Predicting views on private shoreline development in Ontario's historical waterways: results from an online survey

Private development on shoreline environments has many implications for ecological systems and understanding the social context can help authorities and conservation groups appropriately manage its impacts. This article presents findings from an online non-random sample survey to identify potential factors that may predict individuals’ views on private development on the shorelines of two historic waterways in Ontario: the Rideau Canal (RC) and Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW). Using exploratory multinomial logistic regression analysis, we found that overall perception of environmental threat, perception of shoreline development as a threat, ownership of waterfront property, and type of usage of the waterways are significant predictors of views on private shoreline development in the RC and TSW among respondents to the survey. Authorities and conservation groups can use these results to better anticipate the reactions of individuals and groups to private development projects and tailor engagement programs with property owners and other stakeholders.