 16 yrs. in Whitehorse, I have had enough of bush life and isolation of the Yukon and cold long winters. I need a change to experience more populated warmer places.. 15a. Top priority-Never! We feel this is a wish list taxpayers would have to pay for. Keep development to a minimum.
15. Top priority-If had a workout room, otherwise use would depend on available facilities. Second Priority-If it had an archery range. Fourth & Fifth Priority-Wouldn't use it personally, but would like to see more activities available for kids in area. Although I marked ball field & ski trails as priorities I really think the Marsh Lake area needs a gathering place, as the Marina was in the past. Bit I think more features obviously. Also don't want to pay long distance to Whitehorse
adult2 comments:
People with different interests can come together to one place where they each can pursue their own interests.
I would be concerned about structures &the ability for this community to operate & maintain them. However I would not be adverse to small hall for recreational/celebrating activities
for special events Library, bird watching , gardening If we wanted to enjoy all the recreational facilities we would have stayed in Whitehorse
Remain as is
living one of the premier loc. In Can. #2 - As a group can we pressure YTG transportation to pave the abominable chipseal stretching from McClintock pl. to campground. Engineering disgrace.
in this area & is our prime and much loved recreation area. Determining the location for the Community Bld will be more difficult than indicated. Marsh Lake is a ? Community with many interests & life styles. Funding & common issues re events will be difficult. Will help with ski trails
unless every area can afford should be located not at a central location but at the greatest population base. But I don't feel other areas should be penalized because they lack a larger pop. Base. When funds allow after main infrastructures are in place As seasonal residents we would support whatever facilities & services that the majority of the full time residents feel would enhance life in Marsh Lake. We still find the solitude and the natural setting the most endearing so we don't support a lot of development. However we recognize but recognize for permanent residents facilities will be important.
have their own agenda. I will always oppose development of any sort outside of town. Put money into playground at the Marsh Lake Day Use. This area is used by many, both from town & out here
Ill worded survey directed at residents forgetting this was ( and is ) a recreational area
Hire rec. coord. To write proposals & manage implementation. The 1st proposal is to pay for position. * No more talk of RCMP/taxes/zoning etc. when talking recreation. When the MLCS brings such items up it is out of their mandate & confuses the rec. issue
We live in a rural environment to avoid city-like amenities. Outdoor rec facilities in urban areas attract more people form the city, people who come only because of the facilities.
The Old Marina site could be used as an area for multi-use building & possibly incorporate a private/com partnership to cover o& M
often inconvenient to or impractical to visit facilities at Whitehorse often #15 all good ideas but we need know more about demographics of area to prioritize use
I would like to see a tennis court at McClintock Place for several reasons -It is a great sport which enhances cardio-vascular efficiency - it appeals to all age groups - everyone owns a pair of runners, the cost of a racket & balls is minimal. To promote Agrees
clearing skating & trails for public use or Marsh Lake would attract other uses beyond our community ( can you imagine a5 km skating loop along the lake every winter. expensive infrastructure lead to expensive O&M Require a central facility available total Marsh Lake residents
Desperately need hiking or walking trails service or interconnect as many as possible. Encourage more restaurants, B & Bs reception areas I would start with a soccer field somewhere families can get together in the summer & more hiking & XC ski trails in winter. We really miss the Marina
if we have a child, may move closer to people & rec facilities
if people need more possibilities for organized rec they should move closer to Whse. I am against to build a city atmosphere here in our nice rural area. Please respect my opinion also
It would be a shame to have Marsh Lake too commercialized, taking away the atmosphere & reason why people like to live there or spend summer there A place to enjoy & relax
Build a community hall & hopefully it would be used like the one in Tagish. So many affairs cold be held there.
Here we need an ice rink that needs to be AVAILABLE for a full season of skating. Flooded & snow removed at the least. If this is done activities could be scheduled
Q11: doesn't understand question. What is an example of non-rec use. Very important to plan for central use of facilities. Judas Cr Facilities would not be used, would go to Whse.
Would be nice for some of us with no vehicle to attend meetings, etc., closer to home!!! 14c. Music festival ++++ 16a. Winter too cold to hitchhike! Osteo-arthritis.
If people want such a big wish list, they should have stayed in town.
Feasibility study for a shuttle service to town. Leave the area the way it is. Those who want festivals and gyms, etc., should go to town. If every community becomes all developed, soon there won't be any untouched areas left. Extra amenities will only result in extra people, noise and garbage. "snowshoeing, boating, soccer, baseball, etc., out our back door. We prefer the PEACE and QUIET. If such a need for tennis courts, why not renovate ice rink to make it more versatile, keeping activities ""central"", if you can call Judas Creek central."
You have screwed up something that is hard to come by-peace & quiet. A music festival could be I collaboration with another event (ie.) Loppet or Winter Festival. Available for volunteering only after retirement, when available.
subsidize the O & M. I love living at Marsh Lake because of the solitude and natural surroundings. I feel that if people want more facilities and events they should choose to live in Whitehorse.
eventually rebuild a restaurant. The marina was definitely the focal point for a number of years and was a great place to meet with the locals on a Friday night, so a recreation building is a great idea.
to pay higher taxes to support same!
"The multi-use facility could be a showcase for ""best practices"" for buildings. It's central location in the community will have a unifying effect." Others can see our beautiful surroundings.
"that Marsh Lake is a bedroom community and no longer a recreational area, my preference is to leave it as cottage country, not turn it into another Whitehorse. I like the ski trails at Judas Creek and tennis courts OK. No more ""Thunder on Ice"" events!" in Canada. I think this is the way a lot of people feel as they get older and want new challenges. So, no amount of recreation facilities will greatly improve my lifestyle. There are excellent recreational facilities opportunities as it is at present. ditto
Volunteering-usually available to help out.
A survey w/# in corner to ID each survey is if not illegal is immoral. How can anyone answer w/o fear of social repercussions by you and your "in" crowd. If our answers are not to your liking I'm sure you will go ahead with your plans as set out irregardless
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A note on why the surveys were numbered: The surveys were mailed and then handed out to the lots where a survey was not mailed back from. The Planning committee had no way of knowing if there were duplications, as we sent them 2 opportunities to do the survey. Having a number on the survey allowed us to check to see if there were duplications from the same lot number. People were encouraged to identify themselves on the first page: "5. Which sub-division and lot number you live at? We are asking you to identify your sub-division and lot number so we can track who has not returned a survey and make a second attempt to include them. If you do not want to put your lot # on this form, please phone 660-4603 and leave a message with your lot number after you return the survey. "
I am happy to report that 160 of the 171 people returning the surveys included their lot number (93.5 %)