Tomorrow is the big day. Starting Wednesday, Sept. 1 residents of Cranbrook are being invited by the City to fill out an Urban Deer Resident Survey and make their opinions known so they can help shape the deer management strategy.

“The survey itself only takes about ten minutes to fill out and will only be available through the City of Cranbrook website, with the deadline to submit a survey set for Friday, September 24,” said Chris Zettel, corporate communications officer with the City.

The City recognizes some people may not have access to a computer so there will be one set up in the lobby at City Hall (40 10th Avenue South) where people can fill out the survey.

The voluntary community survey on the urban deer issue was a recommendation made by Ministry of Environment Staff to the City. It has been established as a key component of the City’s process to developing an urban deer management strategy and the intent of it is to gauge the extent of the issue and gather public opinion. The survey also asks residents their views on potential management options that could be undertaken.

Residents are strongly encouraged to review the Ministry of Environment report “British Columbia Urban Ungulate Conflict Analysis — Summary Report of Municipalities” before filling out the survey. A link to the report will be provided in the survey introduction.

“People certainly have some varied opinions on whether or not there is a deer problem and some equally varied opinions on what people think should be done,” says Zettel. “We want to hear all of those opinions from as many people as possible. That information will play a big part in developing the urban deer management strategy.”

Zettel is expecting the survey will generate a lot of activity on the City’s website the first few days it is available.

“We have taken precautions to ensure the website can handle the expected increase in traffic volume, however, there is still a possibility we could see some delays with the site,” he said. “The deadline to complete the online survey is Friday, September 24, so you have plenty of time to tell us your thoughts. I strongly encourage residents to fill out the survey, but please not all on the first day.”

The results of the survey will be provided to a special committee to review and then assist Council in its consideration of a course of action.

The City is currently seeking to fill five resident positions on the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee. Volunteer application forms are available at City Hall or on the website (www.cranbrook.ca). Applications will be accepted at City Hall, attention Chris Zettel no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3.