October 26, 2021

MOOSE JAW – The City of Moose Jaw has released results of the 2022 Budget and Transit survey.

The survey was active between September 2-26, 2021 and asked residents a series of questions about their 2022 Budget priorities, in addition to questions about how to improve Moose Jaw Transit service.

476 responses were received, representing all age demographics 18 and older, with a margin of error of plus/minus 4.5%*.

*Survey Monkey, the online survey platform utilized by the City, says that to achieve accurate results within plus or minus 4.5%, 468 responses are needed from a population of 35,000.

Notable survey results included:

– Infrastructure spending (roads and water/wastewater) was as the #1 spending priority of respondents, followed by Public Safety and Economic Development.

– A reduction in recreation and leisure activities was the most significant pandemic challenge faced by respondents (65%).

– 65% of respondents favour continuing the practice of a dedicated annual infrastructure levy.

– Almost 79% of respondents agreed that property taxes should be raised to maintain and/or enhance services. 52.89% would slightly increase taxes to ensure the same level of service, while 25.9% say they would increase taxes at a 3 rate higher than inflation to provide services to an area they feel is inadequate at the moment.

– Of all the obstacles preventing Moose Jaw residents from taking the bus, the preference to drive received majority of the votes (47.91%), while 27.9% said that buses don’t run late enough in the evening, and 23.2% said buses run too infrequently.

“We thank all residents who participated in the survey,” said Jim Puffalt, City Manager. “These results will be taken into consideration as we prepare the 2022 Budget and consider any operational changes to Moose Jaw Transit.”

Full survey results can be viewed by clicking here.