Survey results released relating to life in Truro

Improvements have been made but more work can be done is the general consensus of a survey relating to life in the Town of Truro.

Last summer, the Town of Truro launched the Truro, Let’s Connect survey and public engagement campaign to kick off the process of updating the town’s community plan. The survey ran until mid-October and was followed by two public sessions at the Truro fire hall.

The survey focused on 10 themes and 22 questions related to Truro’s key issues, challenges, strategies and opportunities for growth. The public sessions dove further into key issues and gained additional public input and feedback.

Highlights from a recently released report include 1,784 surveys that were completed. All responses and feedback have been compiled into the Truro Let’s Connect, Findings Report, which presents the aggregate data from all the public engagement efforts. The report also describes other promotional strategies that were used and additional ways the community was engaged.

SOME FINDINGS WERE:

82 per cent of people feel at home in Truro

73 per cent see improvement in the town’s appearance during the last 10 years

Increase in public transportation, encouraging more housing downtown and encouraging energy efficient buildings were the top three priorities for local environmental action

92 per cent think creating new housing in Truro is important.

Affordable rent, supply of parking spaces and energy efficiency were the top three priorities the Town of Truro should consider when looking at new apartment building proposals.

People’s favourite things to do in Truro are use parks and trails and go to restaurants and bars.

The report will be used as input to create a new, updated community plan for Truro. The last one was reviewed and updated in 2010. Truro’s community plan is an integrated initiative which includes the Community

Sustainability Plan, the Municipal Planning Strategy and land-use bylaw.

Truro’s Community Sustainability Plan deals with community values and priorities. It will present action opportunities on issues informed by the Truro, Let’s Connect findings. Truro’s Municipal Planning Strategy and land-use bylaw will have more specific content, primarily relating to property development, and is governed in scope by the Nova Scotia Municipal Government Act.

The entire process is estimated to be complete this fall.