I’ve been watching City Hall’s reactions to the latest quality of life survey, and I can tell you – there’s both relief and concern in those council chambers. The 2024 Spring Pulse Check survey shows Calgarians feeling somewhat better about life in our city, but the undercurrent of frustration with council decision-making remains stubbornly persistent.
After spending the morning combing through the data and speaking with community leaders, it’s clear we’re seeing modest improvements in how residents view their quality of life. According to the survey, 77 percent of Calgarians now rate their quality of life as “good” or “very good” – that’s up slightly from last spring’s 73 percent. Given the economic challenges many families continue to face, this uptick shouldn’t be dismissed.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek acknowledged the mixed results during yesterday’s council meeting. “While we’re seeing some positive movement in certain areas, we recognize there’s significant work ahead to address concerns around affordability and service delivery,” she told me during a brief hallway conversation after the presentation.
The survey, conducted between April 1 and April 14, gathered responses from over 2,500 Calgarians across all wards. What jumped out at me was the persistent gap between overall life satisfaction and views on municipal leadership – something I’ve been tracking closely since the last election cycle.
Only 44 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with council’s decision-making, a marginal improvement from previous surveys but still troublingly low. This continues a trend I’ve observed during my years covering City Hall – a disconnect between how Calgarians feel about their personal lives versus their confidence in local governance.
Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp didn’t mince words when I caught up with her after the meeting. “These numbers reflect what I’m hearing directly from constituents. People are feeling squeezed financially and questioning whether their tax dollars are being managed effectively,” she said.
The property tax situation undoubtedly contributes to this sentiment. With homeowners facing a 3.6 percent increase this year – following last year’s 7.8 percent hike – many Calgarians I’ve spoken with express frustration about getting less while paying more. The survey confirms this, with just 39 percent believing they receive good value for their tax dollars.
Walking through Kensington yesterday afternoon, I stopped to chat with small business owner Rachel Winters, who’s operated her boutique for 15 years. “We’ve weathered downturns before, but this combination of higher costs and uncertainty about the city’s direction makes planning difficult,” she explained while arranging a new window display.
The survey also revealed interesting geographic and demographic divisions. Residents in outer wards generally reported lower satisfaction with city services than those in central areas – a pattern that’s persisted for years and reflects ongoing challenges with equitable service delivery.
Transportation remains a sore point for many. Despite significant investment in transit and roadway improvements, only 51 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with Calgary’s transportation system. During rush hour on Deerfoot yesterday, the frustration was palpable – I’ve rarely seen traffic flowing smoothly along that corridor despite numerous improvement projects.
City Manager David Duckworth emphasized the importance of these surveys during the presentation. “This feedback helps us identify priorities and measure progress against our service plans,” he explained. “We’re particularly focused on areas showing persistent dissatisfaction.”
On a positive note, satisfaction with parks and recreation facilities remains high at 89 percent – something I’ve noticed personally during weekend runs along the river pathways, which continue to be packed with Calgarians enjoying our outdoor spaces regardless of the season.
Community safety perceptions have improved slightly, with 68 percent of respondents feeling safe in their neighborhoods – up from 64 percent last year. Having covered the police commission’s recent strategic planning sessions, I know this will be welcomed news at CPS headquarters, though challenges remain in specific communities.
The economic outlook appears cautiously optimistic, with more respondents expressing confidence in Calgary’s future compared to previous surveys. This aligns with recent announcements of major investments in the technology and energy sectors that I’ve been covering.
What’s particularly striking is how these survey results compare to similar feedback in other major Canadian cities. Calgary consistently ranks among the top Canadian municipalities for overall quality of life, despite our governance satisfaction challenges. Having previously reported from Edmonton and Vancouver, I can attest to the unique combination of affordability, amenities, and opportunity that still defines our city, despite current pressures.
As council prepares for budget deliberations later this year, these survey results will undoubtedly influence priorities and spending decisions. The question remains whether elected officials can translate this feedback into tangible improvements that resonate with residents.
For now, Calgarians continue to navigate the complex realities of post-pandemic life in a city still defining its future. The resilience I’ve witnessed covering this community for nearly a decade suggests we’ll adapt and thrive – though perhaps with continued skepticism toward those making decisions at City Hall.
