Survey shows Kelowna residents enjoy high quality of life

The results of the 2022 Citizen Survey show residents have a high quality of life.

The results show that 90 per cent of respondents rate the quality of life as good or very good.

The survey also found that 80 per cent of citizens were satisfied with the overall level and quality of city services.

Other highlights from the survey include 81 per cent of respondents describing Kelowna as safe; 75 per cent saying they receive good value for their taxes; 53 per cent of citizens prefer to see taxes raised to enhance or maintain services; 81 per cent of respondents who had contact or dealt with the City in the past 12 months were satisfied with the overall service, and 80 per cent of citizens stated that the City is inclusive and accepting of all through its services and programs.

The top comments regarding the characteristics and qualities used to describe their ideal city were safe with a low crime rate, having good recreational facilities and parks, and having good parks and green spaces.

“What we’ve heard is that Kelowna continues to be a great place to live where the majority of people feel safe, and they enjoy our parks and sports fields, our bike lanes and overall cleanliness in the community,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran.

“We know there are areas where we must continue to pay attention with respect to social issues, transportation, community safety, affordability and managing growth as we work to realize the Imagine Kelowna vision for our city.”

Though the results were mostly positive, the findings of the survey did show that there needs to be more focus on addressing homelessness, transportation and crime and safety.

The top priorities identified through the survey were addressing social issues, diversifying housing supply options, improving drinking water, and investing in police and fire services. About 55 per cent of respondents would also like to see renewing existing infrastructure as a priority versus building new.

“The outcomes of the Citizen Survey align with the resources we’ve committed over the past few years to address social issues and transportation in our community,” said Basran.

“This is one of the many inputs Council will use to set priorities for the next term. It also gives the organization insight into perceptions around service delivery and citizen satisfaction as staff build out their operating plans and budgets this summer.”

The Citizen Survey results were received by Kelowna City Council at its June 20 regular meeting.

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