Kelowna, a city known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, is facing a concerning issue – a waning perception of its quality of life. According to city councillors, this decline is largely out of the city’s control.
In a recent survey conducted by the City of Kelowna, only 55% of residents rated their quality of life as “excellent” or “good”, a decrease from 62% in 2018. This decline is attributed to various factors, including rising housing costs, traffic congestion, and crime rates.
City councillor, Gail Given, acknowledges the concerns of residents but emphasizes that the city is doing its best to address these issues. She explains that the city has limited control over housing costs, as it is largely influenced by the market. However, the city has implemented measures such as the Affordable Housing Strategy and the Rental Housing Grants Program to help alleviate the issue.
Traffic congestion is another major concern for residents, with 72% of survey respondents stating that it has worsened in the past year. Councillor Brad Sieben points out that the city is working on improving transportation infrastructure, such as expanding public transit and building new roads, to ease traffic flow.
In terms of crime rates, councillor Mohini Singh states that the city is working closely with the RCMP to address safety concerns. She also highlights the importance of community involvement in crime prevention, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity and participate in neighbourhood watch programs.
Despite these efforts, some residents feel that the city could do more to improve the quality of life in Kelowna. Councillor Loyal Wooldridge acknowledges this sentiment and assures that the city is continuously working towards making Kelowna a better place to live.
In conclusion, while the waning perception of quality of life in Kelowna is a cause for concern, city councillors assure that the city is taking steps to address the issues at hand. With a collaborative effort between the city and its residents, Kelowna can continue to thrive as a desirable place to live.
