District of Invermere Launches Two Community Engagement Surveys This Summer

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Residents, visitors, business owners, and community partners invited to share their voice on District services and the community’s future

The District of Invermere has launched two community engagement surveys this summer, giving residents, visitors, business owners, and community partners a chance to share their thoughts on the services the District provides and the long-term vision for the community’s future.

The surveys are part of a wider engagement plan that also includes in person opportunities throughout the summer. District staff will be at the following community events with poster boards, an interactive downtown map, and paper copies of both surveys, so residents can share their thoughts on the spot:

  • Movies in the Mountains (Movies at Pothole Park): Mondays evenings
  • Locals Live (Music at Pothole Park): Wednesday evenings
  • Invermere Farmers’ Market (12th Street): Saturdays
  • Kinsmen Beach: Saturdays
  • Seniors Yoga (Columbia Valley Centre): Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Seniors Fitness (Columbia Valley Centre): Tuesdays and Thursdays

About the Surveys

The District split this engagement into two separate surveys to keep each one focused and easy to complete. The Services Survey looks at the day-to-day services residents rely on, like roads, water, and parks. The Community Vision Survey looks further ahead at long term growth and the future of key properties downtown. Splitting the feedback this way gives residents a chance to give thoughtful answers, without either topic getting lost in one long survey.

Services Survey

The District delivers a wide range of services. Some are required by provincial or federal law, while others are provided based on community priorities. This survey asks residents how important each service is to them, how satisfied they are with the way it is delivered, and which parts of each service matter most. It covers:

  • Bylaw: the local laws covering parking, noise, property upkeep, and animal control, enforced by District staff. This service costs the average taxpayer about $27 a year.
  • Roads, Streets, Sidewalks & Transportation: keeping District owned roads, pathways, and sidewalks in good repair, including snow clearing, line painting, and accessibility upgrades. This service costs the average taxpayer about $308 a year.
  • Sewer: collecting wastewater from homes and businesses and treating it before it is returned safely to the environment. This service costs the average taxpayer about $587 a year.
  • Water: treating, testing, and delivering safe drinking water to every connected home and business, along with fire hydrant service. This service costs the average taxpayer about $502 a year.
  • Parks & Recreation: maintaining District parks, trails, beaches, playgrounds, and green spaces across the community. This service costs the average taxpayer about $240 a year.
  • Events, Facilities & Culture: running public facilities like the Columbia Valley Centre and supporting community events, arts, and culture. This service costs the average taxpayer about $49 a year.
  • Planning, Development & Community Services: guiding what gets built and where, through the Official Community Plan, zoning, development and building permits, and business licensing. This service costs the average taxpayer about $188 a year.
  • Garbage, Recycling & Waste Services: curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and organics, plus support for the Invermere Transfer Station. This service costs the average taxpayer about $311 a year.

Community Vision Survey

This survey asks residents to help shape a shared vision for Invermere’s future. It covers:

  • Community growth
  • Ideas for three District owned properties in the downtown, including the Old Community Hall Site, the empty lot next to the Youth Hub, and the empty lot at the approach into town across from Pothole Park
  • What makes Invermere feel like a complete community

Each survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. The District will not collect residents’ names or any other identifying information unless they choose to share it in their answers.

‘These surveys are about making sure the decisions Council makes reflect what our residents actually want,” said Mayor Al Miller. “Whether it’s how we deliver everyday services or how we move forward with those key downtown properties, this is Invermere’s chance to help shape the future of our community, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say.”

How to Participate

Residents can complete either survey online using the links below, fill out a paper copy in person at community events throughout the summer and at the District office, or access them through the District’s website. QR codes linking to both surveys are posted at service information boards around the community and included in printed brochures.

 

 

What’s Next

Both surveys will remain open until the end of September. Feedback gathered through the surveys and in-person events will help guide Council’s decisions on service levels, spending, and long-term planning documents like the Official Community Plan.

Learn More

To complete a survey or learn more about the District’s community engagement plans this summer, visit invermere.net or follow the links above.

Media Contact

  • District of Invermere Communications
  • communications@invermere.net
  • 250-342-9281
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