This article has links to the complete survey, which is very interesting.

Survey says . . .

Buses and roads don’t make the grade, but waste removal and the arts get top marks according to residents

By CHERYL BROWNE, Barrie Examiner

Posted 1 day ago

The City of Barrie's report card is out, and while its grade average was boosted by gold stars in the arts and garbage/recycling categories, a less than stellar performance on the buses and roads was flagged as remedial.

After almost 14 months with the new council and mayor, a phone survey administered by Environics Research Group to more than 1,000 Barrie residents in October reveals most are happy with most services.

"I'd give them a B-plus," said June Bouchard, after shopping at Georgian Mall, Wednesday. "I think they're doing a really good job, the mayor's doing a really good job, there's lots of opportunities for kids and no problem getting health care.

"Barrie's pretty good compared to a lot of other cities."

Good grades were also received by the city's new water management and fire rescue services, as well as fire prevention and education.

However, of the more than 10,700 residents called, about 12% or 1,050 who were eligible to respond, they repeatedly told the Environics marketing firm that the city had dropped the ball in traffic, public transit and roads.

About 65% of respondents to the survey reported they had 'low satisfaction' with the general road conditions. Their comments ran the gamut from 'synchronize traffic lights better' to 'cheaper rates for public transit,' to 'improve roads, repair potholes.'

"It was a particularly helpful survey," Mayor Jeff Lehman said. "It's the traffic that's been a really big issue. It was interesting to to see the response to public transit, it really speaks to the need of our looking at improvements."

By comparing results from the last report card in 2008, the quality of the environment went up a full six points in the high approval category, while falling slightly by four points on the safe place to live question.

Combining the high and medium marks, most respondents, a full 89%, said they consider Barrie a good place to raise a family now, compared to a slightly less 86% in 2008.

Some of the respondents worried specifically about their wards, including wards 3, 4, 7, and 8, where those aged 35 and older (who are homeowners) only gave a medium grade for their local parks, trails and green spaces. Residents in Ward 10 gave a low satisfaction rating to the city's overall recreational facilities, mainly because they don't have one in that ward.

Lehman noted a marked increase in factors contributing to a low quality of life were linked to the downtown core where concern had risen by 11 points since 2008.

"That was a surprise. The downtown issue was a much bigger issue than it was three years ago," he said. "I think

that Dunlop Street has really improved this year, most of the empty stores are filled.

"And, there's even a huge development crane working there. We haven't seen a crane downtown in six years."

Lehman also noted the downtown core's camera installation report is due in January.

A Barrie resident of six years, Rick McKnight said he can't complain about the roads because he lives in the Leacock Road area and his road was recently paved.

"The only complaint I have would be about the water, because the price of my water bill has doubled since I moved here," McKnight said. "I expect taxpayers are paying for the

new water treatment plant,

but I don't even draw water

from there.

"I know the police can't be everywhere, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of them at rush hour when people are running red lights," he said with a laugh. "But I guess I'm nitpicking. Overall, I'd say at least a B-plus."

For more information or to see the the 98-page survey results, visit the city of Barrie website at www.barrie.ca.

cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com

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