Maple Ridge, B.C., September 25, 2024 – Last night, City Council received the results of the independent 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey conducted by Sentis Research in June 2024.
The survey, conducted since 2003, provides a detailed assessment of resident attitudes, needs, priorities, satisfaction levels with City services, and overall quality of life. 4,200 households were invited to participate in this year's survey, with 805 randomly selected residents completing it. The survey is statistically representative of the community, enabling data comparisons across years and serving as a valuable tool to guide the City’s strategic planning and key decision-making.
The full report and presentation are available as part of the September 24 Agenda package and video presentation at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilMeetings
Quality of Life
The 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey shows that most residents (71%) remain satisfied with the quality of life in Maple Ridge. While satisfaction has gradually decreased since 2020, the City continues to be highly livable, particularly for newer residents, 88% of whom report being content with their experience. Couples without children also report high satisfaction levels, emphasizing the City's appeal to diverse demographics.
Municipal Services
Ratings for municipal services in Maple Ridge have stabilized, with 44% of residents giving positive feedback—a slight improvement from previous years. Additionally, the proportion of residents rating services as poor has decreased, highlighting the City’s ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in service delivery. Younger residents, in particular, report increasing satisfaction with service quality.
Consistent with past surveys, residents who rate municipal services as poor or very poor tend to mention the lack of a garbage collection service (13%). However, the public did not support the service in a 2018 plebiscite. Residents continue to prioritize essential services, including emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental protection. Emergency services, such as fire protection and policing, received consistently high satisfaction rates.
Strong community support for infrastructure also exists, with streets and utilities seen as vital to the city's well-being. Economic development remains a key priority for residents, expressing a desire to attract more businesses to the area and enhance shopping and dining options.
City Communications
Maple Ridge residents use a variety of channels to stay informed and engaged. The City’s website and email services remain the most popular methods for accessing information, with a growing appreciation for telephone communication, especially among older adults. Younger residents are more inclined to use social media to stay informed, ensuring that all age groups have preferred ways to engage with City news.
The City’s multi-platform approach to communication ensures that residents can stay informed on their preferred platforms, strengthening the connection between the City and its community.
Top Concerns
The survey also allowed residents to share their concerns without prompting. Issues such as homelessness, drug use, crime, and safety were consistently mentioned, reflecting ongoing regional challenges. Residents also expressed the importance of attracting new businesses to broaden the tax base and create more shopping and dining opportunities.
He continued, “We’ve also focused on strengthening our economic development efforts, attracting new businesses, and exploring ways to bring more employment lands on stream to create more local jobs and economic diversity. This data confirms that our priorities are aligned with what our residents want.”
Results from the 2024 Citizen Survey inform the development of the City’s 2025-2029 Financial and Business Planning process and will guide strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond. Council will review preliminary recommendations in December 2024.
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For additional information, contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249