City departments will now be tasked with going through the results of the city's 2008 citizens' survey, released this week, and making any changes that might come out of it.

The questionnaire found 75 per cent of the 1,031 residents interviewed by phone believe they are getting a fair value for their tax dollars.

That figure is an increase above the annual average since the survey (done every two years) was started in 1998.

There was also a greater number of people indicating the city is accessible and approachable. This compares to 91 per cent in 2006.

Overall service was rated as good or excellent by 86 per cent, with the four most important services listed as water and sewer, garbage/compost collection, fire protection and road maintenance.

Lowest on the list of important city services was tourism, other services, public services and programs, and planning.

New to the survey this year was the questions of whether residents support the current four-storey limit on buildings in certain parts of the capital city.

The result was close, with 51 per cent stating they don't agree with lifting the limit and 49 per cent wanting it raised.

Of those wanting to see an increase, most (35 per cent) want the limit at six storeys, with 25 per cent wanting an eight-storey ceiling, 22 per cent looking for higher than eight storeys, nine per cent wanting a five-storey limit and five per cent seeking a seven-storey restriction.

And though only 73 per cent said they were familiar with the concept of sustainability, 84 per cent said they support it, with 77 per cent stating they act in a sustainable way.

Under the survey, sustainability was defined as "the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

As for the city's role in sustainability, 65 per cent noted the city should lead by example, and 32 per cent said there should be enforcement for environmentally designed buildings.

Water conservation regulations and development regulations both saw 30 per cent looking at each. A total of 25 per cent wanted enforcement on vehicle anti-idling and 35 per cent also suggested other initiatives for the city's role.

In questions where there were multiple answers, participants could have more than one answer.

Also on the environment front, 72 per cent said they believe littering is a problem within the city.

Despite the high number of people stating they act sustainably, only 37 per cent of those living outside the downtown area have biked or walked there to get to work, while 56 per cent have done so for leisure.

While residents seem happy with parking downtown when they're shopping, at a 60 per cent satisfaction rate, only 49 per cent of those working downtown are satisfied with the parking situation.

Though 66 per cent of drivers say they'd be in favour of a multi-level parkade, only 26 per cent would be willing to pay $100 a month for a space.

The city decided last month not to go ahead with a parkade because of the cost.

The survey also looked at the water system, with 47 per cent rating the city's water as good, 37 per cent as excellent, 12 per cent as fair and three per cent as poor.

Just a little more than half of respondents, at 54 per cent, said they want flouride back in the city's water supply to prevent tooth decay.

The results also show changes in the city's demographics with 52 per cent saying they've lived in Whitehorse for more than 20 years, an increase in the 2006 survey from 48 per cent.

"The highest percentage of respondents live in Porter Creek, Riverdale and Copper Ridge, which is a switch from previous years and shows the increased population in the Copper Ridge area," reads a report to council about the survey.

While 24 per cent of respondents live in Riverdale, Porter Creek had 22 per cent and Copper Ridge had 14 per cent.

Age groups, household sizes and and the 47 per cent male and 53 per cent female response rate was consistent with previous citizen surveys, it's noted.

Meetings have been set for Friday for various department heads to meet with Rob Fendrick, the city's director of administrative services, to go over the specific results for each department.

"As soon as practicable, each department will examine their section of the survey for work plan changes on issues that can be identified and how they may be addressed," reads the report to council.

"Identified issues will be resolved through operational changes and budget submissions as required."