City launches community survey

Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat has enlisted IPSOS to conduct a community survey targeting Medicine Hat residents aged 18 and older. The results will provide City Council and administration reliable data to better understand community sentiment around a variety of City topics, in turn supporting decision making.

The feedback that is captured through the survey is considered representative of the population as it utilizes a scientific methodology. IPSOS will use a randomized telephone survey (65% cellphones and 35% landlines) with an overall sample size of 400. The results are considered accurate to within ±4.9%, 19 times out of 20.

The survey will be conducted between May 6 and May 26, and City staff are encouraging residents to participate if they receive a call from IPSOS.

“Capturing community feedback is important as it helps city decision-makers understand what services and amenities the community values, and where improvements can be made,” said Colleen Graham, director of communications, engagement and marketing. “We recognize that people are busy, but we’re hopeful that if they receive a call from IPSOS, they will take the time to respond. This is a key opportunity to share your thoughts in a meaningful way.”

The survey will cover a wide range of topics from what residents feel is the most important issue affecting the community, to levels of satisfaction with garbage and recycling services. The results of the survey will be benchmarked against other municipalities, and the survey is repeated every two years.

“We conducted the same survey in 2022, so we’ll be able to compare the results to the previous report and see what shifts have occurred during the past two years,” added Graham.

If residents don’t receive a call from IPSOS but would like to take the survey, an online option will be available on www.medicinehat.ca starting on May 8. Only one telephone interview will be permitted per household, but others are welcome to complete the online version.

IPSOS will report the results to the City during the summer and they will be shared with the community at that time.

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For media inquiries, please contact: media@medicinehat.ca