SANDRA RICHARDSON
VICTORIA – Victoria Foundation released their 2022 Victoria’s Vital Signs report, an annual check-up that measures the vitality of our region as seen through the eyes of the community. Now in its 17th year, the Vital Signs report sheds light on top concerns from residents and offers insight about where our community needs to improve.
Using data obtained from a web-based citizen survey completed by more than 2,500 people and data from secondary-sources curated in collaboration with our local researcher, the report explores how the region is doing in 12 key issue areas. Respondents provide feedback on the issue areas which include quality of life, belonging and engagement, and arts and culture to name a few. The theme for this year’s report focuses on exploring the question of what community means to different people from diverse perspectives.
“The past few years have been challenging for everyone, but through it all we have seen the tremendous power of community to help lift us up. When we asked the question ‘What does community mean to you?’ we heard a range of answers that not only inspired us but made us pause and think about how we can work together to make our community even better,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of Victoria Foundation. “The report makes it clear we face significant issues in Greater Victoria, especially around housing and cost of living. With so many people struggling, it’s more important than ever to work collectively to find solutions that work for everyone.”
The 2022 Vital Signs report identifies housing, cost of living, and healthcare as the most pressing issues faced by respondents. Housing received a failing grade of F, the first time an issue area has received a failing grade. The majority of respondents also said there is not enough affordable home ownership options or affordable rental accommodations.
Overall quality of life in Greater Victoria scored a B+ grade, which is an improvement over the 2020 and 2021 grade of B. Of the 12 key issue areas the report focuses on, 5 have seen a change in grade. Getting Started saw improved scores when compared to last year’s report, while four other issue areas saw a decreased score. As in previous years, respondents said the best things about Greater Victoria are the natural environment and the climate.
The Victoria’s Vital Signs report is made possible with the support of presenting sponsor Coast Capital.
“We’re honoured to partner with the Victoria Foundation on this year’s Vital Signs report,” said Tanya Smith, Manager, Social Purpose Ecosystem at Coast Capital. “The report provides an important opportunity to listen and learn from our neighbours as we work together to build a better future for all in our community.”
The magazine-style final report is available at various locations throughout the community, as well as online at victoriafoundation.bc.ca.
The Victoria Foundation also offers a deeper dive into the data and key issue areas through an online platform called Vital Victoria. Operating as a companion to the Vital Signs report, Vital Victoria explores over 70 indicators on quality of life in Greater Victoria and ties them to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Vital Victoria can be found here
