How can Greater Victoria improve for the next generation? The 2024 Vital Signs report could help find the answer

This article was created for Victoria Foundation, and produced independently by Capital Daily. It was approved by Victoria Foundation before it was published.

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The Victoria Foundation’s 2024 Vital Signs report is officially out and provides a fascinating picture for residents and beyond on how the city is doing in every aspect of its health, from environmental sustainability to arts and culture.

Earlier this year, a web-based citizen survey obtained data from over 6,500 people — a record number of respondents — on how they view their quality of life.  From there, Victoria’s 2024 Vital Signs report reveals residents’ top concerns in 12 key issue areas, which are each given a letter grade from A to F with an “overall quality of life” rank calculated from the average. This year, Greater Victoria scored a B grade for its overall quality of life — unchanged from last year, and slightly lower than the B+ it received in 2022.

The theme for this year’s report, which can be read online in a brand-new digital format, invited readers to imagine what the city will be like for generations to come. 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.

“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” said Victoria Foundation 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.

The scores for cost of living, housing and healthcare all noticeably decreased from last year’s survey. Housing fell from a D to a D-, standard of living fell from a B- to a C+ and health and wellness fell from a B- to a C+ — while most other scores, such as economy, arts and culture and belonging and engagement, stayed the same.

The survey report also provided interesting rankings for the best things about Greater Victoria and, conversely, the most important issues facing the region today.

Cost of living, housing, and healthcare all came out on top for areas that need improvement, as well as issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Survey respondents expressed the need for increased mental health support for people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health problems, more rental and affordable living opportunities, and more equal opportunities for all citizens in general.

On the other hand, the results showed that the natural environment, climate and air quality were some of Victoria’s best qualities, followed by walkability, friends and family, and access to locally grown food. When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, 73% of respondents said they feel accepted for who they are, while 76% said they feel accepted in the neighbourhood they live in.

This year, the 2024 Vital Signs report is available in both print and a brand new digital version that’s easily navigable on all screens. You can visit the new online version of the report at victoriavitalsigns.ca.

Learn more about the Victoria Foundation and read more information about the Vital Signs citizen survey on its website.