Vital Signs Show City's Housing on Life Support
Posted October 8th, 2008
Despite the Economist naming Vancouver the most liveable city on the planet last April, the only conclusion that can be drawn from the Vancouver Foundation's just-released third annual Vital Signs report is that the city and the metro region face enormous challenges, particularly when it comes to providing affordable housing for its citizens.
According to 1,070 citizens from across Metro Vancouver who took part in the Vital Signs survey, housing was awarded the lowest mark of all issues for the third year in a row receiving a "D-" grade. In addition, 56 per cent of citizens chose affordable and low-cost housing as the number one priority that needs to be addressed next year.
Even Vancouver's next mayor – whether it is the Non-Partisan Association's Peter Ladner or Vision Vancouver's Gregor Robertson – rates affordable housing as the most important issue facing the city. According to the Vancouver Sun, Ladner gave a "D" to the city's housing situation, while Robertson rated it an "F" in the Vital Signs survey.
Later this month, Think City will be publishing the results of the Dream Vancouver Survey where citizens were asked to grade solutions for tackling Vancouver's affordable housing, transportation and citizen engagement challenges. The deadline for completing the survey is Oct. 10, so click here to fill out your own copy now.
Despite the Economist naming Vancouver the most liveable city on the planet last April, the only conclusion that can be drawn from the Vancouver Foundation's just-released third annual Vital Signs report is that the city and the metro region face enormous challenges, particularly when it comes to providing affordable housing for its citizens.According to 1,070 citizens from across Metro Vancouver who took part in the Vital Signs survey, housing was awarded the lowest mark of all issues for the third year in a row receiving a "D-" grade. In addition, 56 per cent of citizens chose affordable and low-cost housing as the number one priority that needs to be addressed next year.
Even Vancouver's next mayor – whether it is the Non-Partisan Association's Peter Ladner or Vision Vancouver's Gregor Robertson – rates affordable housing as the most important issue facing the city. According to the Vancouver Sun, Ladner gave a "D" to the city's housing situation, while Robertson rated it an "F" in the Vital Signs survey.
Later this month, Think City will be publishing the results of the Dream Vancouver Survey where citizens were asked to grade solutions for tackling Vancouver's affordable housing, transportation and citizen engagement challenges. The deadline for completing the survey is Oct. 10, so click here to fill out your own copy now.