The Evergreen Extension may be open but Coquitlam residents still list transportation as their most key community issue.
According to the results of the city’s annual Ipsos citizen satisfaction survey, 36% of respondents listed transportation as their most important issue, which is higher than the B.C. average of 32% but lower than the Lower Mainland average of 40%. It is also higher than last year’s figure of 35%.
Transportation was mentioned more often by residents aged 35 to 54 (42%) while 32% of respondents between 18 and 34 listed it as their most significant issue.
The survey was conducted between May 18 and 29 and involved 500 participants 18 years and older from across the city.
A large number of respondents (33%) said their quality of life has improved in the past five years while 50% said it had stayed the same and 15% said it had deteriorated.
Of the people who said their quality of life improved, 24% said it was due to the Evergreen Extension while 18% said it was due to improved recreational facilities. Improved transportation and roads were mentioned by 18% of respondents.
Of the respondents who said their quality of life had worsened, 29% listed growth and development as the reason while 21% mentioned traffic and congestion. Housing costs and affordable housing were listed by 10% of respondents.
The vast majority — 98% — listed quality of life as good or very good while 95% said they were satisfied with the services provided by the city. Another 86% said they receive good value for their tax dollars.
• For more information, go to www.coquitlam.ca/citizensatisfaction.
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