"Vital Signs" survey results rate housing, affordability, mental illness and addictions as top concerns
Greater Victoria's 12th annual Vital Signs survey is out. Overall citizens rate quality of life unchanged from 2016 -- at B+, and 87% rate themselves as happy. But residents list several issues as being of concern.
Almost 15-hundred people were surveyed, rating the top 3 issues as housing, cost of living and mental illness. Addictions crept up to the 4th spot from #8 last year. Also moving up, childcare, rising from 16th spot up to #9.
Participants also gave grades to key areas. Most remained unchanged, but Economy and Environmental Sustainability rose half a grade, while Standard of Living dropped from a B- to a C+.
The survey also looked at the subject of belonging. 88% said they feel supported by loving family, companions and friends. 63% say they know their neighbours well enough to ask for help. 25% say they sometimes feel uncomfortable as a result of discrimination.
Some indicators are cause for concern. 21% report drinking heavily, a 5% increase. Affordability of housing is getting worse, with a near zero vacancy rate we saw an average of 5.5% rent hikes. As well, the number of illicit drug overdoses has tripled on the Southern Island.
Results help the Victoria Foundation decide how to direct charitable gifts to make a diffrerence in the community.
To read the full report: http://victoriafoundation.bc.ca/vital-signs/