CAO Survey - Communications

Comments and Suggestions on Staff

On the helpfulness of ALC staff:

good for technical information (Cariboo Regional District)
staff always respond to questions and provide requested information (Burnaby)
they try, but staff discussions/agreements don’t seem to transfer to the Commission table (Chilliwack)
staff was readily available and willing to spend time answering questions and discussing the application (Coquitlam)
usually information exchanges are accurate and thorough (Langley City)
always someone available to clarify process or provide direction (Nanaimo)
staff changes - not being available (Penticton)
knowledgeable staff (Quesnel)
all phone calls and requests for information are promptly dealt with (Richmond)
they have been helpful (Surrey)
staff accessible and knowledgeable about our municipality and issues faced (Delta)
staff very helpful — Gordon Bednard and Julie Glover (Central Saanich)
staff we dealt with were very knowledgeable about the area, and helpful in finding solutions to problems (Lake Country)
very responsive to answering telephone inquiries from local gov’t planning staff on ALC proposals prior to a formal referral being made to ALC (Mission)
staff very knowledgeable and helpful (Pitt Meadows)
our distinct impression is that they don’t listen to our comments and they have already predetermined their decision prior to site inspection or meeting with jurisdictional reps (Sicamous)
always prompt in responding to calls, emails (Fraser Valley Regional District)
staff were helpful in assisting with application procedures (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
staff turnover led to less knowledgeable staff working on files that they had not viewed nor been privy to the Commissioners’ comments during tour and discussions (Peace River Regional District)
local government staff a lot of the time have had more experience answering people’s questions than ALC staff. Common answer when you ask a question is "have them submit and application" (Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako)
Responses to staff questions and concerns are returned in a timely manner. Staff has generally been kept up to date regarding applications in process. During the short time that the new Act and revised Commission have been in place, ALC staff have consistently been communicative (Regional District of Central Okanagan)
the total lack of consultation with the RDCS re: the Ducks Unlimited boundary extension and the entire Courtenay Flats matter - no correspondence from ALC on RDCS staff recommendations (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona)
a prompt response time (Regional District of East Kootenay)
our interactions with staff are limited...interaction with staff to date has been satisfactory (Regional District of Mount Waddington)
poor knowledge of the area and specific circumstances - unrealistic recommendations (Gibsons)
too prescriptive (Keremeos)
knowledgeable, accessible (Thompson-Nicola Regional District)

On the impartiality of ALC staff:

staff allow local government opportunity to forward recommendations on applications without bias (Burnaby)
they are honest and believe in what they do (Chilliwack)
staff pointed out factors and issues supporting application as well as those that would suggest rejection (Coquitlam)
there is often too much collective memory which stifles the ability of staff to deal with a current problem in a current context (Kelowna)
general absence of personal views (Langley City)
staff always present a balanced response to inquiries (Richmond)
could be more consultative when developing policies; staff availability is not adequate (Surrey)
staff represent the view of their Commission when discussing issues which have been decided on; prior to that time staff act in an impartial manner dictated by their legislation (Delta)
new regulation much clearer (Pitt Meadows)
no obvious changes by staff to adjust to new format - still stuck in past administrative process (Sicamous)
willing to listen to staff position (Fraser Valley Regional District)
no issues arose that required comment (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
seem to be but can’t really know that from limited dealings (Regional District of East Kootenay)
naturally ALC staff are very protective (i.e. and biased) of maintaining a ‘no net loss’ approach to ALC designated lands proposals (Mission)
staff have a built in bias toward ALR preservation, therefore difficult to be totally objectiv (Thompson-Nicola Regional District)
not willing to see our side of the issue (Creston)
report on latest application very one-sided (Gibsons)
staff has always behaved professionally and objectively with us (Regional District of Mount Waddington)

On the communicativeness of ALC staff:

helpful with maps, information, etc. (Cariboo Regional District)
always respond to inquiries (Burnaby)
they get back to us in a reasonably timely manner (Chilliwack)
staff took time to explain policies and procedures; left impression that we were welcome to contact them (Coquitlam)
sometimes response time to telephone requests are slow (Langley City)
information events sponsored by ALC are beneficial especially given the rapid changes (Nanaimo)
staff are very helpful and respond to questions (Penticton)
staff give honest advice (Richmond)
staff time constraints the only limitations to communication (Delta)
very willing to spend time discussing problems (Pitt Meadows)
only receive responses when we complain - long convoluted (unnecessary) process, mixed messages have been consistently misleading - site visit comments vs. written responses conflict (Sicamous)
will call us in order to clarify things not just us calling the ALC (Fraser Valley Regional District)
staff were able to explain the steps required in the processing of an application (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
definite gaps exist in communication within local government by the Commission (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona)
not aware of any current difficulties (Regional District of East Kootenay)
staff have always communicated well with us (Regional District of Mount Waddington)
there is a propensity to keep ALC decisions confidential until a written resolution has been issued (Thompson-Nicola Regional District)
slow to react and painfully slow to see our situation (Creston)
difficult to get in touch with (Gibsons)
I have good telephone discussions with Martin Collins - views can be exchanged frankly and honestly (Spallumcheen)

On professionalism of staff:

prompt, courteous (Cariboo Regional District)
staff, courteous, efficient and helpful (Coquitlam)
staff act in a professional manner (Delta)
always dealt with in a high order of professionalism (Pitt Meadows)
extremely so, to benefit Commission only but appear unapproachable to public citizens or other bodies (Sicamous)
staff were able to explain ALR legislation and policies and were prompt with responses to questions (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
appropriate attitude and presentation (Regional District of East Kootenay)
staff are cooperative within limits, practice ethical behavior and strive to acquire the knowledge and technical support necessary to carry out their responsibilities in an expeditious manner (Thompson-Nicola Regional District)

On courtesy:

excellent people skills (Langley City)
polite, friendly (Penticton)
staff are polite and pleasant to deal with (Richmond)
staff are always courteous (Delta)
very helpful and attentive (Pitt Meadows)
have an intimidating manner to the general public (Sicamous)
staff appeared to always have time to deal with officials’ questions or with the applicant’s questions (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
if proper communication had occurred a more definitive qualitative answer could have been provided (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona)
because they are! (Regional District of East Kootenay)
staff have been professional with us, as well as courteous (Regional District of Mount Waddington)
staff are always friendly, efficient and prompt (Thompson-Nicola Regional District)