HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR’S VITAL SIGNS REPORT

The Calgary Foundation — in its goal of building a healthy and vibrant community — prepares a report each year that informs its work. Here are some highlights from the 2018 Vital Signs survey of 2,262 citizens:

75% of Calgarians rate their quality of life as good to excellent

13% say transit/public transportation is the top issue to improve quality of life in Calgary

11% say affordable housing is the top issue

10% say “city council/listen to citizens” is the top issue

72% drive frequently in Calgary (every day or almost every day)

6% ride a bike frequently on Calgary streets

45% never ride a bike on Calgary streets

17% of all Calgarians frequently take public transit

42% of students frequently take public transit

62% rate their ability to get around Calgary in a car as good

28% rate public transit as below average/poor

39% rated the availability of affordable rentals as below average/ poor

38% rated the availability of affordable home ownership as below average/poor

92% donate to charity

70% of Calgarians in the NW or SW have a strong sense of belonging

62% of Calgarians in the NE or SE have a strong sense of belonging

44% of Calgarians currently unemployed or looking for work have a weak sense of belonging

50% of those who never donate to charity have a weak sense of belonging

34% of Calgarians often experience personal financial stress

31% of Calgarians rarely/never experience personal financial stress

1 in 12 is the ratio of licensed dogs to persons in Calgary

1 in 30 is the ratio of licensed dogs to persons in Ottawa

150 off-leash dog parks exist in Calgary

4,545 employed by the arts sector in Calgary

174,000 employed by the arts sector in Toronto

62% of Calgarians rate availability of arts programs and events as excellent/good

45% rate the affordability of recreation/leisure activities as excellent/good

74% of Calgarians rate neighbourhood safety as excellent/good

74% of Calgarians are concerned about local poverty levels