As the municipal election date approaches, a recent public survey by CUPE Saskatchewan captured the voices of 958 Prince Albert residents on their priorities for the next administration. The results indicate an overwhelming demand for crime reduction and heightened public safety measures, along with a strong critique of current leadership’s handling of local issues.

“This survey clearly reflects a need for stronger, more focussed leadership in Prince Albert,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Residents are looking for real action on public safety, better management of resources, and quality municipal services. Greg Dionne has had 12 years to take action on these issues – it is time for change.”

When asked, “What should be the top priority for Prince Albert in the upcoming municipal election?” a decisive 760 responses (79%) chose crime reduction and public safety as the leading issue, highlighting ongoing concerns with safety and security in Prince Albert. Other responses included addressing wasteful spending (82 responses), enhancing public services (46 responses), lowering taxes (46 responses), and infrastructure improvements (23 responses), suggesting a wide-ranging desire for effective management and careful allocation of public funds.

On the topic of city leadership, residents were asked, “How would you rate the performance of our current mayor in addressing the city’s needs?” Residents overwhelmingly expressed significant dissatisfaction, with 541 residents rating the current mayor’s performance as “very dissatisfied” while 191 residents said “somewhat dissatisfied”. Only a small portion of the community conveyed satisfaction, with 52 residents “somewhat satisfied” and 23 residents “very satisfied” with the mayor’s efforts. 150 residents were neutral on the issue.

The survey also provided insights into residents’ infrastructure priorities and valued municipal services:

  • Top Infrastructure Concerns: a majority highlighted the municipal police force (346 responses) and homeless shelters (306 responses) as essential infrastructure. Roads and sewer/water infrastructure followed with 148 responses, underscoring community needs for effective public safety and support services.
  • Most Valued Municipal Services: emergency services (police, fire, EMS) received the highest rating at 434 responses, followed by road maintenance and snow removal (263 responses), showing a clear demand for consistent, high-quality municipal services.

These findings underscore the urgent issues facing Prince Albert and emphasize the community’s need for responsive and impactful leadership in the coming term.

“With election day approaching, CUPE Saskatchewan encourages all residents to consider these results as they make their voice heard at the polls,” added Peterson.

The survey was promoted via social media across Prince Albert in August, September, and October.