James Bay Survey Analysis

James Bay survey results are now in. A big tip of the hat to the residents who completed the survey and to the volunteers who tabulated and compiled the results. The survey is part of the NEA’s continuing efforts to engage the community, and to learn residents’ wishes and concerns.

The initial tabulations were shared at the James Bay Neighbourhood Environment Association (JBNEA) meeting on March 14. Over 180 responses came in from a cross-section of James Bay residents -- young and old, home-owners and renters, employed and retired. We received many more than the 70 James Bay responses received by the City of Victoria’s Citizen Survey in 2005. Statistically, we received more responses from women, over 55’s and home-owners. However, both surveys indicate similar results. James Bay residents value consultation and planning for change, street and sidewalk conditions, and noise regulation.

Those who replied had lots to say! Write-in comments included positive responses about living here -- the mixed community, the heritage homes mixed with other housing, and how easy it is to get around. But there were concerns over crime, traffic, improving the Five Corners, and replacing existing houses with new (and less affordable) housing.

We asked you to evaluate the Quality of Life in James Bay.

• Are we on the right track? 55% say “Yes.”
• Have recent changes affected our quality of life? 48% say "No change." 34% say things are worse, and 18% see improvement.

What do you think? What are we doing well:

• Ease of getting around: 56% say this is Good and 87% say Good or Adequate.
• Services for People: 38% say Good, and 80% say Good or Adequate.
• Safety in our public spaces: 36% say Good and 78% say Good or Adequate.

Areas for Improvement

• Streets and Sidewalks – 40% indicate that some improvement is needed.
• Noise - 39% think noise should be reduced.

We asked you to help establish priorities for improving our Neighbourhood

• 91% of respondents supported the preservation of heritage buildings and streetscapes.
• 75% of respondents supported signage in the community telling of history and spots of interest.
• 70% supported more places to sit outdoors.

We asked you about future directions for the JBNEA.

• 96% say people should be consulted before making changes that affect them,
• 95% say we should manage change carefully, following a plan,
• 93% say we should pay more attention to the environment, sustainability and healthy living,
• 82% say we should work to increase affordable housing. Additional survey results will be presented in future Beacon articles.