Taylor MarkTrend Survey - July 2002

Reading the results of a MarkTrend Survey conducted in July 2002, one might be tempted to say that the residents of Taylor are happy campers. But, that would be misleading since 90 per cent of them say they have no intention of living anywhere else.

The overwhelming majority of residents polled like the pace of life in Taylor, the community-oriented character of the District and its recreational features. They like the services offered by the District and they say they get good value for taxes paid. And, a significant percentage said they would do up to 100 per cent of their shopping in Taylor if it attracted a grocery store.

The survey of 200 adults produced responses from a group that was well balanced along gender, age and income lines. The survey was conducted between July 23rd and 30th and produced results with a 95 per cent level of confidence.

Quality of Life and Good Local Government

The first question invited respondents to list, unprompted, what they like most about living in Taylor. Sixty per cent said they like the community because it is one of the following: "Quiet, small, rural, not crowded and slower paced." Forty two per cent mentioned the fact that Taylor is "community oriented, friendly and neighbourly." Another 28 per cent mentioned "good recreation facilities and activities." Other pluses that received significant mention included: Low taxes, good place to raise children and a well maintained community. Even the scenery and good schooling got mentions.

Clearly, quality of life is a huge plus for Taylor and more than 80 per cent listed their quality of life as good or excellent. It is also apparent that the services provided by the District and its management of the tax base contribute to that quality of life. More than 90 per cent of residents said they are somewhat or very satisfied with the services provided by the District. More than 80 per cent said the value they receive for their taxes is somewhat or very good.

With 90 per cent of residents planning to stay in Taylor forever, our pollsters explored residents' reasons for settling on Taylor as a permanent home. A profile emerges that speaks to practicality and family roots. Affordable housing and land drew 34 per cent of those polled. Another 30 per cent simply report that they have always lived in Taylor or that they have family here. Job opportunities, the quiet rural nature of the community, low taxes and a good place to raise children were also mentioned as reasons for making Taylor home.

A Grocery Store Would Anchor the Community

Unprompted, Taylor residents (60 per cent) told our pollster that a grocery store is tops on their list of amenities that would improve their community. Other services were mentioned - credit union 17 per cent, hardware 12 per cent - but feeding the family was a big priority.

The poll provides a grocery shopping profile that should prove attractive to potential retail developers. At present, more than 50 per cent of Taylor residents travel to Fort St. John between 20 and 28 days a month. More than 80 per cent of Taylor resident visits to Fort St. John are for grocery shopping at Safeway and IGA.

It is also obvious that Taylor families take grocery shopping seriously. More than 70 per cent of residents spend between $400 and $900 a month on groceries. Our pollster was amazed at this finding. In larger urban centres the average monthly family grocery bill is much closer to $400 than $900.

Would Taylorites shop at home if that was an option? The answer is encouraging. When asked how much grocery shopping they would do at home if Taylor had an IGA like Fort St. John or a Big Way like Hythe, 30 per cent said they would commit to do 100 per cent of their shopping at home. Another 50 per cent said they would do between 50 and 99 per cent of their grocery shopping in Taylor. In such a grocery shopping complex, 82 per cent of residents polled said they would value a banking machine and a pharmacy.

In conclusion, for people considering Taylor as a community to call home, this poll is telling. The folks who live here are the best judges and they are committed to their choice of a community. They cherish their life style and Taylor's neighbourliness. They are pleased with the services provided by their local government. And, they will encourage and patronize new commercial facilities.