Windsor-Essex residents believe the region is headed in the right direction, according to the 2022 Vital Signs Report.
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) released on Wednesday its annual report during a media event at Art Windsor-Essex.
The survey is termed an annual "checkup" of the region. According to those who responded, Windsor-Essex's quality of life received an overall "B" grade, meaning that the region is on the right track.
"The Vital Signs Report outlines where the needs and strengths are in Windsor-Essex, what the community priorities are, and it helps us determine where we can have the greatest impact locally through our grantmaking," said WECF Executive Director Lisa Kolody in a media release. "We hope the 2022 Vital Signs Report informs and inspires dialogue and collaboration to further our collective efforts to build healthy communities."
The report covered 11 areas, from employment to the environment, to culture and a sense of belonging. Culture and the arts had the best average grade when Windsor, Essex County, youth, and seniors were characterized, with increasing opportunities for those who want to break into the art and entertainment industries being a priority.
Housing got the worst overall grade, with people in the city and the county, plus seniors, giving an "F". Respondents gave increasing housing affordability as that category's top priority.
Other priorities identified by respondents include providing a living wage to Windsor-Essex employees, increasing access to mental health programs, expanding social programming for vulnerable people, and creating a regional transit system.
The report revealed high grades from youth responses, which continue to trend up and represent the most positive feedback when describing the local quality of life.
Among those who answered the survey, 58 per cent lived in the City of Windsor, 38 per cent were in the 45-to-64-year age group, and 58 per cent were either married or in a common-law relationship.
