May 11, 2015 - The 2015 City of Thunder Bay Citizen Satisfaction Survey shows that when it comes to satisfaction with city services, 87 per cent are satisfied, which has remained relatively unchanged over the past several years. The city has now conducted a similar statistically valid survey every two years since 2005.

"We are very pleased that satisfaction with services remains high," said Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Chair - Community Communications Committee. "The results of the survey suggest that residents are happy with the quality of life in Thunder Bay, but we have also found some areas where work still needs to be done."

The survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid, interviewed 502 randomly-selected residents over 18 years of age via phone between March 10 and March 17.

There is a shift and split on whether the city should increase spending to enhance/expand city services or maintain services at current levels, or cut services to maintain current tax levels or reduce taxes (45% vs. 43%). Younger residents are also more supportive of most major capital projects and believe they get better value for their tax dollars.

What has not changed since the last survey in 2013 are views on the prevalence of racism and discrimination. Eight-in-ten residents continue to feel that racism and discrimination are serious issues in Thunder Bay. There has been a significant increase in the number of residents who feel safe walking alone in their neighbourhood at night this year (up 6%).

Awareness of the Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Council has increased significantly this year - three-quarters of residents indicate that they are aware of the Crime Prevention Council.

Other key findings:

  • Residents continue to feel overall that they receive good value for their tax dollars (78%), up 7% since 2009
  • Support for ongoing infrastructure renewal remains high (94%)
  • Residents feel the important issues facing the city that should receive the attention of City Council are roads/transit, infrastructure renewal, taxation/spending and the economy. All of which have increased in significance since 2013
  • Seven-in-ten residents support online voting for municipal elections (95% among those under age 35)

The survey report can be viewed at www.thunderbay.ca/haveyoursay.

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Contact: Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Chair - Community Communications Committee, 708-1983