The 2019 TLA membership survey (distributed in the summer) consisted of 10 questions, with response formats ranging from multiple choice to measures of intensity to open-ended questions. In total, we collected 169 responses from the 424 surveys that were distributed.
Respondents indicated that the three most important issues for the TLA were (in order): Promotion of the Tenets; Environmental Protection; and, Relationships with Full-Time Residents (Q1). At the same time, our seasonal-resident members generally look forward to “escaping” during their limited vacations, and social interaction is mostly within their respective Lake neighborhoods (Q9). They try to support local merchants where they can.
Strength of support for the Tenets was probed (Q5), as were member views toward development on the Lake (Q4). The Tenets remain at the core of member principles, but some members also support the idea that some development is important when in close proximity to the Town of Temagami.
Of the services provided by the TLA (Q2), members ranked the following most favorably (in order): Zoning Review and Oversight (related to development in Q4); Water Quality Testing; and, Publication of the Temagami Times.
Members believe that the TLA is important and effective, and most indicated that it supports their interests (Q6). Our relatively stable membership numbers further reinforce this evaluation.
In the open-ended question at the end of the survey (Q10), members’ concerns were highly varied. Key issues of concern not covered in the survey, but articulated by members, included:
• environmental issues
• invasive species (with an emphasis on education)
• taxes
• cellphone service
• communication and interaction with Temagami First Nation and Permanent Residents
• the new Official Plan
• health/vibrancy of the Town of Temagami
• Lake Temagami Access Road and landing area issues
Questions 7 and 8 related to member participation on the TLA Board of Directors and various Committees. Some members indicated interest in this regard.
Graphic representations of responses to Questions 1 to 6, and Question 9 can be found here: TLA Member Survey 2019 (Summary)