THUNDER BAY -- Residents of Thunder Bay remain mostly satisfied with the quality of life, but there's a red flag waving in city council's face.
Results from the city's 2015 citizen satisfaction survey show 89 per cent of the 502 people surveyed by Ipsos Reid Public Affairs rate their quality of life as good or very good. But the number of people rating it very good has dropped since 2013, mainly in the 18 to 34 age group.
"It's a warning sign if you will," Ipsos Reid research manager Lauren Hilderley told council on Monday night.
Councillors did find it odd though the vast majority -- 89 per cent -- of the 18 to 34 demographic said they received good value for their tax dollars,
Only 74 per cent of 35- to 54-year-olds and those older than 55 agreed. Hilderley said that could be because younger people didn't really have specific complaints or answers when asked to list issues that upset them.
"There's no real reason they can give other than 'stuff is OK,” she said.
Karen Lewis, the city's director of corporate communications and strategic initiatives, said it was the first time the survey had shown what Hilderley called a "softening" of support and promised they'll keep an eye on it.
"It may not be as dramatic as it looks," Lewis told council.
Younger people also seemed to support major capital projects than other demographics. While ongoing infrastructure renewal scored in the 90s across all three demographics, a new youth centre was supported 82 per cent of thoser 18 to 34, but only by 58 per cent of those older than 55.
In 2013 the youth centre plan was supported by 70 per cent of the younger demographic, compared to 71 per cent of those in the older categories. A new 55+ Centre on the city's south side was supported by 44 per cent of the 18 to 34 range and 70 per cent of those 55 and older.
Out of nine major capital projects, only a proposed $25-million art gallery on the waterfront fell below 50 per cent support, garnering approval from 48 per cent of those surveyed. Topping the list was ongoing infrastructure renewal at 94 per cent.
The most important issues was transportation, which includes roads and transit, at 30 per cent. Infrastructure renewal was next at 29 per cent along with the economy, also 29 per cent.
On crime and safety, 81 per cent felt that racism and discrimination were serious issues, down slightly from 82 per cent two years ago. About 78 per cent felt it was safe for their children to play outside in the neighbourhood, down from 81 per cent in 2013, but up from 74 per cent in 2011.
About 70 per cent feel Thunder Bay is a relatively safe city, Twenty-one per cent strongly agree, and 33 per cent strongly, agree they feel safe to walk alone in their neighbourhood after dark. Fewer residents are reporting incidents to police according to the survey.
