Quality of life in Red Deer improves: survey

September 30, 2010

(Red Deer, Alberta) - A new Ipsos Reid municipal survey shows that 99 per cent of Red Deer residents are happy to live in our community. They feel their quality of life is good, with 49 per cent of residents saying it is very good. Reasons given for the high rating this year included; good amenities and services, convenient location and that Red Deer is an accessible city. Other highlights from the survey discussed that residents thought Red Deer is a beautiful and very scenic municipality, and that overall our economy is good. These strong qualities continue to be reported year after year by residents who participate in the survey.

“We are delighted with the overall results,” said City Manager, Craig Curtis. “The City usually hears from certain stakeholders, but this survey provides us with a great opportunity to gauge the community as a whole and residents’ feedback definitely helps steer The City in the right direction.”

Perceptions of The City of Red Deer’s financial planning are also measured. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents are satisfied with the value they receive for their tax dollar. Citizens are also satisfied with the overall level and quality of City services, as it was up also up this year over last year at 96 per cent.

Red Deer residents that support a property tax increase for City provided services are up 11 per cent from last year for a total of 50 per cent. Twenty-one per cent indicating they are in favour of increasing taxes to expand services, and 30 per cent for increasing taxes to maintain services at their current levels.

Crime continues to be the most important issue for residents, however, 87 per cent of residents are happy with services provided by Police. Social concerns and transportation issues are high on the list but down from last year.

Ipsos Reid administered the Municipal Quality of Life and Financial Planning Survey during August 2010. It was conducted by telephone to 300 randomly selected residents, 18 years or older. This is the fifth consecutive year The City participated in the survey.

Survey results and more information are available online at www.reddeer.ca.

Q & A Backgrounder attached.
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For more information, please contact:

Craig Curtis
City Manager
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8154