The Shuswap Community Foundation is releasing its first Vital Signs report on Oct. 7. The report is a revealing snapshot of the health and vitality of the Shuswap region. It has gathered and published reader-friendly data on social and economic trends and assigned letter grades in 10 issue areas critical to quality of life.
With lots to celebrate, there were also some sobering statistics indicating room for growth and improvement.
Shuswap residents ranked each of the issue areas, assigning the top letter grade to arts and culture and the lowest to gap between rich and poor and getting around. Other notable findings include:
• Affordable housing remains a challenge across the region
• Shuswap Trail Alliance is a leader in providing a best practice model for trail development and maintenance for the province of B.C.
• Increased population during the summer months places added pressure on our health, safety and social services.
One of the significant benefits of the Vital Signs report was the process itself in garnering information.
At the engagement sessions, key informants and community leaders, perhaps meeting for the first time, were able to share their perspectives in each of the issue areas. As a result of these new relationships, the knowledge gained will help broaden our understanding of quality of life in the Shuswap.
Shuswap’s Vital Signs 2014 report has documented the opportunities and the challenges in a variety of areas of interest. The contents of the report will encourage discussion on the part of concerned individuals, local governments and charitable organizations.
In two years’ time, the Shuswap Community Foundation will produce a second report measuring changes and identifying trends. The goal is to help build sharing and caring communities throughout the Shuswap region.
For an in-depth view, you can access the full report at Shuswap Community Foundation’s website on Oct. 7 at www.shuswapfoundation.ca, or pick up a copy at the office located at 50 Lakeshore Dr. NE in Salmon Arm.
The Vital Signs launch event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Old Courthouse on 20 Hudson Ave. in Salmon Arm.