Minority of Sundre residents respond
Only 477 Sundre residents — out of a population of 2,729 based on the 2016 census — completed the September survey. That represents only 17.5 per cent of the municipality’s overall population. In other words, a substantial majority of 82.5 per cent of the town’s population did not complete the survey. Additionally, the results were deemed inconclusive because some respondents recorded they were county and town residents.
However, of the 17.5 per cent who answered the questionnaire, about 35 per cent — which represents 6.12 per cent of town’s overall population — generally dislike new design.
Roughly 17 per cent of the minority that responded — which equates to 2.97 per cent of the town’s overall population — also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of understanding on using the roundabouts as well as inadequate education offered.
About seven per cent — which equates to 1.22 per cent of the overall population — generally like the roundabouts.
Few surrounding area residents also reply
Only 607 county residents in the surrounding area — out of a population of 3,471 based on the 2016 census — completed the September survey. That represents only 17.5 per cent of the Sundre referral area’s overall population. That means a substantial majority of 82.5 per cent of the surrounding area’s population did not complete the survey. Additionally, the results were again deemed inconclusive because some respondents recorded they were county and town residents.
However, of the 17.5 per cent who did respond, roughly 53 per cent — which equates to 9.27 per cent of the county population within the referral area — expressed general dissatisfaction for the roundabouts.
Roughly 17 per cent of those who responded — which equates to 2.97 per cent of the county population with the referral area — also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of understanding on using the roundabouts as well as inadequate education offered.
About four per cent of those who responded — which equates to less than one per cent of the overall population — generally like the roundabouts, while an equal amount also like the new design but feel more education is required.
Additional analysis
Nearly half of the respondents have limited experience using roundabouts, which supports the need to further educate the public on how to correctly navigate the traffic calming measures, the report reads.
About 80 per cent do not think that traffic flow has improved along Highway 27, while some 81 per cent feel the changes have not had a positive effect on the municipality.
Approximately 80 per cent also said they are opposed to the mini-roundabouts, with some comments suggesting to go to a three lane design with a back-to-back left turning centre lane, or even to simply return to former four lane layout, which had caused many of the concerns that led to investigating alternative options in the first place.
Visit the municipality’s website, www.sundre.com, for the full survey results and report analysis.
