Okotoks has released the findings from its Citizen Satisfaction Survey held earlier this spring.
More than 700 households responded to the survey, which the Town said helps guide and support community development. It will also inform the direction for the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
Feedback on life in Okotoks was generally positive, with 98 per cent of households rating the quality of life in town as either good or very good. Those living in Westmount, Central Heights and Woodhaven were most likely to report a very good quality of life, while households in Cimarron Meadows, Westridge and Heritage were least likely to do the same.
Three-quarters of respondents indicated they feel connected to their neighbours.
Most Okotoks residents said they feel safe on their own property, as well as in their neighbourhood, Town parks, playgrounds and while visiting amenities.
Recreation continues to be a significant point of love and appreciation for Okotokians, with parks and pathways, ball diamonds, soccer fields and playgrounds scoring high on the service satisfaction scale.
Unfortunately, 24 per cent of respondents said they have faced discrimination based on their sex, age, ability, sexual orientation or ethnicity. Forty per cent of survey-takers stated they have witnessed another citizen experience discrimination.
Affordable housing, municipal enforcement, road maintenance and snow removal received the lowest service satisfaction scores from respondents.
Other areas of concern for residents included speeding, graffiti and vandalism, aggressive wildlife, infrastructure issues and traffic.
Pivotal Research, which conducted the survey on the Town's behalf, completed a regional comparison with other Southern Alberta communities that regularly gather satisfaction data from their citizens. Okotoks had very similar ratings to Cochrane and Rocky View County, all tallying at 98 per cent. Calgary and Airdrie lagged behind at 80 and 72 per cent, respectively.
Other areas covered in the survey included economic development, budget and communications.
In the future, the satisfaction survey will be conducted in conjunction with the municipal census ahead of the 2025 election, now that municipalities once again are able to conduct a census for their communities.
The full report can be viewed on the Town website.
