Vital Signs

Vital Signs uses local knowledge to measure the vitality of a community and support action towards improving collective quality of life. Local data gathered through the program is used to support evidence-based, locally-relevant solutions to improve the quality of life at the community level. Vital Signs aims to inspire civic engagement, to provide focus for public debate, and to help a range of actors take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. 

In July and August, 2023, approximately 40 North Shore agencies gathered to share what they are experiencing in their work – new or deeper challenges, gaps in services, effective strategies and programs, and areas where resources and support is needed. Read the 2023 report here.

The 2022 Vital Signs report reflects the feelings of over five hundred North Shore residents who shared their unique perspectives and impressions through survey answers and open-format comments.  Their responses provide a snapshot of life now, encompassing pressing issues, and hopes and dreams for the future.  Read the North Shore News article and see the Mayor’s thoughts.

The 2019 Vital Signs report builds upon earlier work identifying trends along with existing and emerging areas of need in the community. The report covers 10 key themes, consolidating a vast array of research into one thoughtful community-centric report. We hope to stimulate discussion, debate, and action by underscoring the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in West Vancouver.

In 2020, the community foundations in the Greater Sea-to-Sky and Howe Sound region came together to create a Vital Exploration report – a report that highlights some of the pressures experienced throughout the region and aimed at catalyzing conversations to better understand the issues, and identify potential solutions and region-wide responses.

The North Shore Vital Signs Data Hub is a central source for tracking a selected set of community indicators – measurements that provide evidence-based information about social, economic, and environmental factors that affect the health and well-being of a community and its residents.

BOOK A PRESENTATION

Contact us to book a presentation and dialogue about our latest Vital Signs Report: info@westvanfoundation.ca

ABOUT COMMUNITY VITAL SIGNS

Vital Signs is a national program led by community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada. We leverage local knowledge to measure the vitality of our communities and support action towards improving our collective quality of life. Vital Signs aims to inspire civic engagement and provide focus for public debate in our communities and around the world. Vital Signs reports and Vital Conversations are used by residents, businesses, community organizations, universities and colleges, and government leaders to take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.

First started by Toronto Foundation in 2001, Vital Signs is now a global program that has engaged more than 85 communities in Canada and around the world to mobilize the power of community knowledge for greater local impact.

PARTNERS

West Vancouver’s Vital Signs is part of a Community Foundations of Canada program that has involved over 65 community foundations in Canada and around the world.

Presenting Partner
Engagement Partners
Supporting Partner