But an Environics poll of 1,000 residents gave the city failing grades for transit, road maintenance and a shortage of good-paying jobs.

In a presentation to Barrie council Monday night, Environics, which conducted a 20-minute phone survey during the week of Nov. 17 to 25, found 38 per cent of residents are not satisfied with winter road conditions, 48 per cent are not content with Barrie Transit, 62 per cent are critical of the road network, and 67 per cent are frustrated by summer road maintenance.

But Barrie does do some things right. The poll, which has a margin of error of 3.1 per cent, says the city's parks, recreation facilities and programs, as well as fire and police protection services, and waste-management practices get top marks.

Community Services Committee chairperson Coun. John Brassard said the survey shows council's priorities are in line with the community's.

"The report could easily be called a Citizen Strategic Priority report

because it's uncanny how similar resident priorities are aligned with

Council's Strategic Priorities," he said.

"Council is also in the process of finding out how we can be better at the services we are providing. At some point this year, we expect the completion of the Transit Master Plan that will identify transit network improvements that the survey shows is wanted by residents. We'll be completing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Master Fire Plan, and an asset management program that will identify to council and place a priority on roads that are in need of repair."

Barrie residents, many of whom came to the city to escape GTA taxes, housing prices and traffic snarls, are also quite critical of the city's growth management and planning services. Building and bylaw enforcement were also rated quite low; only 10 per cent of citizens saying the city does a good job with those, and only six per cent satisfied with how the city has planned its neighbourhoods.

Very few are satisfied with their tax bill and payment options. In this case, 37 per cent of residents gave the city a low mark, while only 15 per cent rated the city well.