Orléans Star > Reader Poll

For which meal do you usually eat out the most?
Reader Poll March 12th 2010

Breakfast/Brunch. 100 %
Lunch. 0 %
Dinner. 0 %
All of them equally. 0 %
I never eat out. 0 %

Would you use green bins more often if the biodegradable plastic bags were allowed in them?
Reader Poll March 8th 2010

Yes, I think it would help my bin stay cleaner. 0 %
Yes, other municipalities are already allowing it. 0 %
No, I already put everything I can in there. 100 %
No, I don't use it anyway. 0 %

The cow gets to stay while city staff review the bylaw. What's your take?
Reader Poll March 1st 2010

It's the right decision. 24 %
hey should make a permanent exception for the cow. 18 %
Why bend the rules for just one business? 15 %
The cow should come down. 18 %
We cluttered St. Joseph with signs, so let's move to roof tops. 26 %

Should the city revisit the urban boundary expansion decision?
Reader Poll February 18th 2010

No, they made the right call. 33 %
Yes, they need to expand. 18 %
Yes, but only to truly hold the lines. 12 %
Developpers have too much power in this city. 25 %
Can't they get anything right the first time? 12 %

How should the city deal with coyotes?
Reader Poll February 4th 2010

Do nothing, it's just typical urban wildlife. 43 %
Stop expanding into their territory. 11 %
Trap nuisance animals & release them elsewhere. 16 %
We need a coyote cull. 17 %
It's about educating the public. 14 %

What kind of donation will you or did you already make to help the people of Haiti?
Reader Poll February 2nd 2010

I will send/sent money to a recognized organization. 40 %
I think food is the primary need now. 10 %
I will send/sent clothes. 20 %
All of the above. 10 %
None, I didn’t plan to help them. 20 %

Have you started to use your green bin?
Reader Poll January 22nd 2010

Yes, I dump everything I can in there – it’s great! 38 %
Yes, but not as much as I should. 21 %
No, I just don’t have the reflex yet. 21 %
No, and I won’t use it. 20 %

When it comes to municipal election time, where do you get your information on the candidates?
Reader Poll January 15th 2010

In the local media. 36 %
I visit the candidates' websites. 31 %
From the people in my entourage. 10 %
I wait for the candidates to come knock on my door. 13 %
I don't vote. 10 %

Which of the following events marked 2009 the most?
Reader Poll January 8th 2010

The 53-day transit strike. 32 %
OCDSB choosing not to close an area high school. 29 %
The heated debate around the future interprovincial bridge. 7 %
General fears about the spread of the H1N1 virus. 20 %
Mayor O'Brien acquitted of two influence peddling charges. 12 %

What should be done to improve safety along the 174 between Trim Road and the city limits?
Reader Poll December 23rd 2009

Reduce the speed limit. 24 %
Get the province to widen the road. 29 %
More police enforcing existing rules. 16 %
Public transit between Rockland and Ottawa. 18 %
Only a bypass will help. 12 %

What should the city not do in an effort to keep the tax rate around four per cent?
Reader Poll December 18th 2009

Reduce OC Transpo routes and schedules. 33 %
Cut grass in parks and on roadsides a maximum of four times a ye 19 %
Clean libraries, community centres and city offices less often. 15 %
Outdoor litter picked up by workers “when they have time.” 10 %
This is all nonsense, let’s keep our services and pay for them 23 %

What do you see as the most valuable Christmas gift?
Reader Poll December 11th 2009

Anything, as long as it costs a lot of money! 14 %
Time spent with family and friends. 43 %
Love shared with those we cherish. 24 %
A little help to those who can’t afford gifts. 10 %
What? Christmas is coming? 9 %

Given declining enrolment, should the province be looking to shut down schools?
Reader Poll December 4th 2009

Absolutely, it's a waste otherwise. 13 %
They need to proceed with caution. 12 %
What about all the planned in-fill? 10 %
No, schools serve more than just students. 10 %
Access to education means local schools. 55 %

What do you think of all the talk at the city about increased property taxes and user fees?
Reader Poll November 27th 2009

I'm all for users paying for services. 16 %
A small tax increase is acceptable without extra fees. 19 %
This city needs a serious third-party audit. 21 %
Spending is obviously out of control. 20 %
Where's that zero, Larry? 23 %

Councillors voted in favour of moving forward with Lansdowne Live. What's your reaction?
Reader Poll November 20th 2009

Can't wait for CFL! 21 %
It's about tiime council got something right. 22 %
This is going to be disastrous. 17 %
I'm waiting to see if it actually happens. 21 %
I don't care. 20 %

The city is looking to increase transit fares by an average of 3.5 per cent, down from the original 7.5 per cent. Should the city raise transit fees?
Reader Poll November 12th 2009

Absolutely, users should pay their fair share. 15 %
An inflationary increase is acceptable. 25 %
Fares should be frozen after the transit strike. 20 %
Ottawans already pay too much for transit. 20 %
I don't care, I refuse to use OC Transpo. 20 %

Do you think the mass H1N1 immunization program is being effectively managed?
Reader Poll November 6th 2009

The system is clearly broken. 31 %
I think they're making it up as they go along. 26 %
Cut them some slack, it's a huge program. 19 %
Officials are doing a great job. 13 %
It's just another day in Canadas health care system. 11 %

Are you planning to get your H1N1 flu shot?
Reader Poll October 31st 2009

Absolutely! 36 %
I'm still on the fence. 12 %
No, I never get a flu shot. 17 %
No, I don't trust it. 24 %
I'm waiting to see if there are any reactions. 11 %

Do you feel your local politicians have the big picture in hand?
Reader Poll October 22nd 2009

Yes, they all do. 23 %
My federal representative does. 9 %
Only my provincial rep has it together. 12 %
My city councillor is top-notch. 18 %
They've got the basics, but long-term strategies need work. 12 %
Are you kidding? This city is a train wreck! 26 %

The city is considering lowering speed limits on residential streets from 50km/h to 40km/h if petitioned. What do you think?
Reader Poll October 21st 2009

Let's do it. It's important for safety. 24 %
This won't work without better enforcement. 16 %
There are better ways to slow drivers down, like natural barrier 13 %
This suggestion is more about politics than safety. 18 %
What a ridiculous suggestion; 40km/h is unreasonable on most str 30 %

What is your position on the Lansdowne Live proposal?
Reader Poll October 14th 2009

It's a great idea. Let's start building already! 38 %
I like it, but let's see some other ideas. 9 %
This sole-sourcing is a bit shady. 19 %
Why all the fuss for a football team that won't survive? 18 %
I don't care, so long as it doesn't cost the taxpayer. 16 %

Do you think Ottawa's city council should be restructured, and if so, what do you think is the best way to represent residents?
Reader Poll October 2nd 2009

Make all the councillors at-large. 28 %
Create bigger wards and have two councillors per ward. 18 %
Create bigger wards and have fewer councillors. 19 %
De-amalgamation is the only solution. 24 %
There's no need to change the structure. 10 %

The city is reviewing its water rates. What are your thoughts on the proposed change?
Reader Poll September 24th 2009

An urban-urban, rural-rural divide makes sense. 32 %
I don't mind paying more if they actually improve services. 9 %
It's just another money grab from this council. 27 %
It's another rural-urban divide. Let's de-amalgamate. 19 %
I don't care. 12 %

The DriveTest strike is entering its fourth week. How has the work stoppage impacted you?
Reader Poll September 18th 2009

I turned 16 and can't get my G1! 35 %
Less independence until I get my full license. 13 %
I was counting on having my license for a job. 19 %
I still have to chauffeur my teen around town. 8 %
At least the kids won't be asking for the car. 8 %
There's no impact on my life. 17 %

New traffic control signals and three extra crossing guards were added to the east. What's next on your priority list for citu upgrades?
Reader Poll September 14th 2009

A total overhaul of aging sewer and storm water infrastructure 19 %
Trim Road still needs to be widened. 38 %
More dedicated, active city parks. 6 %
Moving ahead with streetscaping St. Joseph Boulevard. 21 %
Who cares? We're likely to be left off the funding wish list any 17 %

With families and students alike busy with the back-to-school rush, what's your biggest concern when it comes to getting kids ready for the classroom again?
Reader Poll September 4th 2009

Budgeting for all their school supplies. 31 %
Rearranging schedules to accommodate the school year's more hect 15 %
Trying to figure out how to fill their after-school hours. 20 %
Dealing with the bigger picture, like aging school infrastructur 20 %
Concerns? I'm just glad they're off the couch and out of the hou 15 %

City staff are recommending council adopt a new rates system for how they charge residents for their water services. What's your reaction to the proposed changes?
Reader Poll September 1st 2009

Residents need to equally shoulder the financial burden. 27 %
Rural landowners shouldn't pay for services they don't receive. 37 %
There needs to be a change, but none of the options work. 8 %
At least one of these alternatives is an improvement. 10 %
Maybe if the city actually cleaned out rural ditches. 19 %

A recent street racing incident has raised questions about safety on Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard. What measures should be taken to protect the public?
Reader Poll August 21st 2009

Traffic calming measures for Jeanne d'Arc. 23 %
More police patrols on the boulevard. 15 %
Even stiffer penalties for speeders/racers. 33 %
An awareness campaign might help. 8 %
Nothing. It's not really a huge issue. 21 %

The 64th-annual Navan Fair has come and gone. What was your favourite part of the weekend festivities?
Reader Poll August 13th 2009

I go to see the animals. 28 %
Demolition derby all the way. 13 %
It's got to be the midway. 10 %
One word: Nazareth! 12 %
Meeting up with friends and neighbours. 7 %
I didn't go to the Navan Fair. 30 %

Heavy rains, problems with a regulator and another sewage spill closed Petrie Island's beaches for the long weekend. What are your thoughts?
Reader Poll August 6th 2009

All three levels of government need to fix this problem now. 21 %
The city has to make this a top priority in the next budget. 11 %
It's just one of those thiings that will happen. 16 %
There's no way I'm ever swimming in the Ottawa River. 27 %
Petrie Island needs a splash pad or swimming pool. 24 %

Three days after five cyclists were hit in the west end, another was injured in the east. What are your thoughts about bicycle-vehicle conflicts?
Reader Poll July 23rd 2009

Drivers need to be way more careful. 28 %
Some streets are too narrow/congested for both. 16 %
Too many cyclists ride around like maniacs. 21 %
Bike paths are the only safe way to cycle. 10 %
This city needs to be more bicycle-friendly. 17 %
I don't think there's a real conflict between the two. 8 %

A local employment resource centre is helping youth get jobs. How has the economy impacted your job or your child's summer job?
Reader Poll July 15th 2009

No impact at all. 37 %
Forced unpaid leave. 14 %
Fewer hours available at work. 9 %
Still trying to find a job. 18 %
Underemployment. 8 %
What are you talking about? There are plenty of jobs. 14 %

How did you celebrate Canada's birthday?
Reader Poll July 3rd 2009

Fireworks in the backyard. 26 %
A visit to Petrie Island. 30 %
Enjoyed the downtown celebrations. 10 %
I took a week of vacation. 15 %
A combination of the above. 11 %
I can't remember, which means it must've been good. 7 %

the long-awaited Shenkman Arts Centre held its grand opening celebrations. What are your expectations now that the centre has opened its doors?
Reader Poll June 26th 2009

It will stimulate economic growth in the area. 22 %
More arts classes for myself and/or the kids. 13 %
Local artists will have a better chance of getting known. 17 %
It'll promote community theatre. 17 %
I have no expecatations. It's just going to service a niche mark 31 %

What do you think of the city's plan to regulate tree removal a kilometre beyond the urban boundary?
Reader Poll June 18th 2009

It's a step toward much-needed environmental protections. 24 %
It's just a knee-jerk reaction to cutting in the east. 8 %
This infringes on people's property rights. 34 %
Yet more fees from city hall. 22 %
Where were these protections before the east-end cutting fiasco? 12 %

What do you think most needs to be fixed to make the east end a better place to live?
Reader Poll June 11th 2009

Roads -- there's too much traffic congestion. 33 %
Sewage overflows into the Ottawa River. 12 %
Litter on the streets. 4 %
Graffiti and vandalism. 19 %
My neighbour's weed-covered lawn. 32 %

The novel H1N1 flu virus has been found in local elementary schools. Are you concerned?
Reader Poll June 5th 2009

Absolutely, this means it's still spreading. 31 %
Yes, but I'll just take the usual flu season precautions. 5 %
No, it's no worse than the regular flu. 38 %
I don't have any kids in school so it doesn't impact me. 15 %
Time to break out the face masks and hand sanitizer! 10 %

What is your reaction to news the federal government is building a multi-million dollar complex on Ogilvie near Blair?
Reader Poll June 3rd 2009

Finally the feds are looking east. 37 %
It's good news, but they need to build in Orléans proper. 20 %
They're just building there because they had the land. 9 %
It won't change wetbound traffic problems in the morning. 18 %
That area is going to need more coffee shops. 15 %

The first hotel in 30 years is being built in the east end. What do you think it will do for Orléans?
Reader Poll May 21st 2009

Provide a bigger space for business meetings. 30 %
Make it easier for visiting sports teams. 38 %
Help spur non-residential development. 14 %
Absolutely nothing. 19 %

The city is looking to expand its urban boundary. What are your thoughts?
Reader Poll May 14th 2009

It has to be done. 16 %
Higher density infill should be the priority. 19 %
Destroying fertile farm land is a big mistake. 26 %
Infrastructure needs to be improved first. 11 %
The city can't afford more roads and sewers. 9 %
It's time to de-amalgamate. 20 %

How are you following Mayor Larry O'Brien's criminal trial?
Reader Poll May 7th 2009

Blogs, news outlets, and anything that's available. 17 %
The usual news sources. 14 %
Water cooler gossip. 20 %
I'm ignoring it as much as possible. 31 %
Following it? I'm blogging it! 17 %

Spring has finally arrived! What are you doing to take advantage of the warmer weather?
Reader Poll April 30th 2009

Prepping the garden and lawn. 31 %
Fireing up the barbeque. 25 %
Getting ready to open the cottage. 10 %
Long evening walks and other outdoor activities. 16 %
I'm still cleaning up from the April 25 storm. 18 %

An Accomodation Review Committee is looking at five options that could see one of three east-end high schools close. Which option would you support?
Reader Poll April 24th 2009

Option A: no closures 23 %
Option B and C: close Rideau 21 %
Option D: close Gloucester 15 %
Option E: merge Gloucester and Colonel By 25 %
ARC shouldn't recommend the status quo because trustees are goin 15 %

Should the city's urban boundary be expanded into the rural east end?
Reader Poll April 16th 2009

We need more residential development. 19 %
Our infrastructure is already overburdened as it is. 21 %
We have to accomodate a growing city. 18 %
The east end's rural character should be preserved. 27 %
How did I just hear about this last week? 15 %

A double-decker OC Transpo bus will be servicing route 94. Are you looking forward to riding it?
Reader Poll April 2nd 2009

Yes, but I expect the novelty to wear off. 19 %
I wonder if boarding will take longer with two levels. 45 %
At least these won't jack-knife in winter. 11 %
I'd like to see more than three on the roads. 13 %
They can't replace the aging fleet fast enough. 12 %

Untreated sewage continues to flow into the Ottawa River, whether from power outages or the usual spring melt. What should the city do about the problem?
Reader Poll March 27th 2009

Nothing, there are more important issues right now. 34 %
Have better back-up systems at treatment facilities. 9 %
Now is a good time for sewage infrastructure projects. 32 %
What about Gatineau's overflows? 15 %
Who cares? It's been happening for years and won't stop anytime 11 %

A local Catholic school board trustee wants to reduce the number of trustees by three. What's your take?
Reader Poll March 23rd 2009

It shows fiscal responsibility. 21 %
If enrolment is declining, so should the number of trustees. 13 %
It'll just mean more work for fewer trustees. 5 %
The Catholic board is already lean. 43 %
Maybe city council should look at culling their numbers too. 18 %

There have been some dire predictions about the economy, yet retail sales in the east end seem unaffected so far. What is your approach to the economic downturn?
Reader Poll March 6th 2009

Saving for the crash. 36 %
I've got my financial adviser on the phone right now. 16 %
Planning a trip for my extra (unpaid) vacation. 13 %
Taking advantage of all the sales at the mall. 11 %
I'm not affected by this. 15 %
Hitting the panic button now. 9 %

Both the city and French Catholic board have indicated an interest in the old Queenswood Public building. What would you like to see happen with the facility?
Reader Poll March 2nd 2009

Put a French school there. 26 %
Turn it into a community centre. 12 %
Give us more day care spaces. 5 %
Redevelop the land for housing and greenspace 10 %
The board should've kept it for over-flowing Avalon students. 47 %

What should happen with the old Canadian Tire on Tenth Line Road?
Reader Poll February 20th 2009

Sell it to developers. 43 %
Create a youth centre. 9 %
Build a roller skating/in-line skating venue. 15 %
It could be our much-needed health hub. 19 %
Raze it and give us more greenspace. 14 %

Buses are finally back on the roads. How has this impacted your commute?
Reader Poll February 18th 2009

No more traffic jams! 28 %
I'm glad to be back on the bus. 9 %
I refuse to ever ride the bus again. 28 %
I'm still waiting for my express/rural route to start. 20 %
Welcome back to late, overcrowded buses. 15 %

As the public board's school closure study enters public consultations, what is your biggest concern?
Reader Poll February 6th 2009

Colonel By will close. 20 %
Gloucester will close. 13 %
The IB program will be lost. 7 %
That closing a school is short-sighted. 5 %
That this study is just pushing students to the Catholic board. 46 %
Why is Colonel By even part of the study? 8 %

What solution would you like to see to the Hydro One vs. Hydro Ottawa question?
Reader Poll January 29th 2009

One city, one service. Simple. 43 %
Stop building until the grid is upgraded. 19 %
Force an independent review of Hydro One operations. 15 %
Scrap the monopoly and bring in real competition. 9 %
What question? I like my Hydro One service. 15 %

The city is saying even when the transit strike ends, it could take months to get all the buses back on the roads. How will this impact you?
Reader Poll January 27th 2009

I need the express buses ASAP. 37 %
Some buses are better than no buses. 13 %
Sounds like more union-bashing to me. 13 %
I refuse to use OC Transpo again, so I don't care. 35 %
by the time it's over, I'll be riding my bike again. 3 %

It looks like council will be taking another look at Lower Duck for an interprovincial bridge. What's your reaction?
Reader Poll January 15th 2009

It's a good move, Kettle is a bad location. 38 %
The studies point to Kettle for a reason. 14 %
Council is just caving to pressure. 17 %
Councillors should listen to the experts. 15 %
Stop delaying and just commit to a spot already. 17 %

What would you most like to see in 2009?
Reader Poll January 2nd 2009

Buses back on the streets. 61 %
Movement to clean the Ottawa River. 11 %
Even lower gas prices. 7 %
A resolution to the bridge issue. 15 %
A Senators turn-around à la two season ago. 6 %

What is your reaction to OC Transpo ATU transit members hitting the picket lines?
Reader Poll December 18th 2008

They need to stick to their principles. 20 %
Someone needs to stand up to the city. 8 %
They're being greedy. 25 %
The city has to stand firm. 16 %
The whole thing is overblown. 4 %
Why can't we make them an essential service? 26 %

How are you coping with the transit strike?
Reader Poll December 10th 2008

Carpooling. 49 %
Walking. 19 %
Working from home. 5 %
Taxi. 10 %
Early vacation. 17 %

The municipal draft budget is coming down to the wire this week. What's your biggest concern as city council begins deliberations?
Reader Poll December 5th 2008

The proposed increase for property taxes. 53 %
Maintaining or increasing the number of child-care spaces. 11 %
I don't want to see user fees go through the roof. 10 %
Ensuring arts and culture continue to receive funding. 17 %
Keeping services like resource centres and food banks in the com 10 %

The building housing the former Queenswood Public school has been declared surplus. What would you like to see done with the building?
Reader Poll November 28th 2008

House another school. 39 %
Create a multiservice centre. 17 %
Raze it and leave the area as a park. 13 %
Sell the land to developers for residential use. 14 %
It has to go private, the city can't afford it. 17 %

What should be done to revamp St. Joseph Boulevard?
Reader Poll November 21st 2008

Bury the wires already. 59 %
Encourage more condo/retail development. 13 %
Improve sidewalks, crosswalks, etc. for pedestrians. 3 %
Put buildings on the street and parking behind. 3 %
All of the above. 9 %
Let it rot. Everything's moving to Innes anyway. 13 %

Christmas is over a month away but soon charities will be knocking on doors looking for help. How do you plan tospend your money this season?
Reader Poll November 19th 2008

With a local charity. 55 %
I'll go with one of the bigger national ones. 12 %
I'll divide it between local and national charities. 13 %
I'm a user, not a donor. 5 %
I don't do charities. 16 %

The city's draft budget paints a grim picture of user fee increases, service cuts and a hike in property taxes. What's your take?
Reader Poll November 7th 2008

Users should pay market value for services. 24 %
Raise taxes and maintain service levels. 26 %
Councillors need to look harder for efficiencies. 13 %
Other levels of government need to ante up. 7 %
So much for zero means zero. 11 %
This town is hopeless. Time to move. 19 %

It looks like Orléans will get its own 10-theatre cinema. What's your reaction?
Reader Poll October 24th 2008

They can't build it soon enough. 37 %
Why does everything have to be built on Innes? 20 %
It'll be great for economic spinn-offs. 15 %
Does this mean another vacant spot on Centrum? 13 %
It'll just move more people away from St. Joseph. 15 %

Related Newspapers

Reader Poll