It’s interesting that the St. Albert Public Library survey is based on input from a survey of only 431 home owners. This is only 2.3 per cent of all 19,000 dwellings owned (2016 census) in St. Albert. Of the 431 responses only 39 per cent or 168 selected the library as high importance; a very close second at 34 per cent was the pool; and 29 per cent the ice surface.
However when the 431 were asked if they would support a tax increase to build the library a full 40 per cent said they were not supportive at all, and when the tax increase was proposed to be 2.5 per cent for the library it jumped to 47 per cent being not supportive at all.
Based on this, it’s not entirely accurate to say the library was the highest priority ... if the “high importance” rating is added to the “moderate importance” rating the library and pool are exactly tied for importance ... library 39 per cent plus 40 per cent = 79 per cent. The pool had 34 per cent plus 45 per cent equals 79%.
In contrast to this survey using such a small (2.3 per cent) sample size of residents to make such a huge decision (to borrow $17.8m and raise taxes), I find it interesting that the Erin Ridge traffic calming program requires 55% support of the overall community residents to move forward with any recommendations (even a $500 stop sign).
As council makes important decisions the taxpayers of St. Albert must have all the facts and data, not just the facts that support the decision after it's already been made.
Mike Killick, St. Albert
