News release

For immediate release

Saanich receives results from online citizen survey

Saanich, BC – Eighty-eightper cent of Saanich residents rate their overall quality of life as good or very good according to the District of Saanich’s recent online citizen survey results.

BC Stats conducted the statistically significant survey on behalf of Saanich. Saanich heard from 870 citizens, more than double the target of 400, through the invitation only survey. Randomly selected residents received a postcard by mail to participate in the online survey from February 8 to March 29.

“We make every effort to meet the needs of our residents and consistently improve upon our service delivery,” said Chief Administrative Officer Paul Thorkelsson. “These survey results demonstrate areas where residents feel we are excelling and several areas where we need improvement. All of this is valuable feedback for Council to consider.”

Important issues and areas for improvement

Respondents identified eight major themes when asked about the one issue they feel should receive the most attention from Council. The theme with the highest response of 34%, or one-third of respondents, is infrastructure. Infrastructure includes summarized sub-themes of:

• road or sidewalk improvements;
• cycling infrastructure;
• traffic control and/or congestion;
• improve walkability, bus and other modes of transportation; and
• general maintenance (e.g., snow or leaf removal, lighting, power lines).

Crime, safety and policing and affordable housing were identified as other top issues that need attention followed by parks and recreation; growth and planning; Saanich Council; environment and waste management; taxes, budget and spending; and homelessness.

While 81 per cent of respondents agree they feel safe driving on Saanich roads, there is room for improvement in the areas of road safety for children, bicycles and people with mobility challenges.

Methodology

The survey provides new baseline indicators used for planning and reporting processes. Changing to the use of the 5-point Likert scale (from the 4-point scale previously used) allowed respondents to have a neutral response and did not skew results by forcing respondents into positive or negative responses. The 5-point scale also allows for comparability with the growing number of municipalities that have switched to this scale.

This was the first mid-term citizen survey. In 2019, Council committed to conducting smaller online “pulse check” surveys in between the larger citizen and business surveys conducted every four years following the start of a new council term. The next citizen and business survey will take place in fall 2022.

Quick facts

• 85% of respondents recommend Saanich as a good place to live.
• 84% rated Saanich parks and trails as good or very good.
• 72% agree that Saanich is an inclusive and welcoming community.
• 72% agreed that the Saanich website had the information they needed.
• 54% rated alternative forms of transportation in Saanich (e.g., transit, bike lanes) as good or very good.
• 51% agree they receive good value for the taxes they pay.
• 48% are pleased with the overall direction that Saanich is taking.

Learn more

The 2021 survey report and past survey results are available at Saanich.ca. BC Stats presented the survey results at the June 21 Council meeting.

BC Stats is the provincial government’s leader on statistical and economic research, information and analysis.

-30-

Media contact:
Megan Catalano
Communications Manager
megan.catalano@saanich.ca
250-475-7639