Chamber releases results of 2018 municipal election survey
CHARLOTTETOWN – The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce released key findings of its recent 2018 Municipal Election Survey. Results reinforced that Chamber members are calling for greater access to information and transparency and a focus on development.
“We saw this survey as an opportunity to consult the business community during a time when municipal issues are top-of-mind,” said Chamber CEO, Penny Walsh-McGuire. “It is important that our new municipal governments have a clear understanding of the needs and priorities of businesses if we are to foster economic growth in the capital region.”
Some themes from the survey results that garnered the highest member support include:
Transparency/Access to Information
- 86 per cent of respondents agree or somewhat agree that a three-year capital expenditure plan should be included in the capital budget to allow greater visibility of future plans, needs and priorities.
- 67 per cent of respondents support making information related to investment development and economic growth available through an online open data portal.
Capital Region Development
- 61 per cent of respondents agree or somewhat agree with streamlining and standardizing routine permits and development applications as a way to help address challenges, such as the housing shortage.
- 66 per cent of respondents agree or somewhat agree it is important for the greater Charlottetown area to have its own economic development agency.
Questions related to these themes were posed to all mayoral candidates in Charlottetown, Cornwall and Stratford and responses were published in the Chamber’s most recent magazine.
“These were some of the issues discussed throughout the election campaign. Moving forward the challenge will be to strategically invest while servicing debt, in a time when infrastructure deficits continue to grow,” said Walsh-McGuire. “We look forward to discussing these priorities, on behalf of our members, with the capital region’s newly elected mayors and councils.”
The Chamber Election Survey was conducted by e-mail during the month of October. A total of 201 Chamber members responded to the survey.
