Vancouver Island | Victoria | News
Victoria, A Love Affair - Feb. 13-2004

Victorians think their city is just dandy, and many hope that in 10 years' time, it'll still be "much the same."

They give high marks to Beacon Hill Park and firefighters, and rate climate and geography as the best things about living here.

But the street population, feeling safe downtown after dark, and finding parking are major issues for a majority of the 544 people who responded to the first citizen survey commissioned by Victoria to help council set spending priorities and future directions.

"It gives us a lot of information. It gives us a benchmark to see where we could do better," said Mayor Alan Lowe, after a presentation of the results to councillors.

Surveys were mailed to 1,400 Victorians to get their views on 71 city programs and services. The responses represented a 60/40 women-to-men ratio -- the city's actual ratio of the sexes is 55/45 -- and were weighted more to older people and homeowners than younger age groups and renters.

Firefighting services and Beacon Hill Park topped the list of favourites -- 91 per cent or respondents were satisfied or very satisfied. Free Sunday parkades earned a 90 per cent satisfaction rate, then garbage collection and floral displays and landscaping at 88 per cent each.

Firefighters rated much higher than Victoria police. Police presence/visibility and law enforcement each got 58 per cent, traffic enforcement earned 56 per cent and crime prevention 51 per cent.

The worst rating of all was for "ease of finding parking downtown" at 28 per cent, then "programs for economically disadvantaged" at 37 per cent and "economic/business development" at 40 per cent.

There was a divide as different as day and night on the safety and security question. Seventy-six per cent felt safe or very safe downtown in daylight, but only 24 per cent said the same about being downtown after dark.

Lowe said public safety and concerns about panhandlers have always been issues. "People I talk to know they have to be street smart. We always try to keep the streets as safe as possible."

But there aren't enough resources "to keep a police officer on every street corner," he said.

While respondents said their top dislike was street people, the survey indicated a willingness to help out. Affordable housing was the No. 2 priority for spending in the next three years, after sewers, drains and water lines. Third place was beautification and revitalization.

"They've identified the problem and they're urging government to proceed with the solution," said Coun. Rob Fleming.

He said he was "pleasantly surprised" at the overall positive response the city got from its taxpayers.

Coun. Helen Hughes agreed with the survey finding that the street population was "a huge issue" and the city needs to help people who are homeless.

Safety on downtown streets is equally important. "We're going to work on it and get more police downtown," she said.

Thirty-six per cent said they would pay more taxes for improved city services, while 45 per cent would prefer no tax increase and services at the same or reduced levels.

The survey, which cost $15,000, will be repeated in two years to determine where the city has improved or slipped back.

- - -

THE GOOD, THE BAD

Among survey findings about Victoria (totals of "good" and "very good" responses):

- Quality of life -- 92 per cent

- Place to raise children -- 82 per cent

- As a place to work -- 55 per cent

TOP FIVE LIKES:

- Climate and geography -- 44 per cent

- Atmosphere, lifestyle -- 23 per cent

- Parks, flowers -- 9 per cent

- Transportation, traffic -- 6 per cent

- Recreation -- 4 per cent

TOP FIVE DISLIKES:

- Street population and social challenges -- 18 per cent

- Transit, traffic -- 16 per cent

- Affordability -- 11 per cent

- Atmosphere and lifestyle -- 8 per cent

- Jobs and economy -- 6 per centl

© Copyright 2004 Times Colonist (Victoria)
reprinted with permission
Story Credit: Norman Gidney

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