Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation
VICTORIA – The Victoria Foundation has released Victoria’s 2024 Vital Signs report, in both print and a brand-new digital version that’s easily navigable for all screens.
This year, the annual check-up measuring the vitality of the region, as perceived by residents in the community, invites readers to imagine a Greater Victoria for their future generations. It includes a thought-provoking feature article, spotlighting local impact advisor and philanthropy champion Jim Hayhurst, on the importance of engaging the interests of today’s youth to plan for a better future.
This year, overall quality of life in Greater Victoria scored a B grade, which remains unchanged from 2023, and is a decrease from the 2022 grade of B+.
Now in its 19th year, the Vital Signs report reveals residents’ top concerns and provides letter grades from A to F for 12 key issue areas, including quality of life, belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and more. Four of these 12 areas have seen their grade change since last year.
The report used data obtained this year from a web-based citizen survey completed by over 6,500 people – the most in Victoria’s Vital Signs history – and data from secondary sources curated by a local researcher, to explore how the region is doing.
“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” said CEO Sandra Richardson. “This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and healthcare to be among the most important issues in Greater Victoria. Imagining a future where our grandkids and future generations can thrive begins with gathering a clear picture of the quality of life in Greater Victoria today,” she explained.
“And now, for the first time, we’re pleased to make the traditional Vital Signs report more interactive and engaging to the public through a digital format that you can scroll through on your smartphones, tablets, and computers,” said Richardson.
In the report this year, housing saw a decrease when compared to last year’s report, falling from a D to a D-. The grade for health and wellness also fell from a B- to a C+. Standard of living decreased from a B- to a C+. Environmental sustainability stayed the same with a grade of B. Sports and recreation saw an increase from B to a B+. Belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and economy all stayed the same from last year.
When asked about work-life and home-life balance, 65% of respondents indicated they are satisfied. 68% of respondents said they are likely to still be living and/or working in Greater Victoria 10 years from now.
When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, 52% of respondents agree that Greater Victorians are committed to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, while 43% agree that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour have equal opportunities and are treated as equals.
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