Esquimalt has hired research firm Ipsos-Reid to survey residents about their physical fitness and recreation needs.

"What this allows us to do is create a benchmark for performance levels," said Scott Hartman, director of parks and recreation services.

"This isn't just about our facilities. This is about our community. This will get people who are engaged in exercises that may not use our facilities, like walking to work or biking around town."

The survey of 300 residents aged 16 and older will be conducted until Feb. 10. It will cost about $8,600.

Survey topics will include: regularity, type and duration of physical activity; motivation for participation; satisfaction with municipal recreation facilities, programs and services; attitudes toward user fees for recreation services and programs; level of children's physical activity; and level of arts and culture participation.

"What we're looking for is the regularity and type and duration of people's physical activity and really tapping into their lifestyle choices," Hartman said.

The survey is a first of its type for the municipality, he said.