Two civic surveys conducted for the City of Saskatoon by Forum Research Inc. indicate most residents are satisfied with life in their community and the municipal services they receive.

A news release from the City says 86 per cent stated they were satisfied with living in Saskatoon and 81 per cent are satisfied with the quality of services. Residents were also asked about what they feel is the single most important issue facing the city. Nineteen per cent said homelessness followed by crime/public safety and policing at 15 per cent and roads and sidewalk maintenance at eight per cent.

Where improvement is needed, according to the survey, is snow and ice road maintenance, major road and freeway maintenance, accessibility for people with disabilities, traffic management and planning for growth and development. The report will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, residents from Regina and Moose Jaw have the opportunity to voice their opinions of their local Police Services. The surveys are being carried out by a an independent group of researchers from the University of Regina and Prairie Research Associations out of Winnipeg. Over the next several weeks, surveyors will reach out by phone to citizens randomly selected using postal code information. The survey relates to opinions on police effectiveness, responsiveness, the visibility and presence of officers, fear of crime, trust and confidence in police, traffic enforcement and perceptions of each of the Police Service’s use of social media.