Approximately six in 10 Kelowna residents feel the quality of life in the city has worsened over the past three years.
The 2024 Citizens Survey results, presented at city council’s June 3 meeting, found that the number one reason is the rising cost of living.
Coun. Luke Stack noted that is not something council directly controls.
“As much as the citizens are unhappy about that, I take some comfort in the services we’re providing are received very well,” he said.
The survey found that 86 per cent of residents are satisfied with the overall level and quality of services provided by the city.
Mayor Tom Dyas highlighted that satisfaction in a news release, as well as an increase in Kelowna being an inclusive and accepting community.
He also acknowledged there are areas in need of improvement.
“The most important issue facing our citizens is addressing homelessness. We are continuing to invest heavily in this area and measuring those results will take time,” he said.
Dyas noted the number of people feeling very safe in the community has increased since the 2022 survey. “However, we need to commit to increasing this perception and prioritize safety for all communities in Kelowna.”
The 2024 survey results found 81 per cent of residents felt safe overall, compared to the municipal norm of 88 per cent.
Social issues, particularly poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing, are still a major concern for Kelowna residents, according to the survey.
About 69 per cent of respondents identified social issues as the most important matters facing the community.
Coun. Loyal Wooldridge pointed out that the city has invested in a new social development department. “Because we know that matters to people. We’ve invested in public safety and created a task force on that, and continue to advocate to the province where those services need to change.”
He added council is paying attention.
“It’s acknowledgment that life is tough right now and people lean into public services when affordability is affected,” he added.
The 2024 Citizens Survey is available on the City of Kelowna website.
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