DIDSBURY — Ninety-four residents took part in the town's 2021 budget survey, with respondents asked to rate things such as financial, police, public works and communications.
The results were presented during the Jan. 12 council meeting, held by teleconference.
Regarding public works, 38 per cent of respondents said no change is required, 57 per cent said they would like to see an increase in services, and four per cent said they would like to see a reduction in services.
Regarding investments in roads, 26 per cent said no change is needed, 72 per cent said they would like to see an increase in services, and two per cent said they would like to see a reduction in services.
Regarding investments in sidewalks, 61 per cent said no change needed, 36 per cent said increase in services needed, and three per cent said a decrease in service needed.
Regarding protective services, 74 per cent said no change is needed, 12 per cent said increased services are needed, and 14 per cent said a decrease in services is needed.
Asked what they believe are the most important services provided by the RCMP and community peace officers, respondents said traffic enforcement in school and playground zones (20 per cent), traffic enforcement speeding (16 per cent), community education such as bicycle safety (13 per cent), and enforcement of unsightly properties and snow clearing on sidewalks (12 per cent).
Regarding economic development, 80 per cent said attraction and retention of businesses is the most important, 13 per cent said reducing red tape, and seven per cent said attraction of residential development.
Asked in what way they most prefer to do business with the Town of Didsbury, 33 per cent said using their banking institution’s online service, 20 per cent said visiting the town office in person, 17 per cent said using email, 15 per cent said using the phone, and 12 per cent said using the EGov online service.
Asked in what way they least prefer to do business with the Town of Didsbury, 34 per cent of respondents said by mail, 28 per cent said in person, 15 per cent said through the EGov online service, and 10 per cent said using the town’s 24/7 Dropbox.
Regarding recreation and parks, 53 per cent said services are adequate and require no change, 37 per cent said they would like to see some increase in services, and 10 per cent said they would like to see services reduced.
Asked how they prefer to receive information from the town, 45 per cent said through the Town Hall News included in monthly utility bills, 31 per cent through social media, 11 per cent through the town website, and 10 per cent through the newspaper.
Asked in what way they least prefer to receive information from the town, 52 per cent said through the radio, 19 per cent said social media, 16 per cent through the town ad in The Albertan, six per cent through the Town Hall News in utility bills, and four per cent through the town's website.
Of the 94 survey respondents, 87 per cent said they do not own a business in Didsbury.
Council accepted the survey results as information as part of the chief administrative officer's monthly report.
