Makes you think that 2,225 people were in favour of a YMCA (which would be 89% of 2,500).
But hold yer (trojan) horses partners....
What is not mentioned is that while 2,500 calls were made, ONLY 428 people were actually surveyed. The rest were probably not home, trying to avoid the smoke from the demolished and burning houses in Melancthon. (source: Steve Boone, YMCA email dated November 19, 2009).
Stats Canada shows that the population in the six municipalities who are supposedly wet with excitement about this YMCA have a combined population of 29,450 people.
And the YMCA feels that surveying 428 of them is representative of support for a YMCA in the area. I calculate that 428 people is just OVER 1% of the population of the eligible voters.
In a few days I will post, in a very simple short way, why it is important that Highlands NOT be involved in any YMCA proposal for our community. You will be surprised at the linkages and ramifications for local politicians and councils.
You may not like the results of their poll, but I would suspect that it is reasonably accurate, as the proven statistical methods employed by the polling sub-contractor are used everyday in all manner of surveys. When was the last time you saw on the news a report of the results of a political poll showing that, for example, (in a random sampling of 1100 Canadians) that "x" percent support the Liberals, "y" percent support the Conservatives, "z" percent support the NDP. And this is supposed to represent 20 million plus/minus registered voters?? When the election results come in, it always surprises me how accurate the poll results were.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't really about the numbers. Or whether we get or need a YMCA. I really don't care about that. It is about the inappropriateness of a US based hedge fund, who wants to mine over 2,400 acres of prime agricultural land on the headwaters of more than 1 million Ontarians source of water PAYING for this.
ReplyDeleteThey don't care about sustainability or the community or they wouldn't have cut down thousands and thousands of trees in contravention of the Dufferin County tree cutting bylaw or to date bulldozed and burnt more than 12 heritage homes in Melancthon.
This is a cheap PR move and a way to tie up County votes over the rail line.
THAT is the real problem. The survey cost around $26,000.00. With 6 municipalities involved do you really think they couldn't have coughed up $4,000 bucks each and paid for it themselves if they really thought it was a great idea?
You made your post be about the numbers. You may want the issue to about principle, as do I, but it will come down to numbers in the end. If 89% of the population of the 6 municipalities are unconcerned or unaware about the "origin" of the YMCA initiative, then 89% are ready to look the other way when they put their hand out to accept what is offered by Lowndes. And do you think that the percentage of support (or lack of interest/concern in the real issue) will rise or fall as you include all of the municipalities from here to Queen's Park (and beyond)?
ReplyDeleteThat is why anyone who knows about this issue and is concerned needs to help spread the word. Write your local politicians, MP's and MPP's.
ReplyDeleteMany people do not agree with my methods with this blog and that is fine. If they have a better, softer way, please, please pursue it.
What does sustainability have to do with tree cutting?
ReplyDelete