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Abbotsford News Thursday, July 26, 2012
City government the first concern
Kevin MILLS Abbotsford News
Crime is no longer the top issue in Abbotsford residents’ minds. That’s according to the 2012 Citizen Satisfaction Syndicated Survey performed by Ipsos Reid and presented to Abbotsford council on Monday. The survey indicates that municipal government services is now the top issue with 18 per cent of people surveyed mentioning it. That 18 per cent breaks down to drinking-water issues (14 per cent), better staff and leadership (two per cent) and garbage and recycling services (two per cent). Crime fell into a second place tie with taxation/municipal spending at 17 per cent. Transportation was fourth with 14 per cent of people naming it a top-of-mind issue. Crime had been the top-of-mind issue in the past two years. In 2010, 38 per cent felt it was a major issue and in 2011 the figure fell to 25 per cent. Other issues of note included the economy (eight per cent); environment (seven per cent); and parks, recreation and culture; social issues; and growth and development, all with six per cent. The annual survey, which Abbotsford has participated in for the past three years, also asks questions regarding quality of life, perception of local
government, satisfaction with services and other issues. A total of 93 per cent of people surveyed said the overall quality of life in Abbotsford was good (64 per cent) or very good (29 per cent). That’s down from 96 per cent in 2011 and 95 per cent in 2010. A total of seven per cent said life was poor (six per cent) or very poor (one per cent). When asked if there had been a change in quality of life in the past three years, 58 per cent said it had stayed the same, 21 per cent said it improved and 20 per cent answered it had worsened. Of those who felt it improved, 30 per cent said it was due to improved policing and a lower crime rate, 12 per cent said growth and development and 11 per cent said more stores/better shopping opportunities. Crime also topped the list (25 per cent) of reasons why life was worse. It was followed by high taxes (14 per cent) and growth and development (13 per cent). When asked about municipal operations, 76 per cent were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with council and the administration as a whole. When asked separately, only 72 per cent were somewhat or very satisfied with council alone and 75 per cent with the administration alone. A total of 89 per cent were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with city services. That’s down from 2011
Vancouver sixth in crime severity From A5
idents, according to the 2012 Citizen Satisfaction Syndicated Survey compiled for the City of Abbotsford. The issue was tops in the previous two years – at 38 per cent in 2010 and 25 per cent last year – but has dropped to second spot, at 17 per cent, in 2012. “Municipal government services� is now the top issue. “I think it’s like having a hockey team with a good goalie. When you’re not worried about your goaltending, you’re in a pretty good spot,� MacDonald said of the drop. The national crime stats list the Regina, Saskatoon, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and Kelowna CMAs (in order) as the top five for overall crime, based on their crime severity indexes. Vancouver is in the sixth spot.
(92 per cent) and 2010 (95 per cent). When it came to individual city services, fire services topped the list with 94 per cent saying they were satisfied, followed by parks, trails and green space (90 per cent) and libraries (89 per cent).
Photo of robbery suspect released Abbotsford Police have released a photo of a suspect in the robbery of an 85-year-old woman on Sunday afternoon. The image was obtained from security video at the TD Canada Trust location in the 32800 block of South Fraser Way. The victim had entered the bank at about 12:45 p.m. Sunday and withdrawn some cash. Police believe the suspect watched the woman at the bank, then followed her when she drove away and parked her vehicle on Eagle Street.
The culprit then rapidly approached the woman as she was getting out of her car, grabbed her purse, pushed her and ran away. Patrol officers and a K9 unit searched the area, but a suspect was not located. He is described as Caucasian, 18 to 20 years old, clean-shaven, and 5’ 8.� He was wearing a black hoodie and possibly a dark baseball cap. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.
SUSPECT
Going to the Airshow?
OfÂżcial Opening of Fire Hall No. 8
Go Green and avoid traf¿c and parking‌.take the bus!
The City of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service cordially invites you to attend the OfÂżcial Opening of Fire Hall No. 8 on July 30th, 2012 at 2 pm, at 30811 Blueridge Drive.
Central Fraser Valley Transit runs a special all day shuttle during the Airshow: August 10, 11 and 12. The shuttle leaves from the Bourquin Exchange in Abbotsford and drops off at the Queen Street Airshow entrance. Visit www.abbotsfordairshow.com for more information.
Adult 55 yrs+ Bus Tours Get active, meet friends, have fun!
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Construction Works Notice Gladwin Road and South Fraser Way From Monday, April 30, 2012 to the end of July 2012, intermittent lane closures will be in effect on Gladwin Road, from Ventura Avenue to Hillcrest Avenue, and South Fraser Way, 200m east and west of the intersection, for: • Hydro and Telus underground installations • Street lighting installations • Traf¿c signal upgrades Although through traf¿c will be maintained, motorists may experience delays and are advised to plan an alternate route. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Please direct inquiries to Tyler Bowie, Project Manager, at 604-864-5514 or tbowie@abbotsford.ca.
Looking for a fun and convenient way to explore the lower mainland with new and old friends? Register for one of the City of Abbotsford’s Adult 55yrs+ Bus Tours today. August 1 is the ¿rst day of Fall Registration! Register on August 1 and receive $5 off each tour and be entered to win a free tour. You can register at any PRC facility, but if you are looking to meet your fellow travel companions, join us at AEP from 9:00am to 1:00pm for a senior social. We will be serving coffee and snacks while you register for your tours! We will be visiting Seattle to take in the sights and sounds of the Buskers Festival, the Buddhist Temple for a splash of culture, celebrating the holidays with dinner and a train ride in Stanley Park, and much, much more! Pick up a bus tour brochure at any PRC facility today to ¿nd out more! Call or visit one of the following PRC facilities to register! AEP Abbotsford Exhibition Park 604-850-5536 ARC Abbotsford Recreation Centre 604-853-4221 MRC Matsqui Recreation Centre 604-855-0500 PRC Parks, Recreation & Culture 604-859-3134
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