Ontario Community Preferences Survey

2.Residents noted a desire for improved and safe pedestrian mobility and connectivity choices. How would you like to see this happen? Select the option you prefer best.

Improve/fix existing sidewalk network

Build new trails, paths and pedestrian connections

Focus on improving pedestrian connectivity impediments to key destinations like the school complex, Marshall Park, and key shopping areas along Lexington-Springmill Road.

No improvements are needed

3.Residents noted a desire for enhanced park and recreational opportunities. How would you like to see this happen?

Maintain and improve Marshall Park

Develop new neighborhood parks

Improve programming and partnerships with area recreation providers.

Pursue initiatives and levies to generate revenues to maintain and improve parks and recreational programs for all ages

No improvements are needed

4.Residents completing the community survey noted a need to address failing infrastructure, public health, and water quality/capacity. What mechanisms would you support to enable the City to repair local infrastructure?

Increase water/sewer rates

Levy special assessments for targeted improvements

Property & income taxes

A mixture of all of the above

Other (please specify)

5.I am familiar with programs and incentives that Ontario has to promote residential, commercial and industrial development and housing renovation

Yes

6.What’s the biggest impediment to the marketability of this community?

Lack of new/updated housing stock

Lack of "Quality of Life" and lifestyle amenities like parks, diverse shopping, etc.

Lack of job opportunities

Lack of vision and "wow" factor

Other (please specify)

7.A majority of survey respondents believe that Richland Mall is currently under-utilized. What’s the best way to reactivate this area?

Create new zoning guidelines that provides for new development opportunities

Through long-range planning efforts

Financial incentives and grants to help encourage private reinvestment

Through a combination of all of the above tools

Leave it up to the private property owner to decide

8.According to the 2023 Richland County Housing Study, the county will need a substantial number of new housing units to accommodate existing and new residents. What methods should Ontario utilize to encourage new housing development?

Encourage housing density and infill development

Update the zoning ordinance with a new residential district with smaller lot sizes

Expand economic incentives and property maintenance enforcement to encourage the revitalization of existing neighborhoods and properties

A combination of all the above

We have the right mixture of residential land uses in Ontario at the moment and should be thoughtful on new residential development until infrastructure capacity is understood

9.Should more tools be developed that protect neighborhoods from nuisances and issues from property maintenance and vacancy?

Yes

10.If you had ten dollars to invest in one community area, where would you invest it?

Towards a fund to improve connectivity like sidewalks and bike paths

Better parks and recreation programs

Fixing the city’s existing infrastructure

Developing a “town center” in Old Ontario that is connected to the schools and Marshall Park and has all-ages activities and supportive land uses

Other (please specify)

11.The development of a community pool appears to be something desirous of residents and students. How likely would you be to fund an initiative like this?

12.Which statement do you identify with most?

I am okay with paying additional taxes as long as the city has a good plan to use the additional revenue

I am not okay with paying additional taxes, the city should live within its current means

13.Open Ended: Feel free to tell us anything that you wish concerning the future of Ontario.

Ontario Community Preferences Survey

Welcome!