Homelessness and Poverty are the most pressing issues facing the City of Kelowna.
This according to a survey of 300 citizens, carried out by Ipsos Public Affairs.
"It's also clear that citizens want the city to take action in this area" said Ipsos Director Catherine Knaus. "When we ask about priorities for municipal investment over the next four years, citizens number one priority is addressing social issues such as homelessness, mental health, and addictions."
48% of respondents agreed that public safety is on the decline in Kelowna, in large part due to vagrancy.
"The number one mention here is more homelessness [and] poverty, mentioned by one third of these residents." said Knaus. "That's more than double what is recorded for any other issue"
Ipsos presented the survey results to council on Monday, as council begins to set goals for their four-year term.
"We will certainly be using this document to help guide that decision making" said Mayor Colin Basran.
The number two concern for locals was traffic congestion.