Greater Victoria has earned some bragging rights.
The first time the area was included in the YouthfulCities Index which compares 22 Canadian cities, Greater Victoria finished #1 for education and creative arts for youth.
Victoria also finished 7th overall, and in the top 5 for employment, diversity and gender equity.
In other areas Victoria showed itself to be a well-balanced City for youth to live (8th place) , work (9th place) and play (8th place).
The YouthfulCities Index measures 121 indicators in 20 areas to create credible data for decision-makers, provide inspiration for urban innovation, and provide national exposure for Canadian cities.
Mayor Lisa Helps says the city aims to be a place where young people have a place and a voice, and the survey highlights where we can do better.
Helps adds the city invests more than $1 million a year in programs that directly support youth, make Victoria a more affordable place live, raise a family, start a business and grow.
Local officials partnered with the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) and Youthful Cities to have Victoria included in this year's Index.
Bruce Williams, Interim CEO of SIPP, says the next generation of residents will be the driving force in the local economy, and we need to ensure we continue to attract them here.
Veronica Plihal, Chair of SIPP's Youth Liaison Taskforce, adds there is much her generation likes about Greater Victoria, but the issues of affordability, transportation, and access to well-paying careers requires more work.