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County's Needs Assessment presented

After months of data collection and compilation, the 2010 Rocky View County Community Needs Assessment is complete.

After months of data collection and compilation, the 2010 Rocky View County Community Needs Assessment is complete.

County-hired consultant Jon Hartenberger, of HarGroup Management Consultants, presented the findings - consisting of about 150 pages of detailed data - to Rocky View County councillors, March 8.

“Further work needs to be done to break down the information about the different areas of Rocky View,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown.

“It’s going to be valuable for us.”

The information, which was collected through lengthy questionnaires mailed to every household in the county and through input from 30 to 40 organizations, will be used to help in long-term planning for libraries, recreation, and Family and Community Support Services.

The data will also help Rocky View better understand how and why residents use community services, identify important community issues and contribute to a long-term community service plan.

A total of 1,955 households, out of 15,016 households in the county, responded to a variety of questions such as what makes the county an attractive place to live, and where and what type of recreational activities does members of your household partake in?

Consultants learned that residents participate in a number of recreational activities, from hiking and running to crafts and classes, within and outside their communities.

The data also indicated that many residents feel a strong connection to their neighbours.

“There is a strong sense of community amongst residents,” said Hartenberger. “They trust their neighbours...and felt they would be there if needed.”

The number of residents seeking services within their community grew when compared to results of a similar survey done in 2005.

The survey also revealed some deficits, such as the difficulty some seniors are having in accessing services. It also showed that an overwhelming majority (82 per cent) of seniors desire to continue living in their communities into old age.

“This being said, they are unsure about the availability of senior’s housing,” said Hartenberger.

Division 1 Councillor Rick Butler said one of the key findings of the study was the diversity of communities and residents within Rocky View.

“We really are a community of communities as it relates to recreational needs,” he said.

Ashdown agreed and said understanding that diversity is crucial in future decision making.

“If we consider the entire county is the same, I don’t think we will be spending wisely,” he said.


Airdrie Today Staff

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