St. Stephen has officially launched a new community safety and well-being survey.

The survey is being conducted in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities (CCSC).

A description on the survey’s website said it will help assess current perceptions and experiences, as well as identify key concerns, challenges and priorities related to community safety.

“The insights gained from the survey could be used to inform subsequent steps for community safety planning and initiatives in St. Stephen, helping to prioritize funding, allocate resources, and address the community’s needs effectively,” said the website.

“Additionally, a survey of this nature provides a valuable opportunity for the voices of the community to be heard and to influence local action.”

Over the winter, council approved spending nearly $5,000 to conduct the community safety survey.

The community has faced challenges, including increased crime and a growing number of people experiencing homelessness.

It also has been dealing with an absentee landlord who has left several properties to become dilapidated – of which several have been the subject of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Acts raids by peace officers.

“It is very important that when this survey does go out, we get as many people as possible to fill it out,” said Coun. Wade Greenlaw. “The survey takes about 20 minutes. It’s detailed but the results from it will help the community with the right actions to try and make things better.”

Greenlaw appealed to not only residents but also non-profit groups, business organizations, and others to fill out the survey.

The survey can be filled out online, and paper copies are also available at the Garcelon Civic Centre.

The deadline is April 30. CCSC is expected to come before the council virtually to present its comprehensive report.

With files from the Local Journalism Initiative/The Courier.