Traffic, growth shine through as biggest concerns in survey

Residents surveyed continue to enjoy life in Cochrane, but an increased number are concerned about traffic and growth-related issues since the last survey was completed five years ago. They are also becoming uneasy about value received for their tax dollars.

Last night, town council received the results of the 2019 community survey that calculated how 401 residents, 18 and older, responded to questions on their views of life in Cochrane.

Dr. Eddie Sheppard, of Leger, presented the results of the survey that offers a wealth of insight on the views of Cochrane residents. 

Life in Cochrane is good, say the majority of 401 people responding to the survey. Still, they take issue with traffic congestion and growth management. Also, fewer believe they are getting good value for their tax dollars.

Of those surveyed, 99 per cent agreed with the statement that living in Cochrane enables a healthy and active lifestyle. Ninety-eight per cent agreed that Cochrane is safe and secure and offers a good quality of life. Also, 97 per cent believe this is a great place to raise their family.

In fact, over 90 per cent responded positively to 10 of the 11 statements read. Feeling connected to the community lagged at 88 per cent.

The pathway system is seen as a key contributor to the quality of life in Cochrane, followed closely by snow/ice removal on arterial and collector roads and road maintenance.

Having more amenities/shopping/restaurants is seen as the number one reason why life has improved. Fifty-two per cent saw it as leading the way to a better life with more recreational opportunities/social opportunities ranked number two at 28 per cent. 

While the numbers are good, they could be better if not weighed down by concerns over traffic and growth. Fifty-nine per cent say traffic congestion is the biggest problem, 18 per cent higher than in 2014.

The area viewed as having the greatest room for improvement is land-use and neighbourhood planning. Forty-three per cent say controlling and managing growth is their biggest concern, a 25 per cent jump.

Both of these issues reared their head, time and time again throughout the series of questions asked.

Perspective is everything, though. The longer people have lived here, the more concerned they are about traffic and growth. 

Eighty-two per cent of those survey who have lived here 11 to 19 years were the most likely to indicate traffic and increased congestion is taking away from life in Cochrane. That compares to 42 per cent for those living here six to 10 years and drops even further to 23 per cent for those who have lived here five years or less.

"It is important to continue to evaluate traffic congestion as development continues throughout Cochrane as this can have a significant impact on residents' quality of life overall," states one of the report's strategic insights.

Dissatisfaction with land-use and neighbourhood planning has increased 34 per cent from the satisfaction score of 2014. Again, it's the people who have lived here longer who voiced the most concern.

"Specifically, residents who have lived in Cochrane for 6+ years are less confident in the town's ability to grow while maintaining the quality of life they have come to enjoy, compared to those who have lived in Cochrane for five years or less," states the report.

Red flagged was a growing concern people have over the value they receive from their tax dollars. Since 2014, perceived value for tax dollars has decreased 21 per cent with 51 per cent of residents giving the town a 'good value' rating.

Dropping drastically in the category of satisfaction with town programs and services is the availability of affordable housing offered by the town. The rating dropped 21 per cent.

Data was gathered between June 3 and June 18, 2019, via landlines and cell phones in households within Cochrane. The margin of error associated with this sample size is +/- 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.