THRIVING CRITICAL

Calgary’s VitalSigns 2009 CITIZENS’ REPORT CARD

■ Learning ■ Safety ■ H e a l t h & W e ll n e ss ■ Arts & Culture ■ Financial Well-being ■ Getting Started ■ Natural Environment ■ Work ■ Housing ■ B e l onging & Leader sh i p ■ Sustainable City ■ Sports & Recreation

TAKING THE PULSE OF An annual check-up that takes the pulse of Calgary. TAKING THE PULSE OF CALGARY Citizens are at the heart of the 2009 Calgary’s Vital Signs Report which builds on a rich community engagement process. Vital Signs was launched by The Calgary Foundation in 2007 to spark discussion, encourage connections and inspire action.

Since the release of the 2008 Report, there’s been a significant shift in the global economy and in Survey Results our local economy. In fact, Calgary will post its worst performance on record with real GDP falling 2009 2008 by 2.1%. Learning B B How has this affected Calgarians’ view of their city and their quality of life? Safety B– C– Health & wellness B– C Despite the recent economic upheaval, citizens remain optimistic. They gave higher grades, this Arts & Culture B C year over last, in 7 of the 12 key issue areas. No areas received lower scores. Nine of the 12 areas Financial well-being C C received a B or B–. No score lower than a C was given…but still no A’s. Getting Started B– C+ The Report highlights that financial well-being and affordable housing continues to challenge many natural Environment B– C– citizens’ quality of life, and they are concerned that we are not addressing our city’s sustainability. Work B B We learned that Calgarians are more positive about the opportunities for life-long learning, the Housing C D access to sports and recreation services, and the increased presence of arts and culture. Belonging & Leadership B– C Sustainable city C C Engaging Citizens in Inspired Action Sports & Recreation B N/A Calgary’s Vital Signs weaves together individuals, groups and sectors who share their research, Valuing Diversity N/A C opinions, skills and knowledge to present a snapshot – a big picture perspective of our city that tells it like it is. More Calgarians participated in this year’s Vital Signs than ever before.

Calgary’s Vital Signs Report – A Tool for Change New this year was a randomized phone survey that augmented the self-selected online survey. The Calgary Foundation appreciates Interestingly, there was no appreciable difference in the grades between the two survey groups. the efforts of its Board of Directors Calgarians chose to “Have Their Say” and provided an astounding 1100 pages of comments and staff for their vision and the viewable at thecalgaryfoundation.org. citizens and community partners who worked in creating the 2009 So what now? THANK YOU to the Calgary’s Vital Signs Report. After three Vital Signs Reports, how have things changed? 1700 CALGARIANS Many new conversations and innovative collaborative efforts to who added their voice by: improve quality of life have been inspired by Calgary’s Vital Signs • attending the ‘Vital including the upcoming Reports Bowness VitalSigns (Fall, 2009) Conversations’ community forum and Youth VitalSigns (Spring, 2010). These focused Reports can create momentum for collective change and strengthen our • completing the citizen online survey community’s capacity to address neighbourhood and youth issues. • sharing research as Calgary’s Vital Signs inspires us to believe that when people work issue area experts Donald G. Cormack, C.A. Eva Friesen Chair, Board of Directors President & CEO collaboratively, through inspired action and learning, they have • answering the citizen the insight and energy to create and realize bold visions for their phone survey common future. • providing input as a community leader

Call 403 802 7700 or Visit thecalgaryfoundation.org to: email [email protected] to: read more research receive copies of the Report seek out data sources discuss the Report discover what Calgarians have to say 2009 SUMMARY

Key Issue Area Grade CITIZENs’ SAY: What’s Working CITIZENs’ SAY: What’s Not TAKINGKEY ISSUE THE ARE APULSE RESEARCH OF CALGARY

• Culture of life-long learning • Class sizes • Improvement in high school completions • Availability of adult learning programs • High tuition • High proportion with post secondary education Learning B • Variety of post-secondary options • High school drop-out rate • High life-long learning • Calgary Public Libraries • Opportunities for special needs students • High library usage • Availability of French immersion

• Block watch • Gang control • Low violent crime rate • Visible police presence • Need stricter judicial system • High safe and livable city ranking Safety B– • Safe streets • Safety on LRT • Domestic violence calls increase • Extra LRT patrols • Traffic safety • Gang-related homicides increase • Programs targeting youth

• Public awareness concerning obesity • Better access to family physicians • Long waits for long-term care Health & – • Great fitness facilities • Need for shorter wait times, especially • ER wait times rise Wellness B • Pathways for walking and biking emergency care • More Calgarians lack a regular medical doctor • Quality care in hospitals • Smoking rates up

Arts & • Vibrant festivals • Affordability of events • Highest household spending on arts and culture • Lots of entertainment options • Need better publicity • Creative & active arts community Culture B • Local/Community theatre • More celebrations of other cultures • Most cultured city on Maclean’s list

• Affordable housing initiatives • Transit is expensive • Food Bank usage increases Financial • Job opportunities • Cost of living is high • Cost of nutritious food increasing Well-being C • Programs for low income families • High housing costs • Personal bankruptcies rise • Charitable organizations helping homeless • Economy down, demand for community services up

Getting • Many agencies serving new Canadians • Recognition of immigrant skills • Cultural diversity increases – • Access to health care • Acceptance of new cultures • English as a Second Language need grows Started B • Job opportunities • Lack of diversity in neighbourhoods • Immigrant child care needs increase

Natural • Recycling program • High use of individual vehicles • Blue cart program doubles amount recycled – • Maintenance of parks • High water usage • Consumer water demand decreases Environment B • Clean air and water • Need compost service • Community gardens flourishing

• Low unemployment rate • Need to diversify for boom / bust cycles • Unemployment rate doubles Work B • Diversity of opportunities • Wages not aligned with cost of living • Ei claims rise dramatically • Robust economy • Need less dependency on oil • Employment by industry shifts

• Good quality housing • Urban sprawl • Funding target for affordable housing units exceeded • Many new buildings • Price of housing • Home prices drop Housing C • Some subsidized housing • Homelessness • Homelessness up • Rents remain high

• Strong sense of community • Economy adversely affecting charities • volunteer rate rises Belonging & – • Volunteerism • Low voter turnout • Charitable donors decrease slightly Leadership B • Corporations helping community • Citizen apathy • Voter turnout drops • Sense of community belonging drops sharply

• People are becoming more “green” • Cost of transit and parking • Green buildings rising Sustainable • C-train expansions • Urban sprawl • Farmer’s markets growing City C • Curbside recycling • Need bike and car pool lanes • More commuters using sustainable transportation • Farmer’s markets • Need more community gardens • Pathways & bikeways extended

• Many areas to play sports • Need more subsidies for low income • Physically active Calgarians on the rise Sports & • Community programs families • City Parks & Recreation programs top choice for recreational activities Recreation B • Variety of options • User fees climbing rapidly • Calgarians passionate about amateur sport • Aging community association facilities

for more information on what calgarians are saying, visit thecalgaryfoundation.org METHODOLOGY TAKING THE PULSE OF CALGARY Community Engagement Process 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 Citizen Phone Survey Representatives from key Calgary organizations provided high To augment the findings of the self-selected online survey, a level advice and recommendations to ensure that the 2009 randomized phone survey was conducted. The sample of 419 Calgary’s Vital Signs report is an effective vehicle for showing the respondents is representative of the Calgary population over the trends and priorities that are emerging in Calgary. age of 18 and is reliable within +/- 5%, 19 times out of 20. What we learned is that both approaches yielded similar findings. When asked what issues they’d like to see addressed to improve Vital Conversations their quality of life in Calgary, here’s what Calgarians said: To encourage community dialogue in a collaborative setting, Top issues approximately 100 Calgarians representing the public, Health care Public transit Affordable housing charitable and corporate community shared their opinions about quality of life issues in Calgary. Their feedback informed Schools and education Crime the selection of indicators in the 12 key issue areas for the What’s working What’s not 2009 Calgary’s Vital Signs report. Here is what we heard: Friendly and clean city Air quality Safe city Lack of healthcare Top reasons to be proud Top worries or concerns Nice parks Housing prices Blue Box recycling Need more public transit Educational opportunities Poor transportation Parks, pathways and rivers Underemployment of Caring citizens and strong new immigrants INDEX OF GRADING volunteerism Health care A Excellent: stay the course 10 Year Plan to End Lack of positive B Good: but some improvements could be made Homelessness news coverage C Average performance: suggest additional effort be made to Plan It / Sustainability Plan Lack of affordable housing address these issues Safe city to live in Lack of sports and D Below average performance: additional work is required recreation facilities F Failure: immediate action is crucial Urban sprawl (Graders could also choose to give their grade a plus or minus.) The Praxis Group conducted the online and phone surveys. Citizen Online Survey From an open invitation to all Calgarians, 1166 citizens completed Indicator Research an online survey assigning grades and providing their views on Over 20 local research experts representing a wide range of what is successfully working Calgary organizations were individually convened to provide and what needs improvement Profile of Graders current statistical data and research to ensure that the indicators for each of the 12 issue areas. used for Calgary’s Vital Signs are relevant, accurate and Their thoughtful insights 80% have lived in Calgary comprehensive. Community Foundations of , who generated an astounding 1100 for more than ten years retained The Centre for the Study of Living Standards to undertake pages of comments. (To view 65% are female national research, provided additional expertise. The research visit thecalgaryfoundation.org.) 26% are between 19 and 34 sources for all the indicators can be found at calgaryvitalsigns.ca 48% are between 35 and 54 25% are 55 and over 12% did not volunteer in the last year

The Calgary Foundation is committed to imagineCALGARY’s Plan For Long Range Urban Sustainability – a blueprint for creating a sustainable future that was developed with input from 18,000 Calgarians. Getting started B– work B Leaving your old life for a new life in a new Work not only pays for food and housing, but country presents many challenges for provides a sense of identity and security. Life is immigrants including language barriers less stressful when jobs are safe, enjoyable, and isolation. accessible and pay reasonably well.

The New Immigrant High Cultural Diversity Unemployment Rate Doubles Employment by Industry Shifts Qualifications Gap: High Canadian cities have achieved levels of In June 2009, Calgary‘s unemployment The services-producing industries led Educational Attainment, High cultural diversity that are exceptional rate was 6.6%, up from 3.3% in June the way in job creation in Calgary, Unemployment Rate on a global scale. As immigrants make 2008, while the national rate was 8.4%. adding 9,300 jobs between December At 55%, the proportion of Calgary’s up 23.6% of Calgary’s total population, The June 2009 youth (15-24 years) 2008 and May 2009, a 1.7% increase. recent (within 5 years) immigrants Calgary was ranked in the top 10 most unemployment rate in Calgary was Over the same period, the goods- (ages 25 to 54) with a university culturally diverse urban regions within 15%, up from 6.9% in June 2008. producing sector lost 32,300 jobs, a certificate, degree or diploma in 2006 North America in 2006. 15% decrease. was almost twice as high as that EI Claims Rise Dramatically of non-immigrant residents (30%) English as a Second Language In Calgary, Employment Insurance (EI) Teleworkers Increase in the same age range. However, Need Grows claims have risen 187% from March At 4,900 in 2006, the number of Calgary the unemployment rate of recent The English as a Second Language 2008 to March 2009. Calgary still has teleworkers rose 88% from 2001. immigrants almost doubled that of (ESL) population in the Calgary Board the second lowest proportion of its Telework refers to work by an employee their non-immigrant counterparts. of Education increases by about 2000 labour force receiving benefits among performed away from the traditional students per year. This diverse group major Canadian centres, behind office. Benefits include decreased Increasing Childcare Needs of students has over 70 language Ottawa. Only about 30% of Calgary commuting and related expenses In Calgary, the proportion of recent and cultural groups with a variety of applicants receive EI due to stiffer such as parking. (within 5 years) immigrant families with complex needs. access requirements. children (ages 0-12) was 58% in 2006, compared to non-immigrant (34%) and established immigrant families (35%).

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted $35,000 to Youth in granted $30,000 to the Motion to support the New Horizons Mentoring Program, University of Calgary to support the Cybermentor Online a program that assists internationally educated immigrants to Curriculum, a female mentorship program aimed at increasing overcome employment barriers in Canada. young women’s interest in science and engineering careers.

Vital Action Order international cuisine prepared by Vital Action Obtain free resume building and immigrant women. ethnicitycatering.ca career planning assistance. bowvalleycollege.ca PHOTO: JANIC E FRANC Y Financial well-being C housing C Without programs that address root causes Providing basics like food, transportation, of poverty, housing and transportation education and recreation is difficult continue to be challenges for those living if housing costs are too high. below the poverty line.

Food Bank Usage Up Sharply Personal Bankruptcies Rise Home Prices Drop Funding Target For Affordable Between December 2008 and February From the first quarter of 2008 to the first Between May 2008 and May 2009, Housing Units Exceeded 2009, The Calgary Interfaith Foodbank quarter of 2009, Calgary saw an 81% the median price of a single family Launched in 2008, Calgary’s 10 Year distributed nearly 3,000 more food increase in consumer bankruptcies. home decreased from $419,000 to Plan to End Homelessness has a hampers than it did over the same Over the same period, there was a $390,000, a 6.9% drop. During the 2010-2011 target of adding 850 units period a year prior – an increase of decline in business bankruptcies. same time period, the median price for of affordable housing; actual units, 32%. The number of new clients over condominiums decreased by 10.5% commitments and funding are in place that period grew by more than 1,500 Economy Down, Demand for now for a total of 891 units system- Community Services Up with prices dropping from $285,000 to Calgarians, an increase of 44%. $255,000. wide. Distress Centre Calgary reported Cost of Nutritious Food that the number of high-risk calls Homelessness Up Rents Remain High Increasing (i.e. suicide attempts and homicidal The number of people experiencing In April 2009, the average rent for a In June 2008, the average monthly cost thoughts) that resulted in immediate homelessness has quadrupled in two-bedroom unit was $1,106, up $10 of a nutritious food basket (a 51 food 911 dispatch reached 371 by August the last decade. 197 families were from April 2008. To be able to afford item tool used to estimate the cost of 2009, higher than the 369 high-risk calls homeless in 2008, up 36% from 2006. to rent this unit in 2008, a household a nutritious diet) for a Calgary family recorded in all of 2008. In May 2009, the shelter utilization needed a minimum median income of of four was $784, a 10% increase from rate was approximately 88%. The bed $45,920 per year. The median income November 2007. capacity is 2,445, up from 2,137 in June for single-person households was 2008 when the utilization rate was 85%. $28,510 and $36,820 for a lone parent with one child. There are over 60,000 lone parents and over 160,000 single- person households in Calgary.

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted over $17,000 to the granted over $40,000 to Calgary Urban Projects Society to support programs that Momentum’s Owen Hart Home Owners Program that help people overcome the challenges of poverty to attain offers low income citizens the opportunity to save towards a brighter futures. home down-payment and increase home ownership money management skills.

Vital Action Enroll in a money management program for low Vital Action Volunteer for Project Homeless Connect. income earners. momentum.org calgaryhomeless.com Arts & Culture B LEARNING B Arts and Culture inspires innovation Affordable and flexible educational And creativity while shaping how we opportunities at schools, workplaces or commemorate our past, understand online promotes life-long learning. our present, and imagine our future.

Employment in Creative & Active Arts Community Improvement in High School High Life-Long Learning Cultural Industries Low In 2008, local non-profit arts events Completions In the Canadian Council on Learning’s 11,100 Calgarians were employed attracted public attendance of close to In 2008, 14.1% of Calgarians (aged 2009 Composite Learning Index (CLI), in cultural industries in 2008, 13% 1.7 million people; 2,481 new artistic 15 and over) had not completed high Calgary’s score is the highest in Canada less than in 2007. These employees works were created and presented by school, a slight improvement from at 89, 18.7% higher than the national accounted for 1.6% of total employment Calgary arts organizations; and, 696,461 14.7% in 2007. Calgary’s 2008 rate was average (75%). The CLI is an annual in Calgary. By comparison, cultural children and youth participated in arts better than that for Alberta (19.5%) measure of Canada’s progress in life- industries accounted for 2.0% of education programs. and Canada overall (21.6%). long learning – at school, at home, at employment in Canada. work, in the community. Most Cultured City High Proportion with Post Highest Household Spending Calgary topped Maclean’s magazine’s Secondary Education High Library Usage on Arts and Culture 2009 Most Cultured Cities list for In 2008, 56.2% of Calgarians (15 Calgary Public Library (CPL) customers In 2007, households in Calgary spent the second year in a row. This list is years and over) had post-secondary borrowed almost 15.4 million books, an average of $1,180 on arts and derived from the Canadian Council on education (university degree, post- CDs, and DVDs in 2008, up 1.1 million culture, down 20% from 2006. Calgary Learning’s “learning to be” pillar, based secondary certificate or diploma), from 2007, making CPL the sixth largest households spent more than any other on the per cent of people who spend compared to the national average civic library system in North America. Vital Signs communities and 27% more money on reading, the performing arts of 50.4%. Only Ottawa (61.2%) 72% of Calgary households have at than the Canada-wide average. and museums in 2007. among Vital Signs communities had least one library user. a higher level.

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted almost $40,000 to granted over $25,000 to the Alberta Ballet Company to fund the initial development Junior Achievement of to support the plans for the Centre for Ballet in Calgary that will serve the development of new curriculum for high school trade programs long term needs of the dance community in Calgary. that introduce a solid understanding of a career in the trades.

Vital Action Find complete coverage of Calgary’s Vital Action Check out the free programs at your local library vibrant arts scene. CalgaryCulture.com calgarypubliclibrary.com

Health & Wellness B– sports & recreation B Health can be defined by one’s physical, By encouraging Calgarians to have fun, mental and social well-being, not simply learn and develop skills, sports and the absence of disease. recreation develop active citizens and a healthy community.

Long Waits for Long-term Care More Calgarians Lack Physically Active Calgarians City Parks & Recreation The number of Calgarians needing a Regular Medical Doctor on the Rise Programs Top Choice for placement in long-term care grew to In the Calgary Health Region in 2008, In 2009, at 64%, Calgary led the Recreational Activities 357 in March 2009, up from 233 in 18% of the population (12 years and province with the highest percentage In a 2008 City of Calgary survey that March 2008 – 120 of these patients over) did not have a regular medical of adults who were physically active questioned dependence on recreational were waiting in hospital beds. The doctor, up from 15% in 2003. In 2008, enough to experience health benefits, facilities, 84% reported that they average wait time for those needing 19% of Albertans and 16% of Canadians up from 57% in 2000. According to the depend on local government parks and nursing home care increased 28% reported not having a regular doctor. Alberta Centre for Active Living, Alberta recreation services, 77% on commercial during this period. households who earn greater than facilities, 56% on private clubs and Smoking Rates Up $100,000 per year are over five times 54% on service clubs, religious and ER Wait Times Rise In 2008, 19% of Calgarians (12 years more likely to obtain enough physical community organizations. In February 2009, emergency patients and older) were smokers, up from activity than those earning less than Calgarians Passionate at Calgary’s three hospitals requiring 17% in 2007. This rate was below the $20,000 per year. hospitalization faced a median wait national (21%) and provincial rates About Amateur Sport time of 16.6 hours before being (22%). Smoking costs the Alberta Aging Community In 2008, 45% of Calgary households transferred to a bed. These delays were economy $1.8 billion annually. Association Facilities had at least one occupant who actively 31% longer than in February 2008, According to a survey by the Federation participated in amateur sport. In when patients faced a median wait of of Calgary Communities, the average that same year, 320,000 participants 12.6 hours to be transferred. age of the 136 Community Association engaged in 85 different sport activities facilities in the Calgary area is 36 years. administered by over 400 sport There are 24 associations with facilities organizations. 40 years or older – and 8 over 60 years.

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted over $24,000 to granted $25,000 to Parks Wellspring Calgary to fund the development of Return Foundation Calgary to support the Calgary Sport to Work: Supports for Success, a program that gives Council in a feasibility study for the development of a sport emotional, educational and financial support to cancer and recreation fund for amateur sport facilities. survivors as they return to work.

Vital Action enroll in a free, interactive program to quit Vital Action Join co-ed sport leagues and social clubs. smoking. albertaquits.ca calgarysportsclub.com PHOTO: JANIC E FRANC Y H E RA L D GRADON, CA L GARY PHOTO: STUART natural environment B– SAFETY B– The natural environment refers to the Many citizens are committed to ensuring quality of local air, land and water and public safety, as the sense of security affects access to natural areas and parks. quality of life.

Blue Cart Program Water Demand Decreases Low Violent Crime Rate High Safe and Livable City Doubles Amount Recycled In 2008, the average amount of water At 708 violent crimes per 100,000 Ranking Since the opening of the Materials used in the city per person (residential, persons in 2008, Calgary’s violent crime The Mercer Quality of Living Survey Recovery Facility on April 21 to the business and municipal use) was 422 rate was much lower than the national annually evaluates 215 cities on end of July 2009, over 20,000 tonnes litres per day, down from 451 litres per (932 per 100,000) and provincial rates over three dozen social, economic, of material had been recycled from capital per day (lpcd) in 2006 and 527 (1,120 per 100,000). Calgary’s 2008 rate educational, environmental and the blue cart program and community lpcd in 1999. The City of Calgary’s target was the lowest rate ever recorded since personal safety criteria. In the 2008 recycling depots. In the same period for sustainable use of water is 350 lpcd measurement began in 1991. survey, Calgary tied with Toronto, in 2008, 11,506 tonnes of material by 2033. Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver as were collected. Domestic Violence Calls Increase the safest city in North and South Community Gardens Flourishing In 2008, the Calgary Police Service America and 25th in the world for Household Composting Activity According to the Community Garden received 13,496 calls that were overall livability. In 2007, 46% of Calgary households Resource Network, Calgary had 19 domestic in nature – an increase of reported that they composted, 24% public community food gardens in 1,220 calls from 2007. An estimated Gang-Related Homicides Increase reported that they composted kitchen 2009, up from nine in 2008. Calgary 78% of spousal abuse incidents go Of the 33 homicides committed in waste, and 55% of homes that had a also has 27 gardens on private land unreported. Calgary in 2008, 15 were gang-related, lawn or garden reported composting up from 9 in 2007 and 3 in 2004. There with community building as their goal, More Police Officers per 100,000 their yard waste. Canada-wide, 57% of up from four last year. were also 21 non-fatal gang shooting households composted. At 164 police officers per 100,000 in incidents. As part of Calgary’s Gang December 2008, the number of Calgary Strategy, 278 weapons were seized Police Service officers was up from 156 from gang members and associates in 2007 and 155 in 2006. from July 2005–May 2009.

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted $70,000 over three granted $6,000 to YMCA years to The Calgary Horticultural Society to support the Calgary’s Strong Kids Campaign to support the participation Community Garden Resource Network, a project that of economically disadvantaged kids in after-school programs that promotes and strengthens community gardens. reduce the temptation of high-risk activities.

Vital Action Discover provincial rebates related to Vital Action Teach your kids about online safety home energy evaluations. climatechangecentral.com youthlinkcalgary.com PHOTO: JANIC E FRANC Y Belonging & leadership B– Sustainable city C Citizens have greater incentive to become A resilient community is sustained by a a leader in their community when they are vibrant economy, a healthy environment civically, economically and socially connected. and “triple bottom line” decisions of social, environmental and economic development.

Charitable Donors Voter Turnout Drops Green Buildings Rising More Commuters Using Decrease Slightly Voter turnout for the 2008 Federal According to the Canada Green Sustainable Transportation The proportion of tax filers declaring Election in Calgary was 54%, dropping Building Council, Calgary had 88 In 2006, 25% of Calgary commuters charitable donations in Calgary in 2007 from 62% in 2006. The 2008 turnout projects in June 2009 registered used sustainable transit (walking, was 26.4%, down from 27.2% in 2005, was lower than the national average with the Leadership in Energy and cycling or public transit) up from 23% still 9.8% above the national rate. With (59%) but higher than the provincial Environmental Design (LEED) standard, in 2001. Between 1998 and 2008, the a median charitable donation of $350 in average (52%). up from 54 a year prior. Twelve of these amount of downtown employees that 2007, donations in Calgary were projects are now certified, up from 5 took sustainable transit rose from 36% 40% higher than the national average Sense of Community Belonging last year. There are now over 6,086 Built to 46%. Drops Sharply of $250. Green™ homes in Calgary, almost triple In 2008, 53% of the population (12 Pathways & Bikeways Extended from 2,173 a year ago. Alberta Volunteer Rate Rises years and over) in the Calgary Health With 660 kilometres of pathways and In 2007, 52% of Albertans volunteered Region reported a strong or somewhat Farmer’s Markets Growing 290 kilometres of on-street bikeways an average of 172 hours of their time, strong sense of community belonging, In the summer of 2009, Calgarians had (up from 635 and 260 in 2006), Calgary up from 48% in 2004. The Alberta rate down from 61% in 2007. The 2008 rate seven farmer’s markets to choose from, has the most extensive network in was the fifth highest in the country is lower than the national (65%) and as well as at least eight within a one North America. Snow is cleared off 130 (Saskatchewan and Yukon were highest provincial (60%) levels. hour drive. Alberta farmer’s markets’ kilometres of pathways during winter. at 58%) and higher than the 2007 sales increased from $233 Million in national rate of 46%. 2004 to $388 Million in 2008. One third of Albertans say they will buy more locally grown food in the coming year.

Vital IMPACT Vital IMPACT granted $40,000 to the granted $40,000 to Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations to build Clean Calgary to support the Healthy Homes Project, knowledge, readiness and resources for shared services in designed to introduce a holistic concept of a healthy home Calgary’s voluntary sector in a time of economic downturn. by demonstrating practical changes that benefit the environment and personal health.

Vital Action Share your time and skills with others. Vital Action Learn how to start your own compost. volunteercalgary.com cleanclagary.org Acknowledgements Community Vital Leadership Group CONVERSATION LEADERS Research Network About The Calgary Foundation Donald Cormack, C.A. Health & Wellness Marichu Antonio The Calgary Foundation Donald Barker Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Established in 1955, The Calgary Foundation Heather Douglas Wellness Strategist Tim Bjornson assists donors in creating a giving Calgary Health Region Calgary Chamber of Commerce Calgary Sport Council and caring community by applying Myrna Dube Safety Cesar Cala its resources, expertise and Parks Foundation Calgary United Way of Calgary and Area Gabrielle Arrizza leadership, in partnership with Louise Burdett Katie Emond Eva Friesen others, to identify needs The Calgary Foundation Strategic Crime Analysts Calgary Economic Development Calgary Police Services and address issues in the Roger Gibbins Jordan Hamilton Canada West Foundation Vibrant Communities Calgary Calgary and area community. Housing Paul Hughes Bruce Graham Alina Tanasescu With over 900 Endowment Funds established, the Calgary Econonomic Development Manager, Calgary Food Policy Council Research & Public Policy Foundation strengthens community in the areas of Arts & Penny Hume Calgary Homeless Foundation Paul Lane Child and Youth Friendly Calgary Calgary Public Library Heritage, Human Services, Education, Environment, Health and Neighbourhoods through knowledgeable grantmaking. Gerry Meek Sport & Recreation Steve Palmer Calgary Public Library Gord Smith WinSport Canada Chair 2008 – 2009 Ruth Ramsden-Wood Calgary Sport Council Mona Pinder United Way of Calgary and Area Alberta Health Services $25 million received in new contributions Terry Rock Work Alina Tanasescu Asset base of $274 million Calgary Arts Development Katie Emond Calgary Homeless Foundation $22 million granted to 665 charitable organizations Authority Research Manager Calgary Economic Development Erica Mattson 49 new funds established Brian Sinclair Holly Simon University of Calgary Financial Well-being Calgary Arts Development Donald Thurston Jordan Hamilton Simon Welfare BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Calgary Foundation Research and Policy Analyst Louise Burdett Donald G. Cormack, C.A. c h a i r Vibrant Communities Calgary Gabrielle Arrizza Anne Tingle Alison T. Love v i c e c h a i r Calgary Police Services The Calgary Foundation Arts & Culture Ross B. McNichol, C.A. p a s t c h a i r Amal Umar Lauren Simms Ali A. Bhojani The Calgary Foundation Program Coordinator, Granting City of Calgary Calgary Arts Development Ian Bourne Cathy Ascroft Katherine van Kooy Authority Sunny Delaney-Clark Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Josée Méthot Organizations Environment Environmental Management Gerald M. Deyell, Q.C. Cathy Ashcroft Naomi Johnson Slawa Gruszczynska W.R. (Bill) Dickson, Ph.D Environmental Specialist Calgary Board of Education Arts & Culture, Recreation Dale Ens City of Calgary Derek Cook Beverley Foy, C.A. Sustainable City Vital Signs Project Team Community Neighbourhood Ross Kobayashi Dave Day Services Director, Env. & Safety Mngmnt. Din Ladak The Calgary Foundation Zorana McDaniel City of Calgary Ken Little Kerry Longpré Plan It Calgary Donald Thurston Project Lead Learning Shane Camirand Vice President, Communications Gail Kingwel Dennis LaFreniere Anne S. Tingle Monica Pohlmann Community Consultant Recreation Amal Umar and Volunteer Community Engagement and Research Leader Getting Started Janice Francey Amal Umar Vital Signs is a community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends, and shares opportunities for action in at least ten areas critical to quality of life. Communications Specialist Board Member The Calgary Foundation Vital Signs is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada. Teri Shortreed Communications Assistant Leadership & Belonging Creative Partner Buffy St-Amand Volunteer Calgary Boldface Technologies Inc. Julie Black Surveys Citizen Engagement Associate The Calgary Foundation 16 cities or regions produced Vital Signs reports: The Praxis Group Greater Saint John, Wolfville, Ottawa, Toronto, Oakville, Waterloo Region, Guelph & Wellington, Kingston & Area, Greater Sudbury, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Victoria, Central Okanagan, Sunshine Coast, Boundary Communities (BC) and Calgary

thecalgaryfoundation.org • 700-999 8th St SW Calgary AB T2R 1J5 • 403 802-7700 Calgary’s VitalSigns 2009 is generously supported by the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Flow Through Fund at The Calgary Foundation.

Doc Seaman Community Connector

Doc Seaman’s vision and generosity touched every area of the community. He was a connector, bringing people and ideas together and believing in the strength of citizens to make Calgary a place for all to prosper. Doc recognized that these interconnections were vital to tackling our city’s challenges.

Through Vital Signs, The Calgary Foundation makes connections that generate a collective energy that Doc believed was critical in creating a healthy, prosperous and equitable community. Photo courtesy R ussell Moore I m ages Photo courtesy

Calgary’s Vital Signs is an initiative of The Calgary Foundation.

Printed on paper from a Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification mill.