By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: July 9, 2012
Economy, growth, and transportation are the biggest concerns of Squamish residents, a district-commissioned Ipsos-Reid survey has found.
Unemployment ranked high up as a major concern, with 19 per cent of those surveyed saying it was the most pressing issue in town.
Ipsos Reid interviewed 300 people on phone, between May 8 and May 17, to gauge resident satisfaction and quality of life.
The findings were recently made public: Closely following unemployment in top-of-the-mind issues was attracting business (9 per cent) and the economy in general (8 per cent).
Waterfront development (7 per cent), downtown development (5 per cent), and growth in general were other issues topping our mental landscape.
Despite the economic anxiety, an overwhelming majority (96 per cent) feel the quality of life remains good, although it has stayed the same for 53 per cent of those surveyed.
The survey also probed resident satisfaction with the district, and here the survey is open to interpretation.
In a media release, the district has claimed eight out of 10 residents are satisfied with the customer service they received at the district.
Although 68 per cent residents said they were satisfied with municipal operations, only about seven per cent were very satisfied.
There are similar results with council.
Although 69 per cent said they were satisfied with the council, only 6 per cent said they were very satisfied.
Over 90 percent said they were satisfied with district services, but only 20 per cent were very satisfied.
“This survey is invaluable in that it shows council and staff where we need to focus our efforts,” said Mayor Rob Kirkham.
“We also need to continue to work through transportation and transit issues our district faces, he added.
Council approved funding of the survey in April 24, 2012.
Nate Dolha says
Hmmm, a survey of 300 people out of 17 000 shouldn’t seem ‘invaluable’ to anyone…