Canadians rate issues of municipal infrastructure higher than the environment, education, border security or help for aboriginal people, according to a survey published Tuesday by the country's municipal lobby group.
The survey -- conducted by the Strategic Counsel for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities -- showed concern not only for road maintenance and repair but also for affordable housing.
"There is a broad consensus that municipal governments are under-funded in relation to the services that they provide to citizens in their communities," the survey said.
"It is also clear that the issues of road maintenance and affordable housing are believed to be the areas requiring the most amount of attention. Not surprising, public transit is perceived to be the area requiring more attention in the communities with populations greater than 500,000."
Residents of smaller municipalities generally reported community safety and public transit service were improving. Residents of larger cities said the opposite.
"Maybe in bigger cities there might be more of an ongoing narrative or dialogue about shortfalls in infarstrcuture funding. Transit issues come more into play," said FCM president and Winnipeg city councillor Gord Steeves.
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