TELEPHONE TOWN HALL POLL RESULTS

The city asked residents to answer four multiple choice polling questions during the telephone town hall Tuesday night. Here are the results:

For the 2019 city budget, staff have presented a draft budget with an overall expenditure increase of 3.98 per cent. This includes funding for capital projects and other projects, water filling stations, residential rat rebate program and reserve funding, including for the Port Dalhousie piers. Which of the following options do you support? (346 people responded)

Less than the current proposed increase of 3.98 per cent – 52%

3.98 per cent seems right – 40%

I would be willing to pay more than 3.98 per cent – 8%

Do you support St. Catharines having recreational cannabis stores? (385 people responded)

No – 57%

Yes – 43%

Which of the following is more important to you and your family? (299 people responded)

Attracting more private investment, business and jobs to St. Catharines – 50%

Investing in programs to address poverty, homelessness and the opioid crisis – 30%

Increasing the mix of affordable housing – 13%

Investing in public transit for local and inter-municipal transit service – 7%

If the city secured additional funds for major community projects, which would you support? (258 people responded) Invest in affordable housing – 54% Investing in neighbourhood parks – 23% Build a civic square in the downtown core – 13%

Facilities for the Canada Summer Games in 2021 – 10%

— Source: City of St. Catharines