Happy in Lake Country

Photo: Contributed

A survey of Lake Country residents finds they are a happy bunch.

The municipality sent a community survey to 1,500 randomly selected homes in May. Of those, 593 surveys were completed and mailed back, giving a response rate of 40 per cent and ensuring a statistically valid sample.

Consultant Discovery Research Ltd. reports 97 per cent of respondents were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their quality of life in Lake Country. Sixty-five per cent were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the municipal services they receive for the taxes they pay.

“It’s fantastic to hear this positive feedback regarding quality of life and value for taxation in Lake Country, and get feedback on municipal services,” said Jamie McEwan, community development manager.

“The responses from this community survey identify a number of positives, and provide us direction for some of council’s strategic priorities. That being said, the responses also identify opportunities for improvement.”

Areas for improvement include: roadways and transportation, which council and staff are continuing to address through the recently adopted Transportation for Tomorrow 20-year plan; and development of the Town Centre, which is seeing more interest from investors in recent months.

On the heels of the CN Rail corridor referendum that was completed in April, residents identified parks, trails and recreation as key areas to increase funding in coming years.

“The results of the survey will help inform future discussions pertaining to council’s strategic priorities and assist in making decisions to improve service delivery, planning, and policy at Municipal Hall," said Mayor James Baker.