NEEDS SURVEY FINDINGS MAY BE RESULT OF PERCEPTION, NOT REALITY

A survey that indicated more programs dealing with drug abuse and
crime are sorely needed in Eckville may be misleading, according to
RCMP Staff Sergeant Tim Gilbert.

Gilbert, who spoke at last Tuesday's meeting where results of the
community needs assessment survey were presented, said statistics
indicate the town has a very low crime rate.

"There's definitely a difference between perception and reality. It's
a really, really safe community," he said. "Most other communities
would be envious of the crime stats from Eckville."

The survey was conducted to learn more about the needs and wants of
Eckville residents.

Ron Koots, chairman of the Eckville Youth Foundation and Eckville
Minor Ball said he is confused about survey results which indicate
more youth programs are needed.

"I have talked to other communities who are so envious of what we have
here."

Communication about what is available in town is a problem and the
needs assessment survey will be a good tool for the community to use
to address this concern, according to Mayor Helen Posti.

Scott Oddie, a professor of psychology from Red Deer College and
adviser to David Thompson Health Region (DTHR) presented the results
of the survey to about 40 people at the community centre. The survey
was mailed to 1,090 households complete with a pre-paid self-addressed
stamped envelope. About 25 per cent of the survey recipients responded.

The survey was sent to households in Eckville as well as to residents
in the counties of Lacombe, Red Deer and Clearwater.

"The results should provide evidence used to enhance community
programming and healthy well-being," he said.

The survey indicated drug and alcohol addiction education and
counselling services were "strongly required" and also showed drug
abuse and alcohol consumption among teens were "very big problems".

Results also indicated a lack of recreation programs for youth and
children is a "very big problem".

Those indicating that crime prevention is a "very serious issue" also
indicated that alternative measures or programs for youth crimes are a
"very serious issue" and need to be addressed.

Generally, most respondents felt that youth crime, prevention,
mediation, and/or intervention and community crime programs are
needed, said Oddie.

But Gilbert said crime prevention does not mean a police car driving
around.

"Things like a food bank and funds assisting young people to take part
in activities they couldn't otherwise afford -- these types of things
help create a healthy environment and prevent crime," he said.

High taxes and cost of living and lack of businesses were other
problems facing families and the community, some respondents
indicated. Scott Kinley, who represented the chamber of commerce and
town council at the meeting, said bringing more businesses to town is
a challenge. "The era of the ma and pa business is over and that hurts
a small town like Eckville."

On a positive note, respondents said Eckville has good, friendly
people, is a quiet community and offers good medical services.

Oddie noted the results of the survey showed that existing services in
Eckville are not being well utilized which could be due to lack of
interest or lack of information on programs and services.

The assessment implied that community stakeholders should use the
results to reallocate resources to better meet the needs of the community.

Karin Engen, from Eckville Neighborhood Place, who sits on the
community needs assesment committee, said the results of the survey
will be studied in the fall.

"We will try and address the concerns with programs and services," she
said.

As well as Engen, the committee includes Heather Allen, co-ordinator
of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Eckville, Barb
Whitney from Eckville Manor, Ron Koots from Eckville Youth Foundation,
and Angie Ewing, Eckville family school liaison.