An overwhelming number of participants in a Port Moody citizen survey this spring said the city's quality of life is good, with a quarter of them saying it has improved in the last three years.
And while just over half said the quality of life has “stayed the same,” a smaller — but growing — number said that quality had diminished in the same period.
And the numbers reflect a generational divide.
The survey, which is conducted every two years and this year ran from April 25 to May 7, was scheduled to be presented to council at its meeting Tuesday.
While 98% of the 400 people surveyed by phone by polling company Ipsos Public Affairs said the city’s quality of life is still “very good” or “good,” a growing number — 23% — said that quality of life has diminished in the past three years. That’s up from 14% of respondents in 2016.
Of that 23% of respondents, 39% said growth and development were a cause for dissatisfaction while traffic raised the ire of 36% of them. The increasing cost of living, SkyTrain and high taxes were among other reasons given.
The rate of dissatisfaction was highest among residents 55 and older and those who have lived in the city for more than 11 years.
Conversely, 25% of the people who participated in the survey said life in Port Moody has improved over the past three years — that’s up 3% from 2016. Those respondents credited SkyTrain, good public transportation, more things to do and amenities amongst their reasons.
The satisfaction rate was highest amongst respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 and those with kids living at home.
Growth and development were also cited as the predominant issue facing the city by 42% of the residents surveyed, up from 24% in 2016. Concerns about transportation diminished slightly to 40% from 47% while other issues mentioned as a concern included parks, recreation and culture, government services and the environment.
As well, more respondents aren’t enamoured with the way Port Moody council is dealing with those issues, as the satisfaction rating for their work dropped 10% since 2016.
