(Return On Insight)

The environment is not a top of mind issue for most Calgarians as the world marks Earth Day, according to an exclusive poll commissioned by CBC News and released Thursday.

Just six per cent of those surveyed mentioned the environment when asked what issues they cared about as the city heads into a municipal election this fall.

Voters are much more focused on roads, traffic and transportation infrastructure, the survey suggested, with 46 per cent of respondents citing these issues as their priorities. An additional 14 per cent said transit was an important topic for them.

The second most important issue for Calgarians is now crime, which was listed by 17 per cent of the people who took part — well above historical levels, according to Bruce Cameron, whose company Return On Insight conducted the survey.

"Concerns about mobility continue to dominate the issue agenda in Calgary, as they have for the past decade, but crime has now jumped up to second place, mentioned by almost one in five people, despite actual crime statistics dropping in that time frame," said Cameron.

Environment is important, if prompted

In previous polls, Calgarians have tended to say the environment is an important issue — but only if prompted to do so. Unsolicted mentions rarely exceed seven per cent, going as far back as 2002, Cameron said.

However, the survey suggests Calgarians do think green when it comes to choosing a place to live.

Among respondents who were in the market for a new home, the environmental condition of the house or condo was rated as a very important factor by 37 per cent and a somewhat important factor by another 49 per cent.

And two thirds said they believe they have personally done something in the past year to become more "green", while 61 per cent believe city hall has taken "positive environmental actions" in the past year.

'The vast majority of potential homebuyers in the city believe the environmental condition of their home is an important factor to consider'—Bruce Cameron, pollster

"Calgarians may not mention the environment as a top of mind concern because the environment has become such an entrenched part of their personal and business lives," Cameron said.

"There is definitely an upbeat mood about actions that have been taken personally and by the city in the past year, and the vast majority of potential homebuyers in the city believe the environmental condition of their home is an important factor to consider."

The survey suggested anxiety about money is not running high among Calgarians. Economic concerns — such as jobs and the economy — were mentioned by 10 per cent, as was healthcare.

Population growth and urban sprawl scored nine per cent and concerns about taxes and balancing the budget or reducing spending were listed by eight per cent of respondents.

Some issues that have featured prominently in news coverage scored low as issues of concern. Snow removal was mentioned by just seven per cent, as was education. Garbage removal scored four per cent, housing four per cent and parking just two per cent.

Return On Insight polled 401 adult Calgarians from April 10-15. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

The race to succeed Dave Bronconnier as mayor includes current aldermen Ric McIver and Joe Connelly, former alderman Jon Lord and urban chicken activist Paul Hughes.

Calgarians go to the polls to elect a new mayor and council on Oct. 18.