CARP AGM well attended

Seniors Survey reveals Community Concerns

A capacity crowd attended the Annual General Meeting of the local chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) featuring as guest speaker Markus Schwabe who spoke on his career with the CBC and the future of the public broadcaster.

Over half of those present completed a short survey dealing with a number of topics of interest including heath care, housing, transportation, downtown usage and other civic matters.

Most of those completing the survey were women 63 percent, with almost 75 percent over the age of 65.  94 percent indicated they had a family doctor, however 44 percent had gone to a walk in clinic and almost a quarter had visited the hospital emergency department during the past year.

Almost three quarters indicated they live and own their own home while only 4 percent reside in a condo and 19 percent in an apartment.   About 75 percent felt property taxes were too high and almost an equal percentage felt that tax increases should be no more than the current 1.5 percent rate of inflation.

80 percent felt they would like to remain in their own residence as long as possible, however 44 percent would consider moving to an apartment eventually.  Less than a quarter would think of moving elsewhere for lower cost of living, better climate, but 30 percent might move to be closer to family.

88 percent hold a drivers licence.  Just 16 percent take public transit, but 43 percent would consider taking public transit if it were more convenient.   86 percent felt the city should repair existing roads and infrastructure before new projects undertaken.

About half of those surveyed did not shop or dine downtown, but close to 40 percent go downtown for services.  Over 50 percent indicated they were against new downtown development of a new library/art gallery, greenway or other legacy projects.  Just 16 percent felt no need for a new arena, but for those who did 18 percent felt it should be downtown while 54 percent felt it should be located elsewhere.

With regards to the city borrowing money, 63 percent felt this would be ok for road repair, but were evenly divided with respect to borrowing for special projects.  Over 50 percent, as against 28 percent felt the city should de-amalgamate.

Complete survey results and comments are attached.

Futher information:  Hugh Kruzel – Chair – Sudbury CARP  - carpsudburychapter@gmail.com