Opinion Poll: BC Views on Land Use, Sustainability, and Rural Planning

Through a public opinion survey, the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) found that British Columbians value nature and the environment, desire a sustainable economic future, and support stiff penalties for people and organizations who pollute land and water.

These findings are examined in a report released today by REFBC.

Poll results show that the word “sustainability” resonates strongly with BC residents. When forced to choose, three times as many prioritized “environmental protection” (69%) over “economic growth” (24%).

When asked about future economic scenarios that appealed to them, participants were most likely to select scenarios with environmental themes, like “sustainable economy” (53%), “clean energy economy” (34%), and “green economy” (25%). In contract, labels like “industrial economy” (9%) and “extraction economy” (3%) rated poorly.

When asked about different land use concepts, poll participants were most familiar with general terms like “sustainable land use management” (53%) and “sustainable land use” (49%). Specialized terms like “cumulative impacts” (39%), “ecosystem-based management” (36%), and “natural capital” (34%) were more likely to confuse audiences.

Other survey highlights include:

81% of BC residents support “strong penalties, including jail time, for people and companies who pollute or severely damage natural habitat”.
86% of BC residents agree with “we are neighbours and friends and we need to live together” as a reason to support First Nations inclusion in land use planning.
The top five land use priorities for British Columbia, as rated by poll participants, are: “habitat for birds, fish, and wildlife” (66%), “local food security” (62%), “large-scale wind, solar, and geothermal power” (61%), “parks and protected areas” (60%), and “natural watersheds” (54%).
The majority of British Columbians, in most regions, say they are “extremely” or “very concerned” about climate change. Concern is highest in the Lower Mainland (62%) and on Vancouver Island (59%).

The survey was commissioned by REFBC as part of a research project on sustainable land use trends and values in British Columbia. BC-based McAllister Opinion Research conducted the poll in July 2018. The survey is accurate to within +/- 2.41%, 19 times out of 20.

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Published on: 22nd Jan 2019