The Victoria Foundation has launched its latest “Vital Signs” citizen survey, which asks residents to weigh in on the state of the capital region, and share their thoughts on what can be done to improve it.
The survey asks residents to grade 12 key aspects of the region, ranging from “health” to “housing” to “arts and culture.”
The categories are then ranked on a five-point scale, with “very good” being the best and “poor” being the worst.
Organizers hope that participants think of the survey as a way to help shape the region for future generations.
“Can they be prosperous? Can they have a wonderful environment? Can they even afford to stay here?” said the Victoria Foundation in a release Thursday.
The results of the survey will be used in the organization’s annual “Victoria Vital Signs” report, which combines public opinion with researched statistics.
The report provides a snapshot of livability for Greater Victoria for the year, and helps the foundation decide where to prioritize its funds.
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“Victoria’s Vital Signs provides the community with information that sparks action to improve our region,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson in a release Thursday.
“There is a significant amount of complex and integrated challenges in our community, and we hope the theme for 2024 and information collected will help us identify solutions for our region to help our grandkids and future generations,” she said.
Two different versions of the survey are available on the Victoria Foundation website – a short version and a long version.
People who complete the short survey will be eligible to win one of three $100 Country Grocer gift cards, while people who complete the long version have double the chances to win one of the gift cards, according to the Victoria Foundation.
The survey launched Thursday and is open until May 31 at noon.
The Victoria Foundation launched in 1936 and is the second-oldest community foundation in the country, out of roughly 200 across Canada.
The organization receives donations and disperses them to charities and uses them to create income-earning funds for community use.
As of the end of 2023, the Victoria Foundation has invested over $340 million for local organizations since its inception.
Adam Chan
