City satisfaction remains high

Everybody loves Lethbridge. Well, almost. A recent poll by Ipsos Public Affairs shows citizen satisfaction regarding the quality of life in Lethbridge to be very high at 97 per cent.

Overall satisfaction with city programs and services were also ranked very high, and perceptions of municipal government remain positive, according to the 2018 Community Satisfaction Survey commissioned by the City of Lethbridge.

The results of the survey were presented to council on Monday.

“This survey provides important information that helps guide city council regarding budget matters and other important decisions,” said Coun. Mark Campbell, who chairs council’s Open and Effective Government Committee. “It is important for us to rely on statistically valid information to help inform our decision making in the next few years. We appreciate all residents who took the time to complete the survey.”

The vast majority of residents polled (97 per cent) responded that the overall quality of life in Lethbridge was either “very good” or “good.”

Meanwhile, 88 per cent responded they were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with City programs and services, a slight decrease from 93 per cent in the last survey in 2014.

When asked about their perceptions of municipal government, 82 per cent of respondents believe the City is accountable to the community for leadership and good governance, unchanged from 2014.

Meanwhile, 81 per cent agreed the City practises open and accessible government, also unchanged from 2014.

Ipsos Public Affairs conducted the random telephone survey of 400 Lethbridge adults from April 11-22.

Survey results are accurate within 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20. Age and gender composition reflects that of the actual Lethbridge population aged 18 or older.

The survey was undertaken to gather data regarding citizens’ attitudes toward local issues, their quality of life, municipal services, communication needs, municipal finances, and other priorities.

Complete survey results are available at lethbridge.ca/surveys.

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