Oak Bay is set to survey the community to find out how it’s doing in the eyes of residents.
The district posted a request for proposal for a community satisfaction survey after council approved the RFP last month.
The purpose of a citizen survey is to learn priorities of the community and how residents perceive district services, said Warren Jones, director of corporate services for Oak Bay.
“This is, for a lot communities, a foundation for the strategic planning process,” Jones said.
At the end you get a final report “fleshing out the silent majority in the community,” he added.
“That would put information at your fingertips about what people think in the community.”
A consultant would prepare, execute and analyze a survey of the roughly 6,000 households in Oak Bay and report back to council.
The survey is expected to provide insight into the areas of the district’s operations and service delivery that require the most immediate attention and it will provide feedback on the perceptions of value for those services. It would also provide an opportunity for council to receive feedback and opinions of the community on Oak Bay’s priorities and initiatives.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to keep our community informed and get informed ourselves,” said Coun. Tom Croft.
Councillors Michelle Kirby and Kevin Murdoch pointed out there are issues with phone surveys.
“Many in my demographic no longer have a land line,” said Kirby. “If we can’t access a cell or mobile phone numbers that will exclude a good section of the community.”
She noted responses may not reflect the “silent majority we’re looking for.”
The consultant is expected to provide guidance and work with elected officials and staff on the suitability, wording and structure of survey questions.
The RFP deadline is Aug 19. A final report from the chosen proponent is expected to the district no later than Oct. 14.
The next council meeting is Sept. 12 at municipal hall 2167 Oak Bay Ave.