Whole bunch of people express views on grotto (survey results)

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION

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The Sault Ste. Marie Ratepayers Association would like to thank everyone who participated in a 10-question online survey about the "Grotto in Bellevue Park."

The goal of the association's first survey of this kind was to collect input from the community until Sunday, February 12, at 6 p.m. or when 1,000 completed surveys had been obtained. 

The goal of 1,000 surveys was reached earlier than expected and wrapped up late Saturday night.

"Quite surprising, actually," was the response of the survey developer, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Ratepayers Association. "It was an exciting social experiment that clearly demonstrated the community wanted their voice to be heard." 

In response to some complaints that the survey closed earlier than planned: "We will have some bugs to work out in future.  Surveys will become a large part of how we stay connected with the pulse of the community and we will consider all options, as far as survey methods and sizes. We really didn't expect the kind of overwhelming response we received and had capped the survey number to 1,000, which originally seemed like an impossible task. The association just had our first general meeting at the end of January and we are in the early phases of development. There is a lot more to come."

There was also some confusion that the survey was prepared by City Council. 

"That is not the case," advises the Sault Ste. Marie Ratepayers Association representative. "We are a separate entity from City Council and simply wanted to seek public opinion on the matter, prior to the February 21 decision by Council." 

Although the survey link was circulated electronically through various media links, personal networks and even some individual members of Council, it demonstrates that council members were on board to hear what their constituents had to say.

To view results of the Sault Ste. Marie Ratepayers Association "Grotto in Bellevue Park" survey, please visit here.

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