Protecting the source of our drinking water heads the list of the community values identified in the North Bay
Civic League’s Community Values Survey, just as it did in 2010 according to a news release from the group.
The North Bay Civic League conducted its Community Values Survey between June and October 1 and 500 people responded to the survey, 494 online and 6 on paper.
The survey was distributed to members of a wide range of community organizations, such as the North Bay Chamber of Commerce, Living Fit Group, North Bay and Area Multicultural Centre, Art on Main, and more than 15 other organizations.
It was open to the general public with the aim of getting the best cross section of opinions about what matters most to North Bayites.
Twelve closed-ended questions were asked of respondents.
Responses to these questions were ranked in order based on the community’s sense of importance followed by an evaluation of city council’s efforts to address these concerns.
Community Value---# of responders
- Protecting the source of our drinking water is important 481
- Feeling safe in all areas of the city is important 480
- Protecting the environment is important 475
- Communication on major issues is a responsibility of City Council 475
- Having a vision for North Bay's social, economic and environmental future 474
The group says possibly of even more interest is how City Council’s performance was rated by the respondents.
For the first two items, protecting the source of drinking water and feeling safe, Council’s performance was approved by 42% and 47% respectively.
However, the approval dropped significantly for protecting the environment, communication, and especially in the area of having a vision (26%, 16% and 10% respectively).
In 2010, approval of Council’s vision was at 25%, the biggest approval drop of any value.
Communication approval dropped from 24% to 16%.
In answer to the general question, “Do you think City Council is addressing your main concerns adequately?”
- 60% said “no”,
- 30% said “don’t know”
- and only 10% said “yes” (4% less than in 2010)
“What for you are the two most important issues in North Bay?”
Topping the list was “responsible city spending” (29% of respondents).
“Infrastructure” and “jobs” tied for second most important with (24% each).
