A telephone survey is underway in Steinbach to gauge interest in Sunday shopping. It was commissioned by local resident David Banman. He has engaged a research firm based in Winnipeg and Vancouver to survey between 400 and 500 residents. Banman explains with that sample size, the accuracy rate is considered very high.

David Banman"It gives us an accuracy rate, I believe, of plus or minus 3 percentage points 18 times out of 20 so it's a really, really accurate poll and we'll get a really good idea of where people stand on these type issues."

Banman says the purpose of the survey is to give city councillors an accurate picture of whether citizens want Sunday shopping.

"I think it's really, really important for city council to actively engage citizens of Steinbach and get their thoughts, not just on Sunday shopping, but issues in general. On this particular issue, I just don't feel that was done. I think it's not a bad idea to get the public's opinion on this particular issue and, maybe beyond, as to whether for future candidates for council or mayor, that's going to be a priority."

The survey also includes a question on which candidate people will support for mayor and asks whether they would support Banman if he decided to run. But Banman says that doesn't mean he is running.

"I'm not really ready to answer that question either one way or another, yet. I just believe that the elected officials should actively work to get everyone's opinion and not necessarily wait around for citizens to come to them. If there is a candidate that wants to do that, I don't think there is really any need for me to run."

Banman says the survey results will be released in a week to ten days.

Banman is a lawyer in Steinbach who previously served on city council.