RDEK Area A & Tourism Fernie Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2022 | Seite 26

• Government process / regulations / support / collaboration
• Insurance
• Trail closures / damage / maintenance / access
• Lack of accommodations
• Weather
Area A Businesses provided comments on the benefits of tourism and / or recreation to their business. The top responses were:
• Economic growth and diversity
• Without it, business wouldn’ t exist
• Generates jobs, revenues for other businesses, revenues, profits, new amenities / trails / assets / product
Area A Businesses also provided comments on particular places within Area A front / back-country where they felt there were needs and / or challenges / issues related to increased recreation and / or tourism activity. The top responses were:
• Elk River o Access improvements( roads, parking, launches) o Safety improvements( launches, signage, education) o Facility / amenity improvements

DRAFT

( garbage, toilets, picnic areas)
• Trails o Trailhead improvements( signage, parking, garbage, toilets, etc) o Improve connectivity of existing trails o Heiko’ s access and amenity improvements( Hartley Rd, trailhead, access) o Improve / more collaboration with landowners to improve access, safety, trails, opportunities to recreate / explore, events o Resource industry challenges – logging, closures, access, visuals, safety o Ptolemy Trail improvements since 2013 flood
Area A Businesses provided comments on the top 3 priorities / actions for this project to consider. The top responses were: 1. Improved trailheads, more trails / connectivity, trail maintenance 2. Improved river access and amenities / facilities 3. Signage( education, safety, rules, etc) 4. River protection and clean up 5. More consistent enforcement 6. Employee housing
Area A Businesses provided comments on the most simple, fast and cost-effective actions for this project to consider. The top responses were:
• Build trails, connectivity and improve trailheads
• Signage
• Improve river access and facilities
• Road improvements( Hartley, River, etc)
• User-fee collection, government support / collaboration
Area A Businesses provided comments on ideas, visions, initiatives, opportunities of interest related to tourism & recreation in Area A. The top responses were:
• Collaborating more, especially with NGO groups and government on opportunities to improve trails and river use, create more plans and coordination, opportunity to work with AB & BC connectivity
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