Stratford residents weigh in on crime, in-law suites and chicken coops

Stratford residents support rezoning property for grandmothers and in-laws, but not for chickens or bees.

The town's annual residents survey, released Wednesday, shows 79 per cent of respondents support rezoning for secondary units within a single family dwelling -- such as in-law suites or granny flats while only 44 per cent were okay with rezoning for agricultural use such as bee hives or chicken coops.

Rezoning for home-based businesses received 70 per cent support.

Every year since 2012, the town of Stratford has conducted a survey to gain feedback from its residents. This year's survey was conducted between Feb. 15-21 with 908 adult residents.

"We use this survey as a management tool," said Mayor David Dunphy.

Public's perception of crime

Regarding public safety, the survey showed 38 per cent of residents believe crime has increased during the last five years. However, it was noted that leading up to and during the time of the survey, there had been a series of unsolved burglaries and the RCMP launched a campaign to heighten awareness among residents.

"Unfortunately when they're doing the survey, they think, 'Well, there's more crime,'" Dunphy said. "That probably impacted their perception."

More than 90 per cent, however, said they have at least some or a great deal of confidence in the Stratford RCMP.

When asked about supporting local businesses, respondents said the biggest motivating factors were convenience, keeping money in the local economy, and improving the quality of life in the community. But overall, quality and price are the most important factors in any purchase decision, they said.

Public transit

Regarding public transit, the survey showed Stratford residents prefer driving their cars to taking the bus. More than 80 per cent said they live within walking distance of a bus stop, but only 13 per cent reported taking the bus in the last 12 months.

Most said they are satisfied with the service, but found it more convenient especially when making multiple stops to use their own vehicle.

"So now you're in the business of trying to provide public transportation where people have their own vehicles," said T3 Transit owner Mike Cassidy.

But he said he was encouraged by the 13 per cent who used the bus service.

"I believe the national average is 11 per cent of your per capita population use public transit, so Stratford is right within that parameter."

The other highlights include:

• 85 per cent said they were aware of the local farmers market, but only 51 per cent had attended it in 2015
• 64 per cent of homeowners said they have never used lawn pesticides at their current residence
• 46 per cent said safety on the Hillsborough Bridge was the biggest barrier to walking or cycling to Charlottetown
• 57 per cent were rated as "promoters" of the city, while 11 per cent were classified as "detractors"
• 45 per cent said developers should be encouraged to include affordable housing components in future development proposals

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