Community Survey Reveals Key Community
Priorities
Last updated: Mar 28, 2026
The Rockwood Residents’ Association (RRA) conducted a community survey in
January 2026 to better understand the concerns, priorities, and communication
preferences of residents in Rockwood Village.
The survey was distributed by email to members and subscribers, who responded
between January 25 and January 28, 2026.
The results represent a 18.5% response rate, which is considered
strong for community and municipal-style surveys.
While the survey is not intended to be statistically perfect, the results
provide clear patterns and valuable direction for the Association’s future work
and community engagement.
Results from the survey can be downloaded HERE
Who Responded
Survey results show that the majority of respondents are long-term
homeowners in Rockwood Village, with very limited participation from renters or
tenants. Only three respondents identified as renters, highlighting an ongoing
challenge in reaching residents living in apartments and condominium buildings.
Many respondents have lived in the community for more than 20 years,
reflecting a strong base of long-term residents invested in neighbourhood
issues.
The age profile of respondents also shows that a significant portion are 55
years of age or older.
Engagement with Local Issues
Residents indicated a moderate to strong level of engagement with
local community issues, with many respondents reporting they are somewhat
or occasionally engaged in local matters such as development, safety, and
municipal services.
The results also show that 61.9% of respondents are RRA members,
while 38.1% are subscribers who receive updates but have not joined the
association.
Why Residents Join the RRA
Among current members, the most common reasons for joining the RRA
include:
Staying informed about local
issues and council decisions
Concerns about property taxes and
municipal transparency
Interest in improving safety,
traffic management, and neighbourhood issues
Wanting a stronger voice in
development decisions
These results reinforce the importance of the RRA’s role as a community
advocate and information source.
What Residents Expect from the RRA
When asked about their expectations, residents indicated that the RRA
should primarily:
Provide regular updates on local
issues and municipal matters
Act as a voice for residents with
local government
Keep residents informed about
zoning changes and development proposals
Support responsible development
and neighbourhood safety
These expectations closely align with the Association’s mission of advocacy,
communication, and community engagement.
Communication Preferences
Survey responses show a strong preference for electronic communication.
The most popular ways residents prefer to receive updates are:
Email updates and e-blasts
Printed newsletters
Social media platforms
Residents also indicated that they frequently receive community news
through:
Local newspapers
The RRA website
RRA email updates
These results highlight the importance of continuing to invest in digital
communication channels while maintaining traditional formats like the printed
newsletter.
Community Priorities
Residents were asked to identify their top concerns across several
community categories.
Traffic and Safety
Key priorities include:
Speeding concerns
Safe pedestrian crossings
Improved visibility and lighting
at intersections
Better enforcement of traffic
rules
Development and Zoning
Residents strongly emphasized:
Parks and Green Spaces
Residents identified these as important:
Public Transportation
The top concerns were:
Municipal Services and Costs
Residents highlighted concerns about:
Opportunities for the Future
The survey results provide several important insights for the RRA moving
forward:
Strengthening outreach to renters
and apartment residents
Encouraging greater
participation in community meetings
Expanding digital
communication and website engagement
Continuing to advocate on key
issues such as development, traffic safety, and municipal services
The survey also reinforces that residents value the RRA as an
organization that represents their interests and keeps the community
informed.
Key Findings from the Rockwood
Residents’ Association Community Survey
1. Residents Are Highly Invested in
Their Community
Most respondents are long-term residents, with many living in
Rockwood Village for more than 20 years, showing a strong commitment to
the neighbourhood.
2. Development and Density Are Major
Concerns
Residents identified limiting high-density development and maintaining
neighbourhood character as the most important planning priorities.
3. Traffic Safety Is a Top Community
Issue
The most frequently identified traffic concerns include:
Speeding on local roads
Safe pedestrian crossings
Better intersection lighting and
visibility
Stronger enforcement of traffic
rules
4. Residents Want Strong Advocacy
Residents expect the RRA to:
Act as a voice for residents with
local government
Provide updates on local issues
and planning matters
Inform residents about zoning
changes and development proposals
5. Property Taxes and Municipal Costs
Matter
When asked about municipal services and costs, property taxes ranked
as the most important concern, followed by community policing and road
maintenance.
6. Email Is the Preferred Way to Stay
Informed
Residents overwhelmingly prefer electronic communication,
particularly:
Printed newsletters remain valued but are secondary to digital updates.
7. Opportunity to Grow Membership
While 61.9% of respondents are RRA members, a significant 38.1%
are subscribers only, suggesting an opportunity to increase membership and
participation.
8. Outreach to Renters Is Still a
Challenge
Only three respondents identified as renters, highlighting the
need to improve engagement with residents in apartment and condominium
buildings.
