Survey results in

By Nikki Jamieson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Westwind Weekly News

The survey results for the Village of Stirling’s Municipal Development Plan are available for viewing.

Back in June, the village sought feedback from residents for a new MDP for the village. An MDP is a provincially required planning document that focuses the goals and objectives for future development in the village for the next 10 years, and outlines policies to help aid in achieving them.

“Input from the community is key to ensure that document properly reflects the needs, desires and aspirations of our residents and businesses,” said Trevor Lewington, mayor of Stirling. “The survey provided some objective data to give us an initial sense of where public opinion is on a few key issues. The results were very consistent with a similar survey we (did about) two years ago. The survey also helps us better understand next steps on the engagement and consultation process. (For example) — People will still be able to provide feedback in the coming months through public hearings, photo contest and other processes.”

According the the survey results, there was a participation rate of 19 per cent, as 392 notices were sent out to residents through mail and e-mail. The village received 74 responses — 68 online through Survey Monkey, two fillable forms and four hard copies.

Some statistics from the survey results include:
• 80 per cent of respondents listed ‘small town living,’ 43 per cent ‘large lots;’ and 38 per cent answered ‘lifestyle’ or ‘family’ when answering the question, “What are your top three reasons for living in Stirling?”
• When answering the question “what do you like most about Stirling, or do not want to see changed,” common responses were small town community (18), quiet (15) or friendly (7).
• When answering the question “What do you like least about Stirling, or would like to see changed,” common responses were gravel roads (15) and bylaw enforcement (10).
• When answering the question “What do you feel is the most important issue facing Stirling in the next 10 years,” common responses were sustainable growth (11), high taxes (10), commercial development (10) and aging infrastructure (9).
• 40 per cent of respondents indicated they did not support increased density.
• For the 70 per cent who indicate the village needed more businesses to be sustainable, common responses to the types of businesses included grocery store (14), retail and supply (11) and dining (11).
• 52 per cent indicated housing variety was not an issue.
• 37 per cent indicated seniors’ services were a major issue.
• 50 per cent indicated community appearance was a minor issue.

The survey results can be viewed online at stirling.ca/archives/9679.

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