More Thunder Bay residents satisfied with city life: survey
Thunder Bay council reviews results of Ipsos Reid survey
The latest numbers from the Thunder Bay's Citizen Satisfaction Survey show more residents are satisfied with living at the Lakehead.
The Ipsos Reid survey — presented to city council Monday night — reported 92 per cent of respondents rate the city's quality of life as good. That’s up from up from 87 per cent in 2011 and 85 per cent in 2009.
Many survey participants said the city is the "right size [and] not too big."
But there were some not-so-good numbers reported too.
The number of people who cited road maintenance as a main concern jumped 10 per cent since the 2011 survey.
People also expressed concern about racism and discrimination in Thunder Bay.
"[In the survey there] was a statement related to racism and discrimination and whether … it's a serious issue in Thunder Bay," said Ipsos Reid's Heather Alinsangan. "A vast majority of residents … 82 per cent … agree [with that statement]."
People 'feeling safer'
While it is an unpleasant figure to mull over, Mayor Keith Hobbs said he sees a silver lining.
"Actually I'm quite happy with that number, believe it or not," he said.
"I know it's not a good thing there's racism, but 82 per cent are saying it's an issue … something we really do need to work hard on."
Councillor Iain Angus said he's pleased with the results.
"People are feeling safer," he said. "They are more willing to let their children play in their neighbourhood after dark, and they are more satisfied with how their facilities and services [are managed]."
81 per cent of survey participants said they consider it safe for children to play outside — up from 74 per cent in 2011.
A total of 89 per cent of participants said they’re satisfied overall with city services — up from 86 per cent in 2011 and 2009.
With respect to road maintenance, 41 per cent of participants said it is the service most in need of improvement.
The Ipsos Reid Poll surveyed 500 residents and is considered accurate within 4.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.