A new poll suggests Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas continues to enjoy strong public support one year into his term, though a majority of residents still feel City Hall is disconnected from the needs of citizens.
The Canada Pulse Insights survey, conducted for CityNews, found 74 per cent of Calgarians believe Farkas is doing a good job as mayor, including 26 per cent who rated his performance as “very good.” Just 26 per cent said he is doing a bad job.
The findings also suggest support could translate into electoral success if a vote were held now. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 65 per cent, said Farkas deserves to be re-elected, while 35 per cent believe it is time for a change.
Despite those positive ratings, the poll found concerns about City Hall’s connection to residents. A majority of Calgarians, 56 per cent, agreed that the mayor and city council are out of touch with what residents want and need, while 44 per cent disagreed.
Residents were also split on the city’s overall direction. Fifty-three per cent said Calgary is headed in the right direction, compared with 47 per cent who said it is on the wrong track.
The survey found 64 per cent of Calgarians are proud of their municipality and how it operates. Council also received relatively strong marks, with 65 per cent saying city council is doing a good job and 67 per cent giving positive ratings to their own ward councillor.
While Calgary’s results were generally positive, Edmonton residents were far less enthusiastic about their municipal government. Just 51 per cent approved of Mayor Andrew Knack’s performance, and 65 per cent said it is time for a change in the mayor’s office. Three-quarters of Edmontonians also said their mayor and council are out of touch with residents.
The online survey was conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 9 among 401 Calgary residents and 383 Edmonton residents aged 18 and older.
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