Lumby politicians are heading in the right direction but there is room for improvement.
The results from the 2016 residents survey have been released.
“I thought there would be glaring surprises but it hits all of the marks,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.
“All of the issues mentioned are issues we’re working on — affordability, housing.”
A total of 720 surveys were sent out and 222, or 30 per cent, were received back.
Eight-two per cent of the respondents rate their overall quality of life in Lumby as good or very good.
When asked about the rate of growth, 62 per cent indicated it was at about the right pace while 36 per cent stated it was not fast enough and two per cent said it was too fast.
Eight-five per cent stated living in Lumby is affordable or somewhat affordable while 15 per cent indicated that it’s somewhat unaffordable or expensive.
When asked to expand on affordability, many respondents felt that groceries are priced too highly, and they travel to Vernon to shop.
“For businesses in Lumby, it’s based on volume,” said Acton.
“They need volume before they can have prices like Vernon stores.”
In terms of purchasing a home in Lumby, five per cent said it’s too expensive for most to buy a home in Lumby, while 39 per cent said it’s expensive but less costly than other areas of the North Okanagan. Forty-four per cent believe it’s reasonably affordable to buy a home in Lumby while 12 per cent had no opinion.
Questions were also asked about services provided by the village.
Acton says there is an interest in increased road maintenance.
“That’s something we’re working on,” he said.
With the survey results compiled, the next step is for council and administration to see where action can be taken.
“It’s satisfying to have some confirmation from residents that we’re heading in the right direction,” said Acton.
The survey results can be found at www.lumby.ca/content/residents-survey-results