Survey says most residents satisfied with Town of OakvilleMost Oakville residents are appar-The market research firm Pollararaised during the survey.nine per cent of those surveyed citedto ensure a strong local economy,ently pretty happy with their localInc. carried out the survey, whichIn a report to council, Jane the cost of living, eight per cent said 21 per cent calling on the Towngovernment.consisted of two parts.Courtemanche, director of strategy, town expansion, eight per cent listedto ensure sustainable developmentAccording to a citizen satisfactionThe first part involved an 18-min-policy and communications for the public transit and six per cent saidstandards are implemented,survey, undertaken in March, 82 perute telephone survey of 800 OakvilleTown, said this type of survey provides overcrowding or overdevelopment. 20 per cent listed the protectioncent of Oakville residents surveyedresidents conducted between Marchdata to help council and Town staff High taxes were mentioned as aof the character of existing neigh-reported overall satisfaction with the14 and March 20.understand citizens service priori-problem by seven per cent of respon-bourhoods as a strong priority,government of the Town of Oakville.An online public meeting was alsoties.dents, which is up from the three per 28 per cent listed protecting andThis years satisfaction score is upheld on March 23, to undertake qual-The survey is conducted bi-annu-cent of respondents who said it was amaintaining parks, trails and greenfour points from the score in 2009.itative research on the general issuesally at a cost of about $50,000 for each problem in 2009.spaces as a priority,survey.Surveyed residents also gave the 25 per cent called for improve-In addition to finding citizen satis-Town better scores in such areas asment of the Towns air quality.faction with the Town, the survey snow removal, which moved from aIn the category that dealt with thefound that while there is room for score of 11 per cent in 2009 to 78 pergoverning and management of Starting Saturday May 1, 2011improvement in some areas, there are cent in 2011.Oakville, 40 per cent of those sur-Sno strong areas of discontent or Residents also thought the Townveyed listed ensuring open and trans-pelrainSgnReedemand.did a better job of keeping themparent government as a priority.screOther survey results included 83 involved with the opportunity forThirty per cent of those surveyedSpring has sprung!per cent of surveyed residents stating public involvement category movinglisted cost efficiency of Town pro-The bugs are about...livability is better in Oakville than in from a score of five per cent in 2009 tograms as a priority.So fi x those screensto keep them out!most other GTA areas.77 per cent in 2011.When it came to spending priori-When asked what features make The survey also found that 67 perties, 32 per cent of residents surveyedAluminum or Fibreglass MeshInstalled in our shopOakville livable:cent of respondents are satisfied withlisted improving roads and bridges,Any Size!? 30 per cent of surveyed residents the Towns management of tax dol-19 per cent listed creating year-round$0040+ applicable taxescited the small-town, community or lars, 66 per cent are satisfied with thepaths for walking and cycling, whilefamily atmosphere, provision of municipal parking while19 per cent called for an increase toPet Resistant Screen? 24 per cent listed sports teams, 53 per cent say they are satisfied withthe number of transit routes toInstalled in our shopAny Size!local parks and recreational opportu-public transit (this number rises to 68improve the ease of travelling in$00nities,per cent among regular transitOakville.80+ applicable taxes? 17 per cent listed a feeling of users).In the area of taxes versus user24 Hour Turnaround(except on Saturdays - pick up will be on Monday)safety and low crime in the area.In the area of controlling growth,fees, 56 per cent of those surveyed Roller, Corner & Handle replacement are extra.When asked about the obstruc-residents listed a number prioritiessaid they would support some type of Sale effective from May 1st - May 31st 2011tions to the Town of Oakville becom-for the Town with:tax increase if necessary to maintain550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951ing the most livable town in Canada 21 per cent calling for the Townor improve existing service levels.WALK FOR THOSE WHO CANT!Walk for ALS helps to raise money for equipment and support services for those living with ALS, and to fundresearch to find a cure - you can help! Halton Walk for ALSLocation:Bronte Creek Provincial Park, OakvilleDate: May 23, 2011 Registration: 1:00 p.m. - Walk Start: 2:00 p.m. Join us for a Walk in the Park because you can! ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease, is a fatal neuromusculardisease; there is no cure or effective treatment and 80%of those affected die within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis.Please support the Halton Walk for ALS, visit www.walkforals.caand walk because you can!For more info contact Lindsay Robertson: robertson.lindsayn@gmail.comwww.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 6, 2011 4