More information about the next Regional Survey will posted on the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website: https://rdosregionalconnections.ca.

As a result of the 2020 Citizen Survey, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Board of Directors approved a short follow-up survey to provide further insights into how residents and property owners prefer to engage with the Regional District.

The communications and public engagement survey was conducted between June 7 and August 31, 2021.

Survey results, analysis, and action items were presented to the RDOS Board of Directors on December 16, 2021.

Click here to view the 2021 Citizen Survey Follow-up powerpoint.

Click here to view the information release on RDOS Hot Topics: Survey results highlight importance of diverse public engagement opportunities

Paper copies of the survey were made available through municipal member offices, local volunteer fire halls and community centres.

Visit RDOS Regional Connections  to learn more about surveys and other public engagement initiatives.

The Regional District has been surveying citizens in rural areas biennially since 2010. The 2020 Citizen Survey was conducted online between September 2nd and November 1st. The survey was conducted using the RDOS Regional Connections public engagement website, promoted widely online and via the CivicReady mass notification system. Hard copies of the survey were also made available. Some respondents reported hearing about the survey through local news media.

Click here  to see an overview of the 2020 Citizen Survey results

This is a perception survey, but does not meet the test as being scientifically correct. That would require a random sample of 400 citizens, drawn from our 9 electoral areas. 223 respondents took part in the 2020 survey. There were 73 unique questions including opportunities for comments on specific topics, as well as a general comments section. Many respondents commented on specific programs or services and this data is reflected in the survey graphs. The estimated cost to conduct a telephone scientific survey was $20,000.

A majority of respondents indicated town halls, public meetings and online surveys are their preferred methods of engagement regarding RDOS initiatives and projects. These results are somewhat surprising but provide valuable insight into how information is best shared with residents. 

Requesting further targeted feedback from a larger sample size would be helpful in coordinating communication and engagement efforts, and ensuring residents have access to information about Regional District programs, services and initiatives

From the initial evaluation of the survey results, it would seem beneficial to probe further on specific issues that drew more attention in 2020.

The Regional District Corporate Strategic Plan includes Success Indicators, one of which is 'Optimize Customer Experience'.  To gather the information, the RDOS needs to make informed decisions about the current perception of Regional District services. The Citizen Survey tool was developed in 2010. 

Every business needs to continually ask their customers for feedback on the services they provide.  High performing organizations want to know what their citizens think.

"It is intended that the 2017 Citizen Survey establishes the baseline data that the organization will utilize to work on specific weaknesses and compare against in future years to gauge our progress." - Bill Newell, RDOS Chief Administrative Officer

2017 Citizen Survey

The Regional District received baseline data from similar surveys in 2010, 2012 and 2014 which the organization is now using to compare trends. 

Information Release

2017 Citizen Survey Results