Community Sustainability Plan Update – Survey Summary
2013
What is your gender:
How long have you lived in Fort Saskatchewan?
What is your age? Under 13 1%
13 - 18 2%
Number of Survey Respondents:
A compassionate community with a sense of identity offers a strong social fabric.
Please rate the importance of the following items: Small town feel with a City Image Protective Services Social Services Health Care
4.64
Education Housing Affordability Recreation & Leisure Safety Intergenerational Community Arts & Culture Heritage 0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Engaged citizens are a critical element of a sustainable community Please rate the importance of the following items: Opportunities for Public Engagement
Efficient & Friendly City Services
4.40
Strong City Leadership
4.40
Education on City Initiatives
Timely & Relevant Information to the Public 3.70
3.80
3.90
4.00
4.10
4.20
4.30
4.40
4.50
To what extend do you agree with the following Statements:
The City engages its citizens in municipal issues
The City provides outstanding customer service to its citizens
3.70
The City does an excellent job of communicating issues and events to its citizens
3.50
3.55
3.60
3.65
3.70
3.75
The natural environment is the foundation for all other elements of a sustainable community Please rate the importance of the following items:
River Creek
Urban Natural Resources
Wildlife and Habitat
Parks, Greenbelts, Greenways
4.44
3.90
CSP Update - Survey Results
4.00
4.10
4.20
4.30
4.40
4.50
The natural environment is the foundation for all other elements of a sustainable community Please rate the performance of the City in the following items: Developing parks & greenbelts within walking distance of homes
4.21
Creating and maintaining animal habitat Dealing with pest management Protecting natural areas Maintaining our parks & greenspaces Developing our network of parks & greenbelts 0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
The natural environment is the foundation for all other elements of a sustainable community As a growing city, Fort Saskatchewan faces many issues that are common to growing municipalities. How significant do you feel these environmental challenges are to the City :
Noise Graffiti Urban Sprawl Light Pollution Waste Management Protection of Trees/Green Space/Parks Curb Side Compost Program Public Transport Bylaw Enforcement Energy Usage/Efficiency Deteriorating Infrastructure Litter Vehicle Idling Utility Prices Road Congestion/Traffic Issues Drinking Water Quality Health of the River & Ross Creek Air Quality
2.63 0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
A resilient economy is built by supporting our businesses Please rate the importance of the following items: Redevelopment of mature sites
Downtown Revitalization
Diversity of Businesses
4.14
Green Businesses
Locally Supportive Community 3.00
3.20
3.40
3.60
3.80
4.00
4.20
The infrastructure of our City is the backbone of daily living. Please rate the importance of the following items: Curb-Side Compost Program Waste Reduction Land Use & Growth Water Use Management Energy Efficiency Infrastructure that Minimizes our Footprint Use of Environmentally Friendly Construction Materials 4.34
Roads & Transportation Infrastructure 0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
To what extent do you agree with the following statements:
Fort Sask is a vibrant destination for businesses as well as an attractive place to live
4.05
The downtown revitalization is progressing well Arts, recreation, and culture thrive in Fort Sask The City balances their support well in every aspect of life, from local businesses to social services We have a flourishing local economy We are a leader in eco-industrial development As a community, we are stewards of the environment 0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Are there any specific initiatives you believe need to be addressed to help maintain and develop our natural environment? “More more trees. Reevaluate the residential development plan and ask how having tight clusters of high density apartments and endless rows of duplexes contributes to a 'natural' environment.” “I would love to see the peace officers also do a bit more poop patrol in the parks. The mess that happens every spring after a winter of all dog crap getting frozen for 6 months is a real hazard for all using the pathways.” “Plant as many native trees and brush as possible as a backdrop to any decorative trees.”
“Involve schools, perhaps a program as part of the education to have young people in more outdoor stewardship” “Water trees alongside highway a wee bit more often?” “Air quality, and noise control or more specifically loud trucks and cars.” “Quit allowing high density developments they look terrible” “Noise reduction along highway 15!”
“More more trees. Reevaluate the residential development plan and ask how having tight clusters of high density apartments and endless rows of duplexes contributes to a 'natural' environment.” “The growth rate of the city could be much slower (or even stay the same) and this would still be a very good place to live. Being bigger should not be a goal or initiative in itself. We can't have endless growth and still maintain and develop our natural environment.” “More parks with trees and natural vegetation”
Are there any specific initiatives you believe need to be addressed to help maintain and develop our natural environment? “I think our walking paths our absolutely beautiful! We also have a beautiful river valley we need to capitalize on (the smell needs to be remedied.)” “I think that we should follow Sherwood park and their waste management. I don't think enough people take advantage of our recycling program.” “I think our city does quite well in this matter.” “Banning the use of herbicides and pesticides in public areas, especially parks where young kids play sports in the summer.”
“For green spaces that back onto homeowners back yards, there should be life saving equipment such as floating rings and ropes in case someone were to be in a state of emergency in the water. It only takes a foot of water for someone to drown. It would ease the nerves of nearby homeowners enjoying dinner on their decks while children are playing unsupervised in or near the water.” “Protect wetlands and trees in developing areas. naturalization using proper native vegetation”
“There should be more focus on urban gardening, even possibly implementing laws where chickens are allowed and courses are taught on caring for these animals. Bee keeping is also possible and incredible for the environment.” “Speaking with developers. Not allowing them to continue to do "do and ask for forgiveness" , when it comes to area development. Selling lots before the city has even given green light on an area” “Green spaces in every community and not expanding to close to the river”
Are there any specific initiatives you believe need to be addressed to help maintain and develop our natural environment? “More trees planted in new boat launch area” “I would love to see more wild flower fields around the city. They are essential for solitary bee populations. The city could also put up bat houses in the river valley to try and attract more bats to help with pest control.” “The protection of trees/green space/parks. The area along there should be maintained as natural as can be or wild life and country feel.” “Two issues that seem related are urban sprawl and lack of public transport.” Heavy industry traffic I think curbside composting really needs to be addressed.
“URBAN SPRAWL!! Curbside compost program. Also, when the opportunity exists within new developments, planning should consider the natural environment. The new commercial development on Josephburg Road showed complete disregard for the environment. There were three small wetlands along the road that were frequented by a number of birds every spring and fall. They were small wetlands, but still significant to the animals that used them. They could have easily been incorporated into planning and design of the site, but were overlooked. The housing development in the Westpark area did the same thing but to a greater extent. The neighbourhood could have incorporated the natural forested area into the parks, but most are gone now. The current Community Sustainability Plan states that Fort Sask is “committed to the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems and that protection of the North Saskatchewan River Valley is paramount” (!!!!!!)”