Key Findings of the Angus Reid Global Poll
These are the findings of ARG Poll report and can be found in the last few pages.
441 adults from respondents in the 13 communities that comprise the capital region were surveyed online between July 16 –17, 2014. The sample is balanced to census on age and gender. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of a +/-4.7%, 19 times out of 20.
These are the findings of ARG Poll report and can be found in the last few pages.
- Overall, 84 per cent of respondents are in favour of amalgamation (50% are strongly in favour; 34% moderately in favour)
- 89 per cent of respondents support a non-binding referendum on amalgamation
- 80 per cent support having an independent, comprehensive cost-benefit study and analysis of amalgamation
- The top 3 most important issues facing the CRD today, according to respondents are: “sewage/waste water management” (56%); “coordination between municipalities” (52%); and “transportation” (44%)
- Over one quarter (26%) of respondents say there should be only one municipal government; 25 per cent say there should be four or five; 21 per cent say there should be three; 7 per cent say there should be 13
- The top main benefits of amalgamation, as perceived by respondents, are: “reduced governance costs (e.g. paying fewer city councilors)” (43%); and “better regional planning and decision making” (39%)
- The top perceived positive impacts of amalgamation are: “public transit” (75%); “garbage and waste management” (74%); and “the efficiency of municipal service delivery across the Capital Region” (72%)
- The top main negatives of amalgamation, as perceived by respondents, are: “larger municipalities will dictate to smaller ones” (31%); “loss of local representation” (30%); “loss of local identity” (29%); and “risk of bigger government in the end” (28%)
- The top perceived negative impacts of amalgamation are: “the character of your individual community” (37%); “the quality of municipal services you receive in your own municipality” (24%); and “the quality of policing in your own area” (22%)
- Over three quarters (77%) of respondents are satisfied with the quality of services provided by their current municipal government. 65 per cent of respondents say they get between “good” and “excellent” value for their tax dollars
- 62 per cent of respondents say the CRD gives them between an “only fair” and “good” value
- Just over half (56%) say the CRD does between an “only fair” and “good” job of working with their own individual municipality
- Almost half (49%) say individual municipalities are doing an overall “poor” job of working together at the CRD level
- Almost half (47%) say an increased role for the CRD is a good idea; 35 per cent think it is a bad idea
- Respondents are split regarding their overall satisfaction with the CRD: 43 per cent are satisfied, 54 per cent are dissatisfied
- 90 per cent of respondents agree that “having 13 municipalities and a total of 91 mayors and councillors just doesn’t make sense”
- 84 per cent agree that “costs for larger projects should be shared by all municipalities”
- Over half agree that: “amalgamation will save taxpayers money” (67%); “having the CRD organization with its staff and board members is just too much expensive government” (65%); and “all municipalities should share responsibility for ensuring the downtown Victoria core is looked after” (65%)
- 77 per cent of respondents do not agree that “the status quo is working; we should leave well enough alone”
- Over half do not agree that: “amalgamation just isn’t at the top of my priority list when it comes to local government” (53%); and “I’m worried about fewer services and less responsive government if we amalgamate” (52%)
441 adults from respondents in the 13 communities that comprise the capital region were surveyed online between July 16 –17, 2014. The sample is balanced to census on age and gender. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of a +/-4.7%, 19 times out of 20.