Survey says: Penticton residents don’t feel as safe as they used to

PENTICTON – The City of Penticton has released the results of its 2019 citizen survey, and concerns are apparent about quality of life and safety in the Peach City.

Sixty-eight per cent of participants rated their quality of life in Penticton as good or excellent, but 58 per cent believe their quality of life has deteriorated over the past three years, according to a City of Penticton media release.

In terms of safety, 36 per cent of those who participated in the survey gave Penticton a four out of five, or five out of five rating as a safe place to live, but 84 per cent of respondents also said improving safety and security was a top three priority moving forward.

The survey also included questions aimed at a group of high school students who were asked to rate their interest in the same future priorities. Initiatives that improve safety and security generated the second highest level of interest from the 56 responses, with 62 per cent advocating improved security for the community.

“We’re thrilled that so many citizens took the time to give us their feedback. The findings confirmed council’s view that feelings of safety and security in the city are the most pressing concern," Mayor John Vassilaki says in the release.

City services saw generally favourable ratings in the three out of five range, with economic development, planning, transit, fire department and online services seeing the biggest increases in terms of perceived importance and performance.

Residents also rated the city as improved for its ability to listen to the electorate, and for explaining how the city spends its tax dollars.

It’s been several years since the last citizen survey was conducted and it was important to give residents an opportunity to provide feedback that would help council set their priorities for the next few years,” engagement strategist JoAnne Kleb says in the release.

“The survey results were provided to council to consider in the development of their strategic priorities and to staff as they prepare their plans for the upcoming budget season,” Kleb says.

The survey took place between April 18 and May 3, completed by 1,171 citizens on a voluntary basis. The last survey was completed in 2013.

The complete results of the survey can be found here.

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