To find out which population segment you belong to, take the Self Identification Survey

Fringe Dweller (9% of the population)

• Mostly males (60%)
• 40% have a high school diploma or less
• Youngest segment (20% are 20-24 years old)
• Average household income (49% earn $20,000 - $60,000 per year)
• Most likely to be single (27%)
• Most likely to be Catholic (44%) or not follow a religion (18%)

Identity Statement
This young group is mostly male and includes some students. With a ‘live for today’ attitude, Fringe Dwellers believe that Kitchener should emphasize individualism – a non-community of sorts. They believe citizens should go about minding their own business and not take part in any communal activities, leaving these decisions up to those in political circles. They are confident in their ability to face obstacles and they are on the lookout for new experiences.

Growth / Development
Fringe Dwellers are ambivalent on development issues which they have probably not thought about much and which they do not see as having much impact on them.

Taxes
Fringe Dwellers have little time to help those in need, preferring instead that the government taxes the rich to help the poor.

City Services
In accordance with their busy, ‘carpe diem’ lifestyles, Fringe Dwellers are familiar with many services, including: public transit, community centres, seniors services, indoor sports facilities and property standards. They are generally satisfied with transportation management issues such as road and sidewalk maintenance, bike lands and parks as well as outdoor and recreational facilities such as part, playgrounds, swimming pools and indoor sports. As they prefer less communal involvement and
that people go about their own business, they generally do not support the city spending more money on city services.

Likes About Kitchener

• Size / Small Town Feel (14%)
• Distance To Other Things / Location (14%)
• Parks (14%)
• Clean (12%)
• Safe / Low Crime (11%)

Dislikes About Kitchener

• Downtown / Core (15%)
• Road Conditions / Potholes (13%)
• Growing Too Fast / Too Big / Urban Sprawl (9%)
• Parking (8%)
• Traffic Problems / Congestion (8%)

Involvement in Government
Their characteristic lack of concern over political and economic matters flows from their values. They
are not politically motivated by other people’s problems and they trust that both the government and corporations know best. Nonetheless, they are ready to disobey laws and engage in civil disobedience if they find the rules irrelevant.

Interesting Fact
Fringe Dwellers believe that their destiny is pre-determined and people get what they deserve.