FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (July 29, 2014)
Poll Shows that residents of the Capital Region favour amalgamation
Today the Capital Region Municipal Amalgamation Society (Amalgamation Yes) released the results of an online poll done in the Greater Victoria area. The results were overwhelmingly clear. Residents of the Capital District are largely in favour of amalgamation.
The poll was carried out by Angus Reid Global in order to provide greater insight into what residents of the Greater Victoria area felt about the governance structure of the Capital District and how they felt about amalgamation in general. 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.
Every municipality was sampled and a strong majority in every district supported the idea of amalgamation, and highly supported having a non-binding referendum question on amalgamation on their ballots in the upcoming November election.
“What this poll demonstrates is that the people of Greater Victoria are ready to begin seriously considering amalgamation. This is what they want today.” said Susan Jones, Chair of the Society. “A strong majority felt that amalgamation would improve the quality and delivery of a number of municipal services to our region. Clearly the taxpayers of this area feel that the day-to-day business of local government would benefit from reducing the number of municipalities through amalgamation.”
George Robinson, a researcher for the Society noted that, "Over two thirds of respondents believe that amalgamation will save taxpayers money and ninety percent of respondents agree that having 13 municipalities and a total of 91 mayors and councilors just doesn't make sense for our regional population of 340,000. They also say the status quo is not working. People of this area want change. It's time to move forward and get this issue on the ballot."
The Society hopes that with such a clear indication of public support, the mayors and councils of the 13 municipalities will follow the will of the people and place a non-binding referendum question on their respective ballots in the coming November elections.
Contact Information:
John Vickers: Amalgamation Yes Spokesperson, Vice Chair 250-661-5350
Susan Jones: Amalgamation Yes Chair, 250-217-5340
Website: www.amalgamationyes.ca
Backgrounder
Key findings
ANGUS REID POLL: Public Opinions on Municipal and Regional Issues in the Capital Region
Poll Shows that residents of the Capital Region favour amalgamation
Today the Capital Region Municipal Amalgamation Society (Amalgamation Yes) released the results of an online poll done in the Greater Victoria area. The results were overwhelmingly clear. Residents of the Capital District are largely in favour of amalgamation.
The poll was carried out by Angus Reid Global in order to provide greater insight into what residents of the Greater Victoria area felt about the governance structure of the Capital District and how they felt about amalgamation in general. 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.
Every municipality was sampled and a strong majority in every district supported the idea of amalgamation, and highly supported having a non-binding referendum question on amalgamation on their ballots in the upcoming November election.
“What this poll demonstrates is that the people of Greater Victoria are ready to begin seriously considering amalgamation. This is what they want today.” said Susan Jones, Chair of the Society. “A strong majority felt that amalgamation would improve the quality and delivery of a number of municipal services to our region. Clearly the taxpayers of this area feel that the day-to-day business of local government would benefit from reducing the number of municipalities through amalgamation.”
George Robinson, a researcher for the Society noted that, "Over two thirds of respondents believe that amalgamation will save taxpayers money and ninety percent of respondents agree that having 13 municipalities and a total of 91 mayors and councilors just doesn't make sense for our regional population of 340,000. They also say the status quo is not working. People of this area want change. It's time to move forward and get this issue on the ballot."
The Society hopes that with such a clear indication of public support, the mayors and councils of the 13 municipalities will follow the will of the people and place a non-binding referendum question on their respective ballots in the coming November elections.
Contact Information:
John Vickers: Amalgamation Yes Spokesperson, Vice Chair 250-661-5350
Susan Jones: Amalgamation Yes Chair, 250-217-5340
Website: www.amalgamationyes.ca
Backgrounder
Key findings
ANGUS REID POLL: Public Opinions on Municipal and Regional Issues in the Capital Region