This survey is not an initiative of
the Town of Oliver, please do not
contact the municipal hall for
information regarding this survey
February 9, 2016
Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program
The Sterile Insect Release (SIR) Program is an area-wide and environmentally friendly
approach to managing the codling moth, one of the BC tree fruit industry's most damaging
and costly pests. The SIR Program operates in the fruit growing areas of the Okanagan,
Similkameen and Shuswap Valleys, where the tree fruit industry makes a major contribution
to the region’s economy, and plays an important role in the lives of residents and commercial
growers. The SIR approach to insect pest control is an alternative to using pesticides to
control insect pests. Since its implementation, SIR has dramatically reduced codling moth
populations throughout the program area while reducing the need for toxic pesticide sprays.
However, in order to be effective, the SIR process must be continued on an annual basis.
A researcher from the Okanagan School of Business, at Okanagan College, is currently
conducting a survey of residential property owners in the Regional District. The goal of this
study is to measure the value of the Sterile Insect Release Program to residents of the
Regional District. The results of this research will provide valuable insight into how to
increase the benefits of the program to the community. Funding for the research has been
provided by the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program.
We expect the survey will take approximately five minutes. From this survey we are
interested in collecting information related to how you feel about the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pesticide use and the environment
Pesticide use and animal health
Pesticide use and food safety
Pesticide drift onto residential properties
Your willingness to support the SIR program
There are no known physical, emotional, psychological or financial harms associated with
your participation.
Your participation in this survey is voluntary. You have the right to refuse to participate or to
withdraw from the survey at any time. You also have the right to leave any questions
unanswered. Please be assured that your responses will be treated with strict confidentiality.
No names appear on the questionnaire and results will be reported for the entire survey rather
than on an individual basis.
At the conclusion of this project reports and publications will be produced including
scholarly papers published in recognized journals of economics, and rural development.
Version Date: February 27, 2014
If you have any questions, please contact me by telephone (250) 762-5445 (local 4289) or email lcartier@okanagan.bc.ca. Furthermore, if you have any questions about your rights as a
research subject you may contact the Chair of the Research Ethics Board through the
Okanagan College Office of Research Services at 250-762-5445 (local 4561). This project
has been approved by Research Ethics Board at Okanagan College.
Upon your completion of the survey form and its return to the researcher, it will be assumed
that your consent has been given to use the information collected.
Thank you,
Lee Cartier, P.Ag.
Professor
Okanagan School of Business
Follow this link to the Anonymous Survey:
https://okanaganschoolofbus.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2hhfyPvL2S6zkTb
Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program
Survey of Residents
The SIR program is partially funded by a Regional District residential land value tax. The
land tax levy is approximately $10.50/year for a typical residence in the
Okanagan/Similkameen/Shuswap region. Residents of the regional district derive many
benefits from their support of the SIR program, such as:





Cash savings for residents that no longer have to hire commercial pesticide services
to spray their home apple (including ornamental crab apple) and pear trees.
Improved health due to a reduction in the amount of pesticides in the environment,
and from the handling of these pesticides.
A reduction in pesticide residues found in locally produced produce.
Protection of household pets, livestock, wildlife, and beneficial insects, such as
honey bees, that might otherwise be harmed by the use of pesticides.
A reduction of pesticide spray drift onto neighboring residential properties.
Please answer the following six questions.
1. Do you currently own property within the regional district boundary?
Y
N
2. Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements.
Strongly
disagree
a.
b.
c.
Disagree
Neither
agree or
disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
I prefer that my home garden and
fruit trees remain pesticide free.
Reducing the amount of pesticides
used by farmers and pest control
companies contributes to a
healthier environment for my family.
I prefer to purchase fruit that is
produced using fewer pesticides.
3 If you were given a choice, what is the maximum amount of property tax/year would you
be willing to pay to support the SIR program in the region? Select only one property tax
rate.
$6.00
$8.00
$10.00
$12.00
$14.00
I do not want to support
the SIR program
4. If you selected “I do not want to support the SIR program”, please tell us why you are
unwilling to support the SIR program. Otherwise please go to question 5.
5. In which Regional District is your principle residence? Select only one Regional District.
Okanagan Similkameen
Central Okanagan
North Okanagan
Columbia Shuswap
6. What year were you born?
Thank you for your participation.