The top five things Greater Victoria residents want to see addressed, according to the annual Vital Signs report, won’t come as a surprise for most people. Respondents to the annual survey want to see an increase in affordable housing and rental options; attention to social issues including mental health and homelessness; improved public safety; more affordable cost of living; and better access to health care.
The cost of living is the top issue identified by those who answered the survey, put out by the Victoria Foundation as an annual check-up measuring the vitality of the region.
Of those who answered the survey, 70 per cent cited the cost of living as a concern, followed by housing (58 per cent), health care (57 per cent), homelessness (55 per cent) and addictions (52 per cent). In a related vein, 32 per cent were concerned about mental health.
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: arts and culture, belonging and engagement, economy, environmental sustainability, getting started, health and wellness, housing, learning, safety, sports and recreation, standard of living, and transportation.
In overall quality of life, Greater Victoria received a B, the same grade as 2023 and slightly down from the B+ of 2022.
This year, 6,564 citizens added their voices to Victoria’s Vital Signs by assigning grades and assessing their experience with various facets of life in each of the 12 key issue areas. Of those, 417 surveys were completed through a research panel and 6,147 surveys were completed via open link.
The bulk of those who answered the survey hailed from Victoria (34 per cent) and Saanich (22 per cent).
They were also asked questions about quality of life, their perceptions and experience with equity and inclusion, and their thoughts on future generations of Greater Victoria.
“This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and health care 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,” foundation CEO Sandra Richardson said in a news release.
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 as last year.
Respondents said the best things about the region are the natural environment (65 per cent); the climate (54 per cent) and air quality (52 per cent).
When asked about work-life and home-life balance, 65 per cent of respondents indicated they are satisfied. A total of 68 per cent 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 per cent of respondents agree that Greater Victorians are committed to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, while 43 per cent agree that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour have equal opportunities and are treated as equals.
“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,” Richardson said.
Find the full report online at victoriavitalsigns.ca.
