Powell River Community Foundation has released its 2022/2023 Vital Signs report, looking at 45 indicators of community well-being. The report was compiled using 2021 census data, along with newer data released in November, 2022. The research was done through community engagement, interviews and surveys as well as; connecting with arts groups, school boards and nonprofits in the city.
The purpose of the report is to provide a “snapshot” of the overall health of the community. The last report came out in 2015. Lead researcher Lisa Moffatt said “the data collected is a point in time measure of quality of life factors.”
“The timing was good because new census data was released in November 2022,” said Moffatt.
“With Vital Signs data analysis along with census data you get a pretty accurate, up-to-date picture of what’s happening in the community.”
Health care, economy, work and housing were some areas of concern, along with some new categories: truth and reconciliation, sense of belonging, community justice and emergency services. Another lens focused on youth and their experiences with mental health, and overall sense of well-being.
How people move around the city, where they get their food and where it comes from, and the demographic of the region, was also looked at in the data.
Speaking as a board member of Powell River Community Foundation, Trina Isakson said that, “people appreciated [the previous] Vital Signs for a variety of reasons, including as a reference when going into conversations with other levels of government, as a source for local data when applying for funding and program proposals.”
One standout in the report was housing. Being a more rural community, “the housing situation is in crisis,” said Moffatt. “The area has mostly single-family homes, large lots and people make a lower than median income than the rest of British Columbia.”
Similar to many communities across BC, the report indicates that it’s hard for people to meet their basic needs, according to Moffatt. Another finding that fits with the overall trend across the province is that youth in the region are reporting a rise in mental health needs. The data in the report indicated youth in Powell River are experiencing a rise in feelings of isolation, and incidences of racism.
The report is not all doom and gloom though, for example, within the local arts community, “there are a number of places to see art and display art,” said Moffatt. “There are also so many festivals, and tourism will be a big attraction for the city.”
Other positive indicators that came out of the report is that the city is minimizing the impact of short-term rentals, rezoning so duplexes and townhouses can be built, and allowing for secondary suites, like carriage houses, added Moffatt.
“This report is mainly used by local decision makers, elected officials, government staff and nonprofit agencies, when planning new projects, when developing funding applications, and when advocating about local issues,” said Isakson. “Local residents might be interested in this report if they want to advocate to their elected representatives about taking action in an area that is important to them.”
Isakson also said that for individuals who are exploring moving here, the report gives detailed information in areas they might care about, such as environment, youth, economy, or health.
The report, added Moffatt, is a “snapshot of community health and well-being, resulting in a compilation of statistics, research, and resident input.”
The idea of the report is not analysis and recommendations, but, “can be seen as a reference with hundreds of indicators,” she emphasized. “Some indicators are worth celebrating, some are concerning, and some are neutral. It’s up to the reader to decide if and how to act on the information." Find the report here Vital Signs
