Community Change

Monitoring the quality of life of the community

In 1999, the Community Council published a report on quality of life indicators for BC's Capital Region. The indicators were selected using the framework established by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to monitor a standardized set of indicators throughout the country. Data from the 1999 report led to the creation of the Quality of Life CHALLENGE and was the basis for selecting the three priorities.

In June 2005, Quality of Life in BC's Capital Region 2005 was released, updating the baseline indicators published in 1999. The key messages showed that housing, service sector employment and food security needed attention. These issues are all interconnected with poverty and inequality. The Times Colonist, Victoria's daily newspaper, covered the release of this report on the front page.

The CHALLENGE conducted a regional survey that provided locally specific data on self-rated quality of life and quality of employment.

There is growing evidence that research conducted by the Quality of Life CHALLENGE is informing decision-making and helping to determine community priorities. Data about the indicators has contributed to capacity building in organizations that use it to develop funding proposals and strengthen program delivery.

For detailed quality of life indicators, click here.