The Town of Nanton’s Quality of Life Survey results are in to guide the 2025 Strategic Plan.
The goal of the survey was to gather insight into how residents feel about community services, safety, economic development, and recreation within Nanton.
Of the 211 responses, over 72 per cent rated the quality of life in Nanton as good or excellent.
“The sample can always be bigger and better, but feedback from this survey should be of reasonable value,” the report presented to Nanton Town Council said.
A variety of cohorts were represented in the survey, such as employed and retired residents, families, and homeowners with a range of household incomes.
According to the survey, the top priorities for residents for the next four years included water treatment, drinking water quality, infrastructure renewal, a responsible fiscal tax policy, and protective services.
Community engagement on water initiatives will begin once there’s more certainty around the regional line.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Nanton Northwest Area Structure Plan (ASP) public engagement process for future housing developments.
The town will also work to improve public engagement around capital project objectives and the impact of new infrastructure.
Common concerns for residents included the cost of living, housing affordability and availability, the local economy, and health service access and quality.
However, respondents were divided on traffic, drugs, mental illness, and unemployment.
From the survey, it was determined that the majority of residents gain their sense of community by interacting in their neighbourhoods and on social media beyond family and friends.
Parks, trails and paths, retail and dining, and events and festivals were of the most importance to Nanton locals.
Respondents expressed support for an indoor, year-round pool, and more youth programming in the community that is not sports-related.
Going forward, the town will consider further community dialogue around aquatic infrastructure, how to support new youth programming, and how to broaden the variety of services offered in the community.
The information collected will help Nanton Town Council make resident-focused decisions for the future of the community.