MAJORITY SAY NOT TO LEAVE LOCAL HALDIMAND-NORFOLK GOVERNMENT AS IS

This Angus Reid Group/Simcoe Times-Reformer poll was conducted by telephone between November 3rd, 4th and 5th, 1998 among 400 randomly selected Haldimand-Norfolk residents.

These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's age and sex composition reflects that of the actual Haldimand-Norfolk Region according to the 1996 Census data.

With a regional sample of 400, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results are within + 4.9 percentage points of what they would have been had the entire Haldimand-Norfolk population been polled.

Three of every five (64%) residents in the Haldimand-Norfolk region believe the current system of local government should not be left as it is. Possible solutions to the perceived problems are not clear to Haldimand-Norfolk's residents. Though having a one-tier system (39%) garnered the most support, having a two county system (27%) or keeping the existing system (22%) garnered similar amounts of support. Despite, confusion over the right solution, it is clear that residents (75%) do not believe there will be a lower standard of services with a pared down government. They (66%) are however, worried about individual municipalities losing their unique character.

MAJORITY SAY NOT TO LEAVE LOCAL HALDIMAND-NORFOLK GOVERNMENT AS IS

RESIDENTS NOT SURE OF SOLUTION FOR RESTRUCTURING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FAR MORE CONCERN FOR PRESERVING EACH MUNICIPALITY'S UNIQUE CHARACTER THAN THE LOSS OF QUALITY SERVICES.

SIMCOE TIMES-REFORMER

CURRENT SYSTEM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE LEFT AS IS

Two Thirds (64%) Believe Local Government Should Not be Left As Is Two thirds (64%) of Haldimand-Norfolk residents do not believe the local government is "fine and should be left as is." In fact, of these respondents, 37% strongly disagree with the government being left as is, while 28% somewhat disagree. On the other hand, only 11% strongly believe that the system of local government should be left as is, while 23% somewhat believe that it is fine the way it is now.

• Residents who are between the ages of 18 and 34 (43%) are more likely than their counterparts (35-54, 30%; 55+, 31%) to believe the current system of local government should be left as it is.
• Men (69%) are more likely than women (60%) to believe the current system of government in Haldimand-Norfolk should not be left as it is.

Though a One-Tier System (39%) Garners More Support Than Other Options, The Answer Is Not Clear

While two in five (39%) prefer a one-tier structure, support for a two county system (27%) and the existing two-tier structure (22%) is also significant. Clearly, when given the choice, residents are far less likely to want to be part of a mega-region (8%) "that would include the existing region of Haldimand-Norfolk and neighbouring counties and regions."

• Those who are over 55 years old (43%) are more likely than other age groups (18-34, 33%; 35-54, 39%) to prefer a one-tier system of local government.
• Residents between the age of 18 and 34 (31%) are nearly twice as likely those 35 and over (18%) to choose the existing two-tiered system.
• Those in the middle age group (35-54, 33%) are more likely than other age groups (18-34, 19%; 55+, 26%) to prefer a two county system.
• Though overall support for a mega region is low, those aged 18 to 34 (13%) are more likely than other age groups (35-54, 8%; 55+, 4%) to prefer the mega region option.

Most Feel Services Would be Just as Good, But Two Thirds (66%) Worry About Municipalities' Uniqueness

Three quarters (75%) of Haldimand-Norfolk residents believe that "the quality of municipal services would be just as good as today if we had fewer Municipal Governments in Haldimand-Norfolk." Still, 21% would argue the services in a restructured Haldimand-Norfolk region would not be as good as they are currently. However, two thirds (66%) believe their municipality could will lose its unique character, as a result of consolidation.

• Those in the highest income bracket ($60k+, 26%) are more likely than are other income categories (under $30k, 16%; $30k-$60k, 19%) to think that services will not be as good if there were fewer Municipal Governments.
• Residents over 35 years old (35-54, 68%; 55+, 70%) are more likely than those who are between 18 and 34 (59%) to believe their municipality would lose its unique character if it were joined with other municipalities.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Dr. Darrell Bricker
Executive Vice-President
Angus Reid Group
(416) 324-2900

John Wrightr
Senior Vice-Presidentr
Angus Reid Groupr
(416) 324-2900r