THUNDER BAY – The state of the city’s roads are an increasingly primary concern for residents.
Forty per cent of respondents ranked transportation – with 36 per cent specifically identifying roads – as the most important issue in Thunder Bay, according to the results of the most recent citizens’ satisfaction survey which were presented to city council on Monday night.
The rate of satisfaction with the city’s maintenance of streets plummeted to 38 per cent from 53 per cent in the previous poll, which was conducted in 2015. Only seven per cent indicated being very satisfied with maintenance of streets while 28 per cent were not at all satisfied.
As well, the 69 per cent who were either very or somewhat satisfied with snow removal on roads and sidewalks was substantially lower than the 80 per cent in 2015.
The focus on roads continues steady, major increases compared to previous editions of the survey when transportation was only deemed most important by six per cent in 2011, 23 per cent in 2013 and 30 per cent in 2015.
There was near unanimous support – 96 per cent – for ongoing infrastructure renewal, including roads, bridges and storm water drainage. There was a decline in support for Phase 2 of Prince Arthur’s Landing waterfront development, falling to 57 per cent from 62 per cent in 2015 and 66 per cent in 2013.
Racism and discrimination were acknowledged by 84 per cent to be serious issues in Thunder Bay, with 55 per cent strongly agreeing. One third responded they did not feel Thunder Bay is a relatively safe city, with only 19 per cent strongly reporting the city to be relatively safe.
Overall, 87 per cent of respondents rated the quality of life in Thunder Bay as either very good or good, down from a high of 92 per cent in 2013.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos between April 27 and May 10, where 525 residents were randomly called with 60 per cent of respondents reached on landline while 40 per cent contacted on their cell phone.
