Caroline residents sound off in newly-released ‘What We Heard’ report

Caroline residents had a lot to say about the community’s future in recently released results of a What We Heard survey from Clearwater County.

Residents generally indicated that the hamlet of Caroline has a strong sense of community, has many friendly, helpful residents, but also stressed that improving infrastructure and housing should be priorities for the community’s future.

A number of respondents also took the survey as an opportunity to voice continued opposition to a proposed solar farm project on the northeast end of the community.

“I feel that the solar farm project in our community is a huge mistake; it takes away from the natural beauty [of our region] and discourages new residential growth” said one resident while another wrote “I do not think we need a solar farm in Caroline”.

About 75 people attended in-person sessions Feb. 3 at the Caroline Community Hub, while another seven participated in a virtual meeting Feb. 5. In total, 59 community surveys were also returned as Clearwater County works to draft a new Area Structure Plan (ASP) for the hamlet.

Local amenities were widely praised, including the K-12 school, library, medical clinic, grocery store and the Caroline Community Hub.

The hamlet’s location was another strength identified by residents. Many described Caroline as a gateway to Alberta’s west country, with close access to lakes, rivers, trails and the mountains.

At the same time, infrastructure issues were a commonly raised concern.

Residents pointed to road conditions, potholes, aging water and sewer systems, street lighting and sidewalk accessibility as areas needing improvement. Snow removal and general infrastructure maintenance were also noted.

Respondents also mentioned the need to address unsightly properties, improve the appearance of main street and upgrade parks, particularly Edna Topp Park.

Other residents lamented about a perceived lack of vitality in the community, as one recalled a time when the community was busier and another said Caroline “will never grow”.

As a majority of respondents indicated they were at least 50 years old, housing for seniors was also identified as a priority. Residents said the community needs improved seniors housing options and assisted living services to allow older residents to remain in Caroline as they age.

Graph outlining ages of Caroline residents who completed a recent Area Structure Plan (ASP) survey. (Source: Clearwater County/What We Heard survey)

In addition, a majority of survey respondents indicated they were longtime residents with a majority saying they’ve lived in the community over 21 years.

Results of a survey asking Caroline residents “How long have you lived in Caroline?” (Source: Clearwater County/What We Heard survey)

Other commonly mentioned priorities included expanding recreation opportunities such as walking and biking trails, a dog park, youth programming and potential amenities like a pool or splash park.

Economic development also emerged as a concern, with residents expressing interest in attracting more businesses to the community. Suggestions included a car wash, hotel or motel accommodations and additional industrial servicing to encourage development.

Some residents also raised concerns about crime, including theft, drugs and transient activity, and called for increased police presence.

Planning exercises during the engagement sessions also identified possible locations for future residential growth, commercial development along Highway 54 and expanded recreation amenities near existing community facilities.

However, potential development constraints were also noted, including pipeline setbacks, the sewage lagoon buffer zone and aging infrastructure that currently limits expansion.

Clearwater County officials say the feedback gathered through the engagement process will help shape a vision statement and draft Area Structure Plan for the hamlet.

A draft plan of the ASP is expected to be presented to residents later this spring for further feedback before being considered by county council.

You can see the entire survey result on Clearwater County’s website.

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