Yellowknife (May 03/06) - The latest citizen survey shows a content population, although one troubled by issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and littering.

Litter is becoming an issue for residents, according to the latest Ipsos Reid citizens survey. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

The 2006 Ipsos Reid citizen survey was presented to city council during a committee meeting, Monday. Ipsos says the survey is accurate within 3.5 per cent.

It finds that the vast majority of 800 residents polled in March are mostly happy with the quality of life in the city - 96 per cent - but feel the city needs to do a better job addressing its social ills.

When asked what was the most important issue facing the city, 39 per cent said social issues, including affordable housing, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty.

"It's four times more than what we've seen in other communities," said Ipsos Reid's Catherine Gunther.

"They don't care who fixes it, they just want it fixed."

The next highest issue for residents - at 23 per cent - was municipal services, particularly in areas such as garbage pick-up and litter.

Residents said they were generally satisfied with city staff performance and facilities - the Multiplex, swimming pool and library - but only 46 per cent thought the city was doing a good job controlling litter in playgrounds.

And similar to previous surveys, only 51 per cent felt the city was "promoting responsible and quality urban development."

Another troubling area for the city is with plans to introduce curbside recycling. Only 52 per cent said they're willing to pay $6 a month for curbside recycling pick-ups - down five per cent from the year before.

Coun. Dave McCann said a city committee which he belongs to - Get Yk Clean Committee - also found littering to be a big problem, but one few people seem to want to deal with.

"We got way too much," said McCann.

"The root problem really is in the minds of local residents. We have to change people's minds about the way they view litter."

As for the city's social ills, several councillors said it's something that ought to concern the territorial government as well.

"It needs to be gift-wrapped and sent to the territorial government reminding them that we need a treatment centre here," said Coun. Doug Witty.