Quality of Life Survey Complete
By 250 News
The latest Quality of Life Survey for Prince George has been completed and the results suggest residents of Prince George are more satisfied today than they were two years ago when the last survey was conducted.
Two thousand surveys were sent out to homes in Prince George, and more than 400 were returned. That would represent about one half of one percent of the over all population, but Mayor Colin Kinsley says the return rate (20%) is considered high.
The results are considered accurate + or - 5 % points, 19 out of 20 times.
There were higher levels of satisfaction with their jobs, financial security, recreational activities and self esteem.
- The average age of the people who returned the survey was 52, (alittleolder than previous surveys which had an average of 44 years.)
- The majority, (65.4%) were married.
- 51.2% were employed full time,
- 8.0% employed part time, and
- 23.3 % retired.
- 84% support efforts with the Regional District to put future major industrial operations outside of the City’s Airshed.
- 65% believe industrial development in the city is having an unfavourable impact on the quality of life in residential neighbourhoods
When it comes to housing, the preferred form of housing is a single detached family home (96%)
88% were satisfied with their current housing, and most (65%) don’t expect to be pressed for housing in the next five years.
The two most significant housing related issues in Prince George were identified as the supply of housing for the elderly (28%) and the quality of housing for the elderly (14%)
When comparing satisfaction with City Services over the past four years, the highest satisfaction ratings ( somewhat or very satisfied) were given to Fire prevention, the Civic Centre and library services.
Here is how some of the services fared (all percentages include somewhat and very satisfied):
Service | 2003 % | 2004 % | 2007 % |
Fire Protection | 90.2 | 96.4 | 97.2 |
Civic Centre | 88.8 | 98.8 | 98.5 |
Arenas/multiplex | 88.9 | 95.2 | 96.2 |
Garbage Collection | 89.8 | 90.5 | 96.2 |
Police Protection | 85.2 | 77.7 | 91.8 |
Snow Control | 78 | 70.7 | 84.8 |
Road and Street Maintenance | 33.5 | 34.3 | 54. |
According to the survey, the top concerns as outlined by the survey are:
| Concern | % Who Identified it As a Concern |
| Environment | 74.8 |
| Housing Affordability | 67.2 |
| Broadening Economic Base | 61.3 |
| Job Creation | 55.7 |
| Industrial Growth and Development | 55.4 |
Urban Design : (having attractive new buildings in the community | 52.7 |
Although there were clear indications that affordable housing for seniors is a concern, Councilor Deborah Munoz says she looks at this survey as an opportunity to make connections between economic and social proactices, in particular affordable housing for all citizens, and she certainly will pay even more attention to matters as they relate to environmental issues.
Councilor Don Zurowski wonders if the changing in the time of the year for the survey has anything to do with the answers that may have come on issues like potholes. He suggested that If the survey is done in the spring (as it was this year) people may be more aware of pothole issues, and not so concerned with issues of snow removal.
The full report can be accessed on the City of Prince George's "Public Consultation " page on the City's website.
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Posted by: diplomat on June 26 2007 8:48 AM
66% thought that industrial development is having an unfavourable impact on the quality of life of the city, with 88% of those naming air emissions as the cause.
That means 58% of respondents thought that air emissions have an unfavourable impact on the quality of life in PG. That has been high on the list for a number of surveys. So what is being done about it? Very little! Stop your backyard burning.
Wish it would be that simple, eh?
What is this about the potholes?
�Councilor Don Zurowski wonders if the changing in the time of the year for the survey has anything to do with the answers that may have come on issues like potholes. He suggested that If the survey is done in the spring (as it was this year) people may be more aware of pothole issues, and not so concerned with issues of snow removal.�
I am not sure where he gets that from.
Here is what the report says:
� In 2003 - 33.5% were satisfied with road and street maintenance
� In 2005 � 34.3% were satisfied.
� In 2007 � 54% were satisfied.
Snow control for the same three years � 78.0% satisfaction; 70.7% satisfaction; 84.8% satisfaction
In fact, the jump in road maintenance satisfaction is phenomenal compared to others.
Interestingly all jumped to a greater satisfaction rating. On top of that, more than ever before want to pay more taxes if they get better service. Seems to be the opposite of the opinions on this site.