Youth retention survey launched by City of Charlottetown

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 in Charlottetown are being asked to take part in youth retention survey in hopes of figuring out why young people are moving out of the province.

"We want to hear from them directly," said CharlottetownMayor Clifford Lee. "We want to examine what we could do at the municipal level to help our youth reach their potential here, at home."

The city's Youth Retention Advisory Boardhas launched the surveyin partnership with Fusion Charlottetown a non-profit organization that works with young professionals to help shape the city's future.

The advisory board was set up by the mayor in 2015 to get young people interested in municipal concerns and to advise council on issues affecting youth.

The anonymous survey is the board's first major initiative.

'A lot about lifestyle'

It's designed to find out why some youth decide to stay in Charlottetown and others decide to leave. It also asks what they enjoy in their communities and what they would like to see change.

"Obviously we are asking some questions about employment opportunities and what it's like seeking fulfilling employment here in Charlottetown," board member Haley Doherty told CBC News.

"But it is also a lot about lifestyle. So how well do you connect with the arts scene? How are you finding that health and wellness opportunities that are existing here in our city and are the accessible or are they not accessible?"

The information gathered will be presented to the board, which will then make recommendations to council.

The survey has been shared with students at both Charlottetown senior high schools, Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island as well as youth organizations. It's also available on the city's website.

The deadline to complete the survey is Feb. 5.