City satisfaction survey finds economic downturn has affected most Calgarians

One out of four Calgarians believe their quality of life has worsened in the past three years and more than half say the current economic downturn has had an impact on their households, according to the city's annual citizen satisfaction survey.

However, 86 per cent of Calgarians still say their quality of life is good and 88 per cent of respondents agree that Calgary is on the right track to being a better city in 10 years.

"The data shows that despite the economic downturn, Calgarians are proud to live here and hopeful about Calgary's future," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a release.

To supplement this year's annual survey, the city also commissioned a research report by Ipsos on Calgary's economic situation.

It found more evidence that the slump in the oil and gas sector is being felt in many Calgary homes.

- 12 per cent of respondents said a household member has recently become unemployed.

- 61 per cent describe the economic situation in Calgary as bad.

- 25 per cent are worried about their jobs.

The city satisfaction survey found that most Calgarians see infrastructure, traffic and roads as the most important issue, and transit as the second most important.

"Calgarians think the city should invest more in transit, affordable housing, traffic-flow management and transportation planning," the city said in a release.

The survey found 75 per cent of Calgarians think this is a good time for the city to invest in roads, public transportation and local facilities.

Eight-in-ten respondents said they are satisfied with the overall level and quality of services and programs provided by the city.

For the 2015 Research on Calgary's Economy, a telephone survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 501 Calgarians aged 18 years and older between Nov. 2 and Nov. 5.

For the citizen satisfaction report, a telephone survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 2,452 Calgarians aged 18 years and older between Aug. 20 and Sept.10.

Read the survey here.

Read the economic report here.