The residents of Erieau are being asked how they want their community to evolve over the next decade or two.
The Erieau Community Association and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent have launched an online survey to get input from residents and business owners in Erieau about the future of the community.
Sharon Pfaff, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee at the Erieau Community Association, said the results of the survey will be brought up at a public meeting scheduled for April 30, 2022.
"We're not 100 per cent sure what we're going to see. There's a fair bit of diversity in the community. There are the multi-generational families that are here, folks that are seasonal residents, and then there are folks that live here all year round," said Pfaff.
Pfaff said there are the usual concerns in Erieau such as shoreline erosion and the economy, but there's also the worry that housing is becoming unaffordable and the village will start losing families.
"Shoreline erosion is definitely a concern and some economic concerns about the cost of property in Erieau," she said.
Pfaff said she would love to see tours showcasing the days when Erieau was a popular playground for tourists much like Chatham-Kent does with the Underground Railroad.
"Erieau was seen as a huge community for social events. There was a huge hotel where people would come across the lake from Cleveland. Of course in those days there was a huge beach," Pfaff said.
Leo Heuvelmans, Chair of Erieau Community Association, said the survey will give community leaders a chance to begin developing a vision for the village along Lake Erie.
"We love Erieau, and we want to make sure it continues to be a beautiful place to live and visit," said Heuvelmans. "The Erieau we have today is different than that of decades ago and we recognize that things will change in the years to come. It’s time to review the priorities of the community."
Heuvelmans said the goal is to develop a multi-year strategic plan for Erieau based on the projects which are prioritized by the community. He said the plan will provide direction for fundraising activities and the allocation of funds.
Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said local involvement is key.
"We will be exploring all elements of our community’s Strategic Plan - – Economic Prosperity, Healthy and A Safe Community, People & Culture and Environmental Sustainability," said Shropshire. "Involvement by the residents and business owners of Erieau is essential."
The survey can be found here and it is open until March 31.
