2025 Victoria’s Vital Signs: Celebrating the past, taking action for the future

Victoria’s Vital Signs is Greater Victoria’s annual report card on the health and vitality of the capital region—determining what’s working well and what needs more attention in all areas of life.

For 20 years, this report has helped community members and policymakers identify the main issues facing Greater Victoria, guiding critical decisions and actions.

This year, the program is celebrating a milestone anniversary with a report jam-packed with the latest survey results, statistics curated by a local researcher, and colourful stories of how community members are taking action on solutions to the region’s most pressing issues.

Over 5,800 residents participated in the survey this spring, giving a letter grade to each of 12 key issues, like housing, environment, and economy.

In 2025, participants gave the capital region an overall letter grade of B—pretty good! Let’s delve into some of the other major findings.

Residents still love the region’s natural environment

With its abundance of greenery, proximity to the sea, and mild climate, Greater Victoria has one of the most desirable locations in Canada.

The region’s residents know this well; this year’s survey found that the best things about life in the area are the environment, air quality, climate, walkability, and parks. The capital region is a beautiful place to get out and connect with nature!

Housing, homelessness and mental health are issues to tackle

Like many cities in Canada, Greater Victoria faces several serious issues related to housing and affordability.

The survey results say the top three issues are cost of living, healthcare, and housing. Homelessness, addictions, and mental health were also among the top ten issues facing the region.

Two decades serving the community

Since the Victoria Foundation first published Victoria’s Vital Signs in 2006, the report has helped transform the community—and many of the major milestones are captured in this year’s online feature, called “What’s Next for Victoria Vital Signs.”

The feature looks back on 20 years of the program’s impact, especially when it comes to children’s health, accessibility, and food security initiatives.

Thanks to Vital Signs, the Victoria Foundation was able to focus philanthropic efforts on a coordinated Regional Food Bank Collective, with several critical organizations. This resulted in a 22,000 square-foot warehouse called the Food Security Distribution Centre, in Esquimalt, transforming the way vulnerable people in the community access fresh, local food.

You can read all about this incredible initiative and other milestones in this year’s article.

Future plans and possibilities

The past 20 years, Victoria’sVital Signs has helped change how people think about caring for their community.

As 2025 ends, the Victoria Foundation is imagining how Vital Signs can evolve to improve life in the region.

“Next year, we might have another written report, or it could be something else,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO.

“Will it stay just a snapshot in time? Is there a role Artificial Intelligence could play? Whatever form it takes, it will be rooted in the community.”

Delve into the full Victoria’s Vital Signs report online at www.victoriavitalsigns.ca .