Photo: City of Kelowna

Kelowna appears to be well ahead of the curve when it comes to a concern over social issues.

More than half of the people who responded to the 2018 Citizen Survey mentioned social issues as the top issue facing the city.

Specifically, poverty and homelessness.

"In other communities, social issues may be anywhere between 15 and 30 per cent is pushing it," said Catherine Knaus, director of IPSOS Public Affairs, which conducted the survey.

"We're seeing 51 per cent in Kelowna. In other communities, the focus I'm hearing is more about housing and affordable housing, while here it's more about poverty and homelessness."

Coun. Luke Stack said councillors have been hearing for some time the concern over social issues, saying it's front and centre within the community.

Transportation, specifically congestion, is the number two issue, identified by 43 per cent of people.

Until 2017, transportation had been, by far, the number one issue.

The social issues also have a direct impact on the perception of safety in the city. While 87 per cent see Kelowna as a safe community, that number is down seven per cent in three years. Much of that is due to homelessness and poverty according to the survey.

It also plays a factor in people's belief that their quality of life has not improved. Thirty-six per cent of respondents said their quality of life is worse now, compared with 21 per cent who said it's better.

Mayor Colin Basran says the city has already begun addressing both major issues.

"For Kelowna to continue to thrive, $20 million will be invested in 2019 for transportation projects, and funding commitments are in place to support the Journey Home Society over the next two years, including partnerships through grants, land contributions and policy to encourage a variety of housing options,”he said.

Overall though, Knaus said the survey shows people are satisfied overall.

Results show 94 per cent rate their quality of life as good, or very good, 87 per cent are satisfied with the level of service, while 79 per cent believe they receive good value for their tax dollar.

Mayor Colin Basran says there are really no surprises in the survey. He says councillors heard many of these during the lead-up to the October election.

He added the information in the survey will help council as it begins the process of setting its priorities for the next four years.

That process began Monday.