Norquay Village Neighbourhood Centre Program

Norquay Survey Overview

In the summer of 2007, a neighbourhood survey was conducted to obtain feedback on a proposed plan for Norquay. However, the overall response rate was unusually high and it was apparent that the results of the general survey varied dramatically from a random control survey that is used to verify the survey process. Therefore, the City asked an independent advisor, Mustel Group, to analyze and interpret the results.

Mustel Group has identified survey “irregularities” that include:

• the transmittal of nearly 800 online responses in rapid succession, all with identical answers to the nineteen survey questions;
• the submission of an additional 300 photocopied surveys all having exactly the same answers to the survey questions.

The extent of what the Mustel Group has labeled as “ballot stuffing” means that of the total of 2,227 surveys submitted, nearly half the results were determined to be “irregular.” Mustel Group’s review (81kb) has concluded that these irregularities “have had an undue effect on the survey” so that the results “could not and should not be used or interpreted further.”

In circumstances whereby survey data have been compromised or spoiled, the Mustel Group would ordinarily advise that the data not be used or released. However, in keeping with the City’s usual practice and commitment to the transparency and openness of its planning processes, a complete tabulation of all survey responses (67kb) (including irregular responses) is being made available. Readers of the data are cautioned, however, that:

In accordance with the recommendation of Mustel Group, Norquay survey data should not be used or interpreted due to irregularities that appear to have influenced the validity of the results.

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