What is Calgary's Vital Signs Report?
As a catalyst for community awareness, dialogue and action, The Calgary Foundation launched Calgary's Vital Signs in 2007 - a snapshot of the livability and wellness of life in Calgary aimed at sparking discussion, inspiring action and bringing about change. The initiative brings together community leaders and organizations to share research and expertise and engages Calgarians who grade the quality of life in Calgary in 14 key issue areas.
What are the 14 key issue areas?
- Learning
- Safety
- Health & Wellness
- Arts & Culture
- Financial Well-Being
- Getting Started in our Community
- Natural Environment
- Work
- Housing
- Belonging & Leadership
- Sustainable City
- Recreation & Sport
- Food
- Transportation
Why does The Calgary Foundation participate in the Vital Signs initiative?
- To increase the effectiveness of the Foundation's grantmaking.
- To better inform our donors about issues and opportunities.
- To engage Calgarians in community issues and encourage community action.
- To provide the community with relevant and timely research that informs the work of private, public and nonprofit sectors
Where are other Vital Signs Reports released?
Calgary's Vital Signs is part of a national initiative, coordinated by the Community Foundations of Canada.
Participating Community Foundations in 2009 include:
- Greater Saint John
- Wolfville, Ottawa
- Toronto, Oakville
- Waterloo Region
- Guelph & Wellington
- Kingston & Area
- Greater Sudbury
- Red Deer
Medicine Hat
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- Victoria
- Central Okanagan
- Sunshine Coast
- Boundary Communities
(includes Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, Rock Creek, Bridesville, Beaverdell)
Calgary
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What is Calgary's Vital Signs Methodology?
Community Engagement Process
In 2009, Calgary's Vital Signs engaged over 1700 citizens and community partners who added their voice to ensure an accurate and relevant snapshot of Calgary's quality of life.
Community Leadership Group
Representatives from key Calgary organizations provided expert advice to ensure Calgary's Vital Signs report is an effective vehicle for showing emerging trends and priorities for Calgary.
Vital Conversations
A series of dynamic community discussions that invite Calgarians to discuss what's working and what's not in our city.
Citizen Online Survey
In 2009, from an open invitation to all Calgarians, 1166 citizens completed an online survey assigning grades and providing their views on what is successfully working and what needs improvement for each of the 12 key issue areas.
Index of Grading
A Very good: stay the course
B Good: but some improvements could be made
C Fair: suggest additional effort be made to address these issues
D Poor: substantial additional work is required
F Fail: immediate action is crucial
Indicator Research
Over 20 local research experts representing a wide range of Calgary organizations were individually convened to provide current statistical data and research to ensure that the indicators used for Calgary's Vital Signs are relevant, accurate and comprehensive. Community Foundations of Canada, who retained the Centre for the Study of Living Standards to undertake national research, provided additional expertise.
Who Graded in the 2009 Calgary's Vital Signs Report?
80% have lived in Calgary for more than ten years
66% are female
26% are between the ages 19 and 34
48% are between the ages 35 and 54
25% are over the age 65
12% did not volunteer last year
Resources:
Vital Signs Backgrounder
2009 Vital Signs Report
