Cape Breton, N.S. - 2013

CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY’S

VitalSigns

Taking the pulse of our municipality

2013

Created by and for the people of Nova Scotia, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia is a public charitable foundation which enables effective philanthropy. We work with private donors, businesses, communities and charitable organizations to build the financial and social capital that our communities need, both today and tomorrow. We do that by stimulating charitable giving, establishing permanent endowment funds and supporting initiatives that make an ongoing difference in communities throughout Nova Scotia.

Our Vision Our Vision is to be a comprehensive centre for philanthropy that inspires all Nova Scotians to play a role in shaping the future of our communities and our province.

In our vision, Nova Scotians actively make a difference in our communities by working with the Foundation to: -Build the financial assets which make things possible; -Use effective tools like Vital Signs速 to identify community needs; -Employ practical and innovative methods to generate common solutions; -Share knowledge that will benefit local communities and all of Nova Scotia.

This report and more is available at www.cfns.ca

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Vital Signs Report!

This is the fifth publication in our Nova Scotia’s Vital Signs series, which provides a snapshot of quality of life in communities throughout our province. Since our series launch in 2009, we have used these reports to inspire civic engagement, provide focus for public debate and guide philanthropic resources.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This report provides information on the issue areas that are considered critical to the well being of residents of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). It also comes at a very important time in the CBRM’s history, as both the Sydney Tar Ponds and DEVCO remediation projects are nearing completion. Over the past ten years, these projects have provided hundreds of millions of dollars in local economic activity. This report demonstrates clearly the positive impact this economic stimulus has had on the CBRM: in 2011 there were 2,925 more people working in the CBRM than in 2001 and a key productivity measure – the GDP per person growth rate - has exceeded both the provincial and national averages since 2006. Yet, all have not shared this good fortune. From 2001-2011, CBRM’s population declined by 8.1% (8,570 people), of which 58.9% (5,045) were under 15 years of age. As a result, the CBRM now has the oldest median age at 47.5 years of the seven main centres in Atlantic Canada. Given this decline in the youth population, what is next for the CBRM?

At A Glance

4

Belonging

6

Housing

8

Safety

10

Getting Around

14

Environment

16

Arts & Culture

18

Certainly there is much work to be done to stem the tide of youth outmigration and to ensure that the gains made through the remediation projects do not quickly erode. The good news is that CBRM is fortunate to have many bright and talented people who have dedicated their lives to a more prosperous future in the area, including some excellent Grade 12 Advanced Math teachers whose students have held the highest standing in the province in three out of the last four assessment years. It also benefits from the success of Membertou First Nation and the strengthening of Eskasoni First Nation. The talent that we need for community vitality is right here at home.

Learning

20

Economy & Work

24

Shared Prosperity

29

Health

30

About Us

36

The key to maximizing our potential lies within our ability to limit complacency associated with taking things for granted. CBRM’s youth population is under threat, as seen through relatively high rates of youth unemployment, crime and out-migration. This requires our immediate attention to realize CBRM’s potential for community vitality and future development.

Contributors

38

Partners

39

Now, the next step is up to us as members of the CBRM and Nova Scotia.

Working together, we can take what we have read in this Vital Signs report and use it to make our community better. There is much we can and must do.

Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Sincerely, Allison Kouzovnikov, BA, MBA, LLB Executive Director

Dennice Leahey, CM Board Chair

AT A GLANCE The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is the second largest municipality in the province.

Population Growth/Decline 2001 - 2011

POPULATION SIZE & DECLINE

Fredericton

In 2011, CBRM’s population was 97,398, or 10.6% of the provincial total (921,727).

+18.2%

Moncton

+13.2%

Halifax

From 2001 to 2011, CBRM’s population declined an average of 0.8% annually (for an overall decline of 8.1% or 8,507 people), compared to an average annual growth of 0.2% provincially (for an overall growth of 1.5%) and a 1.1% average annual growth nationally (for an overall growth of 11.6%).

+8.6%

Charlottetown

+7.2%

St. John’s

+7.0%

Saint John -8.1%

+0.6% CBRM

Compared to six other Atlantic Canadian cities, the CBRM was the only one with a population decline over the past ten years.

NS

+1.5%

CAN

+11.6%

Median Age 2011 47.5 years

CBRM

43.7 years

NS

MEDIAN AGE In 2011, CBRM’s median age (the age at which half of the population is younger and half is older) was 47.5 years, up 6.2 years from 41.3 in 2001. By comparison, the median age was 43.7 years provincially and 40.6 years nationally. Compared to six other Atlantic Canadian cities, CBRM’s 2011 median age was the oldest.

Charlottetown

42.3 years

Saint John

42.3 years

CAN

40.6 years

Moncton

40.1 years

St. John’s

39.9 years

Halifax

39.9 years

Fredericton

38.7 years

FAMILY TYPES In 2011, CBRM had more families led by single-parents and fewer led by common-law couples than the provincial and national averages.

Married CBRM

4

65.2%

NS

68.5%

CAN

67.0%

Single-Parent

Common Law

24.7%

10.1%

17.3%

14.2%

16.3%

16.7%

CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY Total Population NS: 921,727

NOVA SCOTIA

CBRM: 97,398

AGE DISTRIBUTION In 2011, on a proportionate basis, the CBRM had fewer youth under 15 years and more seniors 65 years and older than both the provincial and national averages.

CHANGE IN YOUTH (UNDER 15 YEARS) AND SENIOR (65+ YEARS) POPULATIONS Between 2001 and 2011, CBRM’s youth population declined an average of 3.2% annually, for a total decline of 27.5% or 5,045 youth overall (from 18,375 to 13,330). By comparison, the youth population declined an average of 1.8% annually provincially, for a total decline of 16.2% overall, and only 0.2% annually nationally, for a total decline of 2.1% overall, during the same time period.

AGE DISTRIBUTION 2011 CBRM NS CAN

AVERAGE OVER ALL CHANGE 2001-2011

+12.1% SENIORS 65+ YRS

+21.2% +27.2%

-27.5%

YOUTH <15 YRS

-16.2% -2.1% <15 YRS

15-64 YRS

65+ YRS

At the same time, CBRM’s senior population grew an average of 1.1% annually, for a total increase of 12.1% or 2,100 seniors overall (from 17,395 to 19,495). By comparison, the senior population increased 1.9% annually provincially, for a total increase of 21.2%, and 2.4% annually nationally, for a total increase of 27.2% during the same time period.

5

BELONGING

WHY IT MATTERS:

To encourage others to make Cape Breton Regional Municipality their home, we must offer good employment opportunities and strong social supports.

SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING & LIFE SATISFACTION In 2012, three out of four (75.2%) residents in the Cape Breton District Health Authority felt a strong or somewhat strong sense of community belonging, while 90.9% were satisfied or very satisfied with their life.

Sense of Community Belonging (2011) CBRM

75.2%

NS CAN

70.9% 66.1%

Cape Bretonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of community belonging is stronger than both the provincial (70.9%) and national (66.1%) averages, while its life satisfaction is comparable to both the provincial (93.3%) and national (92.4%) averages.

54.1% OF US VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER RATE In 2010, more than half (54.1%) of CBRM residents volunteered, up 13.7% from 2007 (47.6%). CBRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 rate was comparable to the provincial rate (55.3%) and 15.1% higher than the national rate (47.0%).

6

CHARITABLE DONATIONS

Giving to Charity

In 2011, 14.9% of Cape Breton County residents made charitable donations. This rate was 8.6% lower than the provincial rate (16.3%) and 10.2% lower than the national rate (16.6%).

CHARITABLE DONATION RATE (2011) Cape Breton County

14.9%

1.5 out of 10 of us donate to charity

MEDIAN CHARIABLE DONATION (2011) Cape Breton County

NS

16.3%

NS

CAN

16.6%

CAN

$310 $300 $260

HOW MUCH DO WE DONATE In the same year, Cape Breton’s median donation was $310, $10 higher than the provincial median ($300) and $50 higher than the national median ($260). Compared to 2008, Cape Breton’s 2011 rate of giving was down 5.1% (from 15.7%), while its median value was down $20 (from $330).

2012 MUNICIPAL ELECTION In the 2012 municipal election, voter turnout was 55.9%, up 10.9% from the 2008 turnout (50.4%). CBRM’s 2012 turnout was 30.9% higher than the provincial turnout for all municipal elections (42.7%) in the same year.

2009 PROVINCIAL ELECTION In the 2009 provincial election, voter turnout for the six electoral districts which are completely within the CBRM was 56.5%, down 11.9% from the 2006 turnout (64.1%). CBRM’s 2009 turnout was comparable to the provincial average (57.9%).

2011 FEDERAL ELECTION In the 2011 federal election, voter turnout for Cape Breton-Canso was 62.5%, comparable to the 2008 turnout (63.3%), while the turnout for Sydney-Victoria was 61.5%, up 7.1% from the 2008 turnout (57.4%). Cape Breton’s 2011 turnout was comparable to both the provincial (62.0%) and national (61.1%) rates.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION

55.9% TURNOUT

PROVINCIAL ELECTION

56.5% TURNOUT

FEDERAL ELECTION: CAPE BRETON-CANSO FEDERAL ELECTION: SYDNEY-VICTORIA

62.5% TURNOUT 61.5% TURNOUT

7

HOUSING WHY IT MATTERS:

Shelter is a basic human right. Accommodation for everyone needs to be available and affordable.

MEDIAN HOUSING PRICES (SINGLE DETACHED UNITS)

CBRM

Halifax

$220,000

$379,900

$259,000

$274,352

$279,900

$250,000

$345,000

137

845

283

336

161

176

1,221

$160,222

$299,900

$219,000

$199,900

$244,900

$200,000

$215,372

121

1,172

424

603

443

305

1,167

Volume % Change 2008 vs. 2012

13.2%

-27.9%

-33.3%

-44.3%

-63.7%

-42.3%

4.6%

Price % Change 2008 vs. 2012

37.3%

26.7%

18.3%

37.2%

14.3%

25.0%

60.2%

City Median Price 2012 Number of Units Sold 2012 Median Price 2008 Number of Units Sold 2008

Fredericton Moncton

Saint John Charlottetown St. John’s

In 2012, 137 houses were sold in the CBRM with a median value of $220,000, the lowest of seven Atlantic Canadian cities both in terms of volume and price.

However, when compared to 2008, CBRM is one of only two cities that increased its volume of housing sales (St. John’s was the other), while every other city experienced a fairly significant decline in the 27.9% to 63.7% range. In terms of value, CBRM’s median sales price grew by 37.3%, second only to St. John’s.

MEDIAN HOUSING PRICE 2012

GROWTH IN MEDIAN HOUSING PRICE 2012

Halifax

$379,900

St. John’s

60.2%

CBRM

37.3%

Saint John

$279,900

Moncton

37.2%

Moncton

$274,352

Halifax

Fredericton Charlottetown CBRM

8

$345,000

St. John’s

$259,000 $250,000 $220,000

26.7%

Charlottetown Fredericton Saint John

25.0% 18.3% 14.3%

NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS SOLD 2008-2012

1500

1500 1200 1200

ST. JOHN’S

900 900

HALIFAX

600 600 MONCTON FREDERICTON CHARLOTTETOWN SAINT JOHN CBRM

300 300 00 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

GROSS SHELTER TO INCOME RATIO In 2010, the ratio of Multiple Listing Service’s (MLS) average housing price to the pre-tax median income for an economic family in Cape Breton County was 2.00. This means that a family would need to save the equivalent of two years’ pre-tax income to purchase an average house outright. Cape Breton County’s 2010 ratio was 37.9% lower than the provincial ratio (3.22) and 58.8% lower than the national ratio (4.86).

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TAX RATES In 2012-13, the CBRM had some of the highest residential ($1.64 - $2.25 per $100 of assessment) and commerical tax rates ($4.74 - $5.62 per $100 of assessment) in the province. Sydney’s commercial tax rate, at $5.62 per $100 of assessment, was the highest in the province.

VACANCY RATES 2012 In April 2012, rental vacancy rates in the CBRM were 4.0% for one-bedroom apartments, 4.4% for two-bedroom apartments, and 5.3% for three-bedroom (or more) apartments. CBRM’s rates fall in the middle of the rates for six Atlantic Canadian cities for the same time period.

1 BEDROOM VACANCY RATE

2 BEDROOM VACANCY RATE

Saint John

9.0%

Charlottetown

5.4%

Fredericton

4.2%

3+ BEDROOM VACANCY RATE

Saint John

8.4%

Saint John

Moncton

5.5%

Moncton

Charlottetown

5.4%

CBRM

4.0%

CBRM

Moncton

3.9%

Fredericton

3.6%

Charlottetown

St. John’s

3.5%

St. John’s 1.8%

St. John’s

3.0%

5.3%

Fredericton

CBRM

4.4%

6.6% 5.4% 4.2% 3.3%

DID YOU KNOW? EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTERS In 2011, CBRM had two emergency homeless shelters, one for each gender. The men’s shelter had 10 beds and the women’s shelter two.

BUILDING DEMOLITIONS In August 2013, 31 vacant homes were slated for demolition by the CBRM and another 94 will be assessed. The municipality plans to set aside $30,000 each quarter to cover the cost of approximately five building demolitions.

9

SAFETY

WHY IT MATTERS:

A sense of security contributes to our quality of life in CBRM and our ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Personal safety affects how we socialize and participate in our communities.

TOTAL CRIME RATE & SEVERITY INDEX Crime rates reflect the volume of crime within a particular population, while the Crime Severity Index reflects the relative seriousness of the offences committed. The index was set at 100 for Canada in 2006.

In 2012, the CBRM’s total crime rate was 6,773 offences per 100,000 people, down 10.1% from 7,530 in 2003. CBRM’s 2012 rate was the second lowest of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities. In the same year, the CBRM’s Total Crime Severity Index was 72.4, down 12.0% from 2003 when it was 82.3. CBRM’s 2012 level was the lowest of the comparator cities.

TOTAL CRIME RATE PER 100,000 PEOPLE 2012 Charlottetown

10,488 8,539

Saint John St. John’s

7,679

Moncton

Halifax

95.4

Charlottetown

95.1 86.3

Moncton

6,945

CBRM

Saint John St. John’s

7,494

Fredericton

TOTAL CRIME SEVERITY INDEX 2012

79.3

Fredericton

6,773 6,116

75.2

Halifax

74.3

CBRM

72.4

VIOLENT CRIME RATE & SEVERITY INDEX Violent crimes involve the application, or threat of application, of force to a person.

In 2012, the CBRM’s violent crime rate was 1,110 offences per 100,000 people, half the rate of 2,198 in 2003 and the lowest of the comparator cities. In the same year, CBRM’s Violent Crime Severity Index was 62.1, down over a third from 93.9 in 2003 and the second lowest of the comparator cities.

TOTAL VIOLENT CRIME PER 100,000 PEOPLE 2012 Saint John

2,279

St. John’s

1,710

Moncton

1,623

Fredericton

1,493

Charlottetown

10

1,442

VIOLENT CRIME SEVERITY INDEX 2012 Saint John

102.9

Moncton

79.3

St. John’s

77.3

Fredericton

74.7

Halifax

74.3

Halifax

1,148

CBRM

CBRM

1,110

Charlottetown

62.1 51.6

DRUG VIOLATIONS In 2012, there were 187 drug violations per 100,000 people in the CBRM, the second lowest of the comparator cities.

However, CBRM’s 2012 rate is more than twice the rate of 89 violations in 2003.

250 250

TOTAL DRUG VIOLATION 2012 Halifax

339

St. John’s

334

Saint John

275

Moncton

150 150

900

270

CBRM Fredericton

200 200 1500 1200

292

Charlottetown 187 158

TOTAL DRUG VIOLATIONS 2003-2012

100 100

600 50

50

PROPERTY CRIMES In 2012, there were 4,373 property violations per 100,000 people in the CBRM, which was about the same as the rate in 2003 (4,203). CBRM’s 2012 rate was in the middle of the comparator cities.

2003

2005

2007

In 2012, there were 232 criminal code traffic violations per 100,000 people in the CBRM, 26.1% higher than in 2003 when there were 184, but down 28.8% from 2009 when there were 326. CBRM’s 2012 rate was the lowest of the comparator cities.

2011

PROPERTY CRIMES 2012 Charlottetown

7,489

Saint John

4,625

St. John’s

4,450

CBRM

4,373

Fredericton

4,344

Moncton

4,253

Halifax

CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

2009

3,765

TOTAL CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 2012 St. John’s

623

Moncton

455

Charlottetown

398

Halifax

307

Saint John

290

Fredericton

288

CBRM

232

NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS In 2012, there were 202 police officers per 100,000 people in the CBRM, up 27.0% from 2006 (159). The 2012 level was comparable to both the provincial (204) and national (199) levels.

11

A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUTH (AGED 12-17 YRS) TOTAL YOUTH CRIME RATE In 2012, there were 4,276 youth charged with a criminal code offence per 100,000 youth in the CBRM, down 37.2% from a peak of 6,814 in 2007. CBRM’s 2012 rate was the second highest of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities.

TOTAL YOUTH CRIME RATE 2012 Saint John

6,307 4,276

CBRM

4,127

Halifax Fredericton

5000 5000

2,334

St. John’s

2,057 Charlottetown

7000 7000 6000 6000

3,708

Moncton

TOTAL YOUTH CRIME RATE 2004-2012

8000

4000 4000

1,404

3000 3000

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

YOUTH VIOLENT CRIME RATE In 2012, there were 858 youth charged with a violent criminal code offence per 100,000 youth in the CBRM, down 39.8% from a peak of 1,426 in 2007. CBRM’s 2012 rate was in the middle of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities.

TOTAL YOUTH VIOLENT CRIME 2012

YOUTH VIOLENT CRIME RATE 2004-2012

Saint John

1,685

Halifax

1,168

Fredericton

1,078

CBRM

858

St. John’s

845

Moncton Charlottetown

762

1500 1500 1200 1200 900 900

55.3

600 600

12 12

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

YOUTH DRUG VIOLATIONS In 2012, there were 391 youth charged with a criminal code drug violation per 100,000 youth in the CBRM, the highest it has been since 2004 and a full 23.7% higher than its previous peak of 316 violations in 2009. CBRM’s 2012 rate was the second highest of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities. Cannabis, commonly known as weed, appears to be the leading contributor to this increase.

400 400

YOUTH DRUG VIOLATIONS 2012 Saint John

530

CBRM

391

Halifax Moncton

350 350 300 300

216 117

250 250

Fredericton 95

200 200

St. John’s 94 Charlottetown

TOTAL YOUTH DRUG VIOLATIONS 2004-2012

150 150

43

100 100 2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

YOUTH PROPERTY CRIME RATE In 2012, there were 1,024 youth charged with a property offence per 100,000 youth in the CBRM, down more than half (56.3%) from a peak of 2,340 in 2007. CBRM’s 2012 rate was in the middle of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities.

TOTAL YOUTH PROPERTY CRIME VIOLATIONS 2012

TOTAL YOUTH PROPERTY CRIME VIOLATIONS 2004-2012

Saint John

1,854

Halifax

2500 2500

1,455

Moncton

2000 2000

1,091

CBRM

1,024

Fredericton

1,014

Charlottetown

1500 1500

766

St. John’s

1000 1000

708

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

YOUTH CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS In 2012, there were 75 youth charged with a criminal code traffic violation per 100,000 youth in the CBRM, down 25.8% from a peak of 101 in 2011. CBRM’s 2012 rate was the second highest of the seven major Atlantic Canadian cities.

TOTAL YOUTH CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 2012 Saint John

96

120 120

Halifax

75

100 100

CBRM

75

80 80

Fredericton

63

Moncton St. John’s Charlottetown 0

23 17

TOTAL YOUTH CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 2004-2012

60 60 40 40 20 20 00

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

13

WHY IT MATTERS:

The prosperity of the economy, the health of the environment and the productivity of citizens depends upon the availability of strong transportation systems.

GETTING AROUND MEDIAN COMMUTING TIME TO WORK In 2011, the median commuting time from home to work in the CBRM was 15.3 minutes. This was comparable to the provincial median (15.9 minutes) and 25.4% lower than the national median (20.5 minutes).

MEDIAN COMMUTING TIME TO WORK 2011

15.3 mins

CBRM

15.3 mins

NS

15.9 mins

CAN

20.5 mins

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FROM HOME TO WORK In 2011, 90.0% of CBRM residents travelled to work by car. Of the remaining 10% who travelled by other means, about half (5.2%) walked, 3.2% took public transit, 0.2% biked and the rest fell within the “other” category.

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION TO WORK 2011 TOOK PUBLIC TRANSIT OTHER 1.4% 3.2% WALKED 5.2%

BIKED 0.2%

TOTAL MUNICIPAL EXPENDITURES ON TRANSPORTATION In 2011, the CBRM government spent $32.2 million (or $709 per household) on transportation, up 16.9% from $27.5 million in 2008.

CBRM’s 2011 expenditures were 37.4% below the provincial average ($1,132 per household).

BY CAR 90%

TOTAL MUNICIPAL EXPENDITURES ON TRANSPORTATION CBRM (2011) NS (2011)

14

$709 per household $1,132 per household

PUBLIC TRANSIT TRANSIT Transit Cape Breton provides public transportation to Glace Bay, Dominion, Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Sydney River, Whitney Pier and New Waterford. Fares range from $1.25 to $5.00 for adults. Handicapped transit services are also available.

Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, Transit Cape Breton ridership was 320,000, up 6.7% from the previous year (300,000 riders), while the HandiTrans ridership was 10,162 (in wheelchair) and 6,238 (ambulatory, which include people who can walk with assistance). Total ridership for Handi-Trans was up 3.3% from 15,883 in 2007.

Fares range from:

$1.25 - $5.00

TRANSIT CAPE BRETON RIDERSHIP APRIL 2012-MARCH 2013

320,000 people HANDI-TRANS RIDERSHIP

16,400 people

2007 TRANSIT SURVEY RESULTS TOP THREE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING TRANSIT AND ATTRACTING MORE RIDERS

1. More frequent service (most buses just come once an hour) 2. Longer service hours (service on Sunday and longer hours other days of the week) 3. Service to more destinations (locations such as Howie Centre are not serviced) MAIN REASON FOR TRAVELING

1. School (29%) 2. Shopping (24%)

DID YOU KNOW? The most popular route for Transit Cape Breton is Route 1 that goes from Sydney to Glace Bay, through Dominion.

Both Cape Breton University and the Mayflower Mall are along this route. Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, Transit Cape Breton had to increase the number of runs for this route due to the increased number of international students travelling to and from CBU.

DID YOU KNOW? Other transportation options in the CBRM:

-Marine Atlantic offers ferry service from North Sydney to Newfoundland.

-Maritime Bus offers passenger and parcel service throughout the Maritimes with two stops in the CBRM

(Sydney and North Sydney).

-JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport, just a 15 minute drive from downtown Sydney, serves as a link to

major centres around the world. There are daily flights to and from other airports in the Atlantic

Provinces, and Air Canada just announced a year round direct flight to Toronto.

15

WHY IT MATTERS:

Clean air and water, uncontaminated soil, and green spaces are essential to healthy living. Preserving and protecting our local environment creates a strong foundation for our children’s future.

ENVIRONMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS In 2010, CBRM had an average temperature of 7.4°C, an average minimum temperature of -5.5°C in January, and an average maximum temperature of 24.3°C in July. The average temperature from 2001 to 2012 was 6.5°C, a full degree warmer than the average temperature from 1971 to 2000 (5.5°C). The average minimum in January from 2001 to 2012 (-10.1°C) also increased a full degree from the average between 1971 and 2000 (-11.1°C), while the average maximum in July from 2001 to 2012 (24.6°C) increased 1.6°C from the average between 1971 and 2000 (23.0°C).

Average Max. Temp.

24.3°C

Annual Avg. Temp.

7.4°C

Average Min. Temp.

-5.5°C

AIR QUALITY According to the Air Quality Health Index, the air quality in CBRM is consistently in the low risk category, meaning an at-risk population can go about their normal outdoor activities without risk of health problems due to air quality, and it is ideal air quality for the general population.

WATER QUALITY In 2012, 99.8% of CBRM’s drinking supply was compliant with the norms for bacterial content (3,087 samples out of 3,094).

16

AIR QUALITY

2

LOW RISK

DAILY WATER USE

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL DAILY WATER USE

In 2009, the average person in the CBRM used 215.1 litres of water, nearly half (48.6%) the 2006 level of 418.2 litres.

CBRM’s 2009 average was 26.3% lower than the provincial average (292.0 litres) and 21.5% lower than the national average (274.0 litres).

CBRM 2009

215.1 L

CBRM 2006

418.2 L

NS 2009

292.0 L

CAN 2009

274.0 L

ANNUAL WATER COST In 2011, the average household in the CBRM spent $501 on water. CBRM’s average was 21.4% lower than the cost in the Halifax Regional Municipality for the same year ($637).

WASTEWATER Wastewater is currently being discharged untreated into the Atlantic Ocean in parts of the CBRM including North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Glace Bay, and New Waterford. This practice is no longer legal and the CBRM has until December 31, 2020 to resolve the issue.

AVERAGE MONTHLY BILL FOR 1,000 KWH (MAY 1, 2013)

POWER COSTS As of May 1, 2013, the average monthly power bill for a household that consumes 1,000 kWh of electricity in the CBRM was $154.46, the highest cost of a sampling of six cities.

CBRM

$154.46

Regina

$131.52

St. John’s

$125.48

Saint John

$105.65

Winnipeg

CBRM COLLECTIONS In 2011, there were 28,204 metric tonnes of residual mixed waste collected in the CBRM, down 13.9% from 32,770 metric tonnes in 2009, 12,608 metric tonnes of compost collected, up 10.6% from 11,402 metric tonnes in 2009 and 7,402 metric tonnes of recycling collected, up 23.0% from 6,016 metric tonnes in 2009.

DID YOU KNOW?

$78.92

Montreal

$68.66

CBRM 2011 COLLECTIONS SUMMARY Residual Mixed Waste

28,204

-13.9%

Compost

12,608

+10.6%

Recycling

7,402

+23.0%

SYDNEY TAR PONDS

The Sydney tar ponds – a hazardous waste site stretching 100 hectares and containing approximately 700,000 tonnes of toxic sludge leftover from the steel industry - were once described as the “worst man-made disaster in North America.” They were blamed for many health problems, including increased cancer rates. The recent cleanup effort appears to have been successful.

The site is now called Open Hearth Park and includes a sports field, a playground, a concert venue, and walking paths.

17

ARTS & CULTURE WHY IT MATTERS:

Arts and culture inspire people and help to fuel innovation.

$115

MUNICIPAL SPENDING ON CULTURE AND RECREATION In 2011, the CBRM government spent $11.2 million (or $115 per person) on culture and recreation. In dollars, the 2011 total was 55.6% higher ($4.0 million more) than the $7.2 million spent in 2006, while on a proportionate basis, the percentage of total spending in 2011 at 7.3% was slightly lower than the 7.8% spent in 2006.

per person

EMPLOYMENT IN OCCUPATIONS RELATED TO ARTS, CULTURE, RECREATION, AND SPORT In 2011, 1.6% of Cape Breton County’s labour force (735 people) was employed in occupations related to arts, culture, recreation and sport, down about a third from 2.5% in 2001. Cape Breton County’s 2011 proportion was 31.1% lower than the provincial average (2.4%) and 42.7% lower than the national average (2.9%). In the same year, less than 1% (0.14%) of Cape Breton County’s labour force (55 people) was comprised of artists, a much small proportion than the provincial (0.45%) and national (0.53%) averages.

Proportion of the Labour Force Employed in Arts-Related Occupations 2011 CBRM NS CAN

18

Proportion of the Labour Force Employed As Artists 2011 1.64

CBRM 2.38

NS 2.86

CAN

0.14 0.45 0.53

LIBRARY USE

# OF MEMBERS 2012-13

In 2012-13, there were 25,466 members within the Cape Breton Regional Library system, down 8.3% from 27,786 in 2009-10. In 2012-13, each member visited the library an average of 9.8 times, up slightly from 9.7 in 2009-10, and they circulated an average of 17.4 items each, up slightly from 16.8 in 2009-10.

25,466 AVERAGE NUMBER OF VISITS PER PERSON PER YEAR

9.8 TIMES AVERAGE CIRCULATION PER PERSON PER YEAR

17.4 ITEMS

COSSIT HOUSE MUSEUM ATTENDANCE Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, 5,713 people visited Cossit House Museum in Sydney, up 38.2% from 4,133 in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG In 2011-12, there were 80,499 visitors to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, down 17.3% (an average of 4.6% per year) from 97,371 in 2007-08. This decline is part of a larger provincial trend as during the same time period, attendance at Port-Royal (Annapolis Royal) dropped 27.9% (or 7.9% per year), Citadel Hill (Halifax) dropped 22.4% (or 6.1% per year) and Alexander Graham Bell Museum (Baddeck) dropped 9.0% (or 2.3% per year).

FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG 2011-12 VISITORS

80,499 people

2007-08 VISITORS

97,371 people

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ATTENDANCE (PERCENT CHANGE FROM 2007/08 TO 2011-12 -9.0% -17.3% -22.4% -27.9%

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG HALIFAX CITADEL PORT-ROYAL

19

LEARNING WHY IT MATTERS:

Successful communitites offer residents abundant, affordable and flexible opportunities to learn in formal school settings, at work or online.

PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLMENTS OVER THE YEARS

SCHOOL ENROLMENTS In the 2012-13 academic year, 13,839 students were enrolled in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board (CBVRSB), down 22.6% from 17,882 in 2005-06. CBVRSBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decline over these seven years is nearly twice the provincial average (13.8%). Since 1970, total enrolment has declined 66.5% (or 27,447 from 41,286), for an average decline of 2.6% annually per year over the past 42 years.

Where did all the students go?

1970 41,286

2005 17,882

2012

50,000 50,000

40,000 40,000

30,000 30,000

20,000 20,000

10,000 10,000

1970

13,839

SCHOOL BOARD FUNDING In the 2012-13 academic year, the CBVRSB spent $11,816 per student to deliver public education in the area. Of its $164 million budget, 83.7% was provided by the provincial government, 8.2% by the municipal government, 4.3% by school generated funds, 1.0% by the federal government and 2.8% by other sources. Of all eight school boards in the province, CBVRSB has the third highest funding per student (Strait Regional School Board and Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial were higher) and its funding per student is 18.9% higher than the provincial average ($9,936).

2012

FUNDING PER STUDENT 2012-13 SRSB

$12,578

CSAP

$12,533

CBVRSB

$11,816

SSRSB

$10,865

TCRSB NS AVRSB CCRSB HRSB

20

2005

$10,616 $9,936 $9,593 $9,204 $8,966

CBVRSB AVERAGE CLASS SIZES (SEPTEMBER 2011)

Grade Primary-2 3-6 7-9 10-12

Number of Students 18 18 21 21

PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS MEETING EXPECTATIONS IN WRITING (2011-2012) CBVRSB NS

READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC

81 81

In the 2011-12 academic school year, CBVRSB students had average to lower-than-average reading and math skills, compared to the provincial average and average writing skills. In the same year, CBVRSB’s Grade 12 Advanced Math students were the best in the province! These results have been fairly consistent since 2007-08.

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS MEETING EXPECTATIONS IN MATH (2011-2012) CBVRSB NS 74 74 60

75

66 43

GRADE 3

GRADE 6

52

GRADE 8

51

86 87

90 91

GRADE 6

GRADE 9

56

GRADE 3 Narrative

GRADE 3 Information

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS MEETING EXPECTATIONS IN READING (2011-2012) CBVRSB NS 69

72 74

79

85

80

76

56 56

GRADE 12

GRADE 12 ADV

GRADE 3

GRADE 6

GRADE 9

PROGRESS IN INTERNATIONAL READING LITERACY STUDY (PIRLS) In 2011, grade 4 students in the CBVRSB had an average PIRLS score of 535, which was about the same as its result in 2006 (542). CBVRSB’s 2011 score is considered on par with the provincial (549) and national (548) averages, and is considered significantly higher than the international average (500).

AVERAGE PIRLS SCORES 2011 Russia

568

Singapore

567

United States

556 552

England NS

549

CAN

548

CBVRSB International Average

535 500

21

WITHDRAWAL RATES In the 2011-12 academic year, 125 students or 2.9% of the 4,258 enrolment withdrew from school, down two-thirds (67.4%) from the proportion in 2003-04 (8.9%). The 2011-12 rate for the CBVRSB was about a third (34.1%) lower than the provincial rate (4.4%).

HIGHEST LEVELS OF EDUCATION IN THE CBRM In 2011, a smaller proportion of those aged 25 to 64 in the CBRM reported having a university certificate, diploma or degree, while a larger proportion reported having an apprenticeship or trade compared to both the provincial and national averages.

LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL

CBRM

15.1%

NS

14.6%

CAN

22

12.7%

HIGH SCHOOL

APPRENTICESHIP OR TRADE

24.4%

21.7%

23.2%

COLLEGE OR OTHER UNIVERSITY, BELOW NON-UNIVERSITY BACHELOR LEVEL

21.2%

16.3%

13.1%

12.1%

23.1%

21.3%

UNIVERSITY, CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA

5.8%

4.1%

4.9%

17.2%

23.4%

25.9%

NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (NSCC) ENROLMENT In the 2012-13 academic year, 1,144 students were enrolled in NSCC’s Marconi Campus, up 25.7% from the 2004-05 levels.

More than half (54%) of the 2012-13 students were female. Female enrolment has increased 39.0% from 441 in 2004-05 to 613 in 2012-13, while male enrolment has increased 14.4% from 458 in 2004-05 to 524 in 2012-13.

STUDENT ENROLMENT AT NSCC’S MARCONI CAMPUS 2012-13

+25.7%3:

2004-05

NSCC STUDENT BODY BY GENDER

NSCC TUITION For the 2012-13 academic year, tuition at the NSCC’s Marconi Campus was $2,865 for certificate and diploma programs, $3,925 for advanced diploma programs, $1,190 for academic and career connections and $8,275 for international students.

MALES 46%

FEMALES 54%

TOP PROGRAMS BY ENROLMENT AT NSCC MARCONI CAMPUS (2012-13)

OVERALL

MALES

FEMALES

Industrial Instrumentation

Industrial Instrumentation

Practical Nursing

Business Administration

Metal Fabrication

Business Administration

Human Services

Carpentry-Diploma

Human Services

CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY (CBU) ENROLMENT & DEMOGRAPHICS In 2012 there were 3,485 students enrolled at CBU, down 3.1% from 3,597 in 1997. About one half (52.5%) of these students were from Cape Breton, compared to 85.3% in 1997, while 27.3% (950) were from other countries. The number of international students enrolled at CBU in 2012 was 15 times higher than the number enrolled in 1997 (63) and reflects an average annual increase of 19.8%. Today, more than one in four (27.3%) students at CBU are international students.

PERCENT OF STUDENTS FROM CAPE BRETON 2012

52.5%3:

1997 85.3%3:

> 1 in 4 students at CBU

are international students

CBU TUITION For the 2012-13 academic year, the average undergraduate tuition at CBU was $5,238 for Canadian students and $12,130 for International students.

TOP BACHELOR PROGRAMS BY ENROLMENT AT CBU (2012-13)

MALES

FEMALES

Business Administration

Arts

Arts

Community Studies

Engineering Technology

Nursing 23

ECONOMY & WORK

WHY IT MATTERS:

A healthy economy is the engine of prosperity.

Quality of life, in all its aspects, is greater for all residents when the economy is strong.

Businesses and residents have greater resiliency when the economy is robust and vibrant.

The Cape Breton Economic Region (CBER) includes all of Cape Breton Island. The population difference between Cape Breton Island and the CBRM is approximately 39,000 people, about 5,000 of whom would be between the ages of 15 and 24.

ECONOMIC OUTPUT: GDP (IN 2007 DOLLARS) In 2012, CBRM’s GDP was $2.5 billion, or 7.6% of the provincial total. On a population basis, CBRM comprises 10.6% of the provincial total. From 2006 to 2012, CBRM’s GDP grew an average of 0.1% annually (0.9% overall), compared to 0.9% annually (5.8% overall) provincially and 1.3% annually (8.1% overall) nationally.

PRODUCTIVITY: GDP PER WORKER (IN 2007 DOLLARS) In 2012, CBRM’s GDP per worker was $71,315, or 88.1% of the provincial level ($80,932) and 70.3% of the national level ($101,485). CBRM’s GDP per worker has remained relatively static since 2006 ($71,117), while both the province and the country have had a compounded average annual GDP per worker growth rate of 0.2%.

PRODUCTIVITY: GDP PER PERSON (IN 2007 DOLLARS) In 2012, CBRM’s GDP per person was $23,986, or 70.5% of the provincial level ($34,047) and 54.3% of the national level ($44,197). Since 2006, CBRM’s compounded average annual GDP per person growth rate of 1.0% has exceeded both the provincial (0.7%) and national (0.2%) rates.

CBRM’S GDP AS A PROPORTION OF NS’ GDP 7.6%

PRODUCTIVITY PER WORKER 2012 CBRM

$71,315 $80,932

NS CAN

$101,485

PRODUCTIVITY PER PERSON 2012 CBRM NS CAN

$23,986 $34,047 $44,197

BUSINESS COUNTS In 2011, there were 3,850 businesses in Cape Breton County, down slightly from 3,957 in 2010. Most (96.9%) of these businesses were considered small (fewer than 50 employees) and most of these businesses fell under the following industry categories:

1. Retail Trade (563 businesses or 14.6%) 2. Construction (406 businesses or 10.5%) 3. Health Care and Social Assistance (396 businesses or 10.3%) 4. Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting (298 businesses or 7.7%) 5. Real Estate/Rental/Leasing (284 businesses or 7.4%) 24

INDUSTRY

% OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE SERVICES SECTOR

In 2012, 79.6% of workers in the CBER were employed in the service sector, compared to 81.3% provincially and 77.9% nationally. Within CBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service sector, the biggest industries were trades (23.9%) and health care and social assistance (20.9%).

79.6%

HOUSING STARTS In 2012, there were 299 housing starts in Cape Breton County, more than twice the number in 2000 (130). Housing starts in Cape Breton County accounted for 6.6% of all provincial housing starts (4,522) in 2012.

RETAIL SALES GROWTH From 2005 to 2012, retail sales in Cape Breton County grew an average of 2.0% annually for an overall growth of 14.9% to $1.5 billion, compared to an average annual growth rate of 4.3% provincially (overall growth of 34.4%) and 4.6% nationally (overall growth of 37.3%). As the economy has recovered, retail sales growth from 2011 to 2012 in Cape Breton County was 4.9%, compared to 5.2% provincially and 7.2% nationally.

RETAIL SALES PER PERSON In 2012, retail sales projections on a per person basis in Cape Breton County were $14,259, up 22.0% from $11,683 in 2005. Cape Breton Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 level was slightly lower than the provincial level ($14,405) and slightly higher than the national level ($13,773).

BUSINESS BANKRUPTCIES In 2011, there were 5 business bankruptcies or 0.9 per 1,000 businesses in the Cape Breton Economic Region (CBER), compared to1.8 per 1,000 provincially 1.5 per 1,000 nationally.

RETAIL SALES GROWTH (2005-2012) CBRM

14.9% ($1.5 billion in 2012) 34.4%

NS CAN

37.3%

RETAIL SALES PER PERSON

$14,259

BUSINESS BANKRUPTCIES CBRM 2007 CBRM 2012

26 12

53.8%

In 2012, the number of business bankruptcies grew to 12, but this number was still less than half (53.8%) the 26 in 2007. By comparison, business bankruptcies dropped 58.3% provincially and 48.6% nationally during the same time period.

CONSUMER BANKRUPTCIES In 2012, there were 459 consumer bankruptcies or 33.3 per 10,000 people in the CBER, compared to 34.0 per 10,000 provincially and 20.5 per 10,000 nationally. There were 204 fewer consumer bankruptcies in the CBER in 2012 compared to 2007, reflecting a decline of 30.8%, compared to a 7.6% decline provincially and 10.4% decline nationally during the same time period.

CONSUMER BANKRUPTCIES CBRM 2007 CBRM 2012

663 459

30.8%

25

TOURISM REVENUES AND RELATED MUNICIPAL TAXES

TOURISM REGION

TOURISM REVENUES (MILLIONS)

TAX REVENUES (MILLIONS)

Halifax Metro $1,084 (53.7%) $14.5 (59.4%) Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley

$293 (14.5%)

$2.3 (9.4%)

Cape Breton Island $251 (12.4%) $3.2 (13.1%) South Shore $161 (8.0%) $1.8 (7.4%) Northumberland Shore $158 (7.8%) $1.5 (6.1%) Yarmouth & Acadian Shores $43 (2.1%) $0.8 (3.3%) Eastern Shore $29 (1.4%) $0.3 (1.2%) Total $2,019 $24.4 In 2010, tourism revenues on Cape Breton Island were $251 million, or 12.4% of the provincial total ($2.0 billion), the third highest of the seven tourism regions in the province, while tourism-related municipal taxes were $3.2 million, or 13.2% of the provincial total ($24.4 million), the second highest of the seven tourism regions.

VISITORS TO CAPE BRETON In 2010, 3 out of 4 visitors to Cape Breton Island were from other parts of Canada while approximately 1 in 3 were from other parts of Atlantic Canada and Ontario.

ACCOMMODATION OCCUPANCY RATE 2012 Halifax Metro

60.3%

NS

48.0%

Northumberland Shore

41.1%

Cape Breton Island

40.1%

South Shore

ACCOMMODATIONS

Annapolis Valley

In 2012, the average occupancy rate on Cape Breton Island for fixedroof lodging was 40.1% (373,500 room nights sold), down from 50.7% (449,800 room nights sold) in 2000. Cape Breton’s 2012 occupancy rate was the third highest of the seven tourism regions in the province.

Eastern Shore

37.8% 36.7%

Yarmouth

35.4% 24.0%

CAMPGROUND OCCUPANCY RATE 2012 Annapolis Valley

CAMPGROUNDS

NS

In 2010, the average occupancy rate on Cape Breton Island for campgrounds was 42% (165,000 site-nights sold), the highest since 2002.

Cape Breton’s 2010 occupancy rate was comparable to most other tourism regions in the province (note: two tourism regions had fewer than six properties each so their data was combined with other areas).

Northumberland Shore

26 26

47.0%% 44.0% 43.0%

South Shore

42.0%

Cape Breton Island Annapolis Eastern Shore Valley

42.0% 27.0%

LABOUR FORCE COMPARISON

2011

2006

Population of CBRM 97,398 102,250 Population 15+ Years 84,075 86,910 Labour Force = Employed + Unemployed

45,310

45,635

Employed 38,040 38,360 Unemployed 7,270 7,275

EMPLOYMENT RATE The employment rate is the number of employed persons as a percentage of the population 15 years and older.

In 2012, the employment rate for those 15 years and older in the CBRM was 47.8%, up 19.8% from 39.9% in 2000. Still, CBRM’s 2012 rate was 18.2% lower than the provincial rate (58.4%) and 22.7% lower than the national rate (61.8%).

EMPLOYMENT GROWTH From 2001 to 2011, CBRM’s employment levels grew an average of 0.8% annually for an 8.3% increase overall (35,115 people employed in 2001 vs. 38,040 in 2011). CBRM’s average annual employment growth rate is the same as the provincial rate of 0.8% (8.4% overall), but lower than the national rate of 1.2% (12.9% overall). During the same time period, the population of CBRM declined 8.1% from 105,968 to 97,398.

EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND POPULATION CHANGE (2001 -2011) 8.1% Population Change

CBRM CBRM NS NS

Employment Growth

8.3%

1.5% Employment Growth

8.4% Population Change 11.6% Employment Growth

CAN CAN

12.9%

AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS 2012

AVERAGE AND MEDIAN HOURLY EARNINGS In 2012, CBER’s average and median earnings were comparable to the provincial averages and lower than the national averages.

Since 2000, CBER’s average hourly earnings have increased 51.0%, or an average of 3.5% per year, while its median hourly earnings have increased 52.5%, or an average of 3.6% per year. By comparison, the Consumer Price Index for Nova Scotia increased an average of 2.3% annually during that same time period, which means that the increase in earnings exceeded inflation.

CBRM NS CAN

$20.45 $20.90 $23.65

MEDIAN HOURLY EARNINGS 2012 CBRM NS CAN

$17.61 $18.00 $20.40

INCREASES IN AVERAGE & MEDIAN HOURLY EARNING (2000-2012) AVERAGE MEDIAN

51% 52.5%

27

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labour force.

In 2012, the unemployment rate for those 15 years and older in the CBRM was 14.0%, down 26.7% from a high of 19.1% in 2001. CBRM’s 2012 rate was 55.6% higher than the provincial rate (9.0%) and almost double the national rate (7.2%). In 2011, compared to six other Atlantic Canadian cities, CBRM had the highest unemployment rate at 16.0%.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2011 CBRM

16.0%%

NS

10.0%

Saint John

9.7%

St. John’s

8.0%

Fredericton CAN

7.5%

Halifax

7.2%

> 1 in 4 youth in CBRM are unemployed

In 2012, more than one in four (26.5%) youth in the CBER was unemployed, unchanged from the level in 2000. The 2012 rate was 45.6% higher than the provincial rate (18.2%) and 85.3% higher than the national rate (14.3%).

In 2012, there were 7,836 employment insurance beneficiaries per month on average in Cape Breton County, up 21.2% from 1997 (6,468 beneficiaries).

On a proportionate basis, the County’s 2012 level represents 18.8% of all monthly beneficiaries in the province (41,624 beneficiaries), while its population represents 10.8% of the provincial total.

INVOLUNTARY PART-TIME WORKERS In 2012, 9.0% of workers in the CBER were involuntarily working part-time, a proportion that is more than double the 2008 level (3.7%). Cape Breton’s 2012 proportion of involuntary part-time workers was almost four times higher than the provincial level (2.4%) and five times higher than the national level (1.8%).

CBRM’S EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFICIARIES AS A % OF THE PROVINCIAL TOTAL (2012) 18.8%

PERCENT OF INVOLUNTARY PART-TIME WORKERS 2012 CBRM 2012 CBRM 2008 NS CAN

28 28

8.0% 7.8%

Moncton

YOUTH (15 TO 24 YEARS) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFICIARIES

10.8%

Charlottetown

2.4% 1.8%

9.0% 3.7%

SHARED PROSPERITY

WHY IT MATTERS:

When there is a large gap between the rich and poor in our community, we are all affected.

A large gap can lead to social problems, like health disparities and crime. It can also diminish economic growth if it means that we are not fully using the skills and capabilities of all of our citizens.

OVERALL POVERTY RATE (AFTER-TAX, LOW INCOME MEASURE) In 2010, the CBRM had an overall poverty rate of 20.8%, which was 19.5% higher than the provincial rate (17.4%) and 39.6% higher than the national rate (14.9%). For a person living alone, the low income threshold was $19,460, and for a family of four, it was $38,920.

OVERALL POVERTY RATE 2010 CBRM NS CAN

20.8% 17.4% 14.9%

CHILD POVERTY RATE 2010 (0-17 YEARS)

CHILD POVERTY RATE (AFTER-TAX, LOW INCOME MEASURE FOR THOSE 17 YEARS AND UNDER) In 2010, the CBRM’s child poverty rate for children under 18 years of age was 29.3%, which was 40.2% higher than the provincial rate (20.9%) and 69.4% higher than the national rate (17.3%). For those under 6 years of age, CBRM’s rate was 37.1%, 60.6% higher than the provincial rate (23.1%) and more than twice the national rate (18.1%).

SENIOR POVERTY RATE (AFTER-TAX, LOW INCOME MEASURE FOR THOSE 65 YEARS AND OLDER) In 2010, the CBRM’s senior poverty rate was 19.9%, which was 10.6% higher than the provincial rate (18.0%) and 48.5% higher than the national rate (13.4%).

FOOD BANK USAGE In March 2012, 1,902 adults and 855 children (2,757 in total) were assisted by food banks in the Cape Breton Economic Region (CBER), up 11.5% (285) from 2,472 in March 2008. By comparison, food bank usage throughout the province increased 39.3% during the same time period. On a population basis, in 2012, the CBER represented 14.5% of the provincial total, while food bank users represented 11.7% of the total.

CBRM NS CAN

29.3% 20.9% 17.3%

CHILD POVERTY RATE 2010 (0-5 YEARS) CBRM NS CAN

37.1% 23.1% 18.1%

SENIOR POVERTY RATE 2010 (65+ YEARS) CBRM NS CAN

19.9% 18.0% 13.4%

FOOD BANK USAGE INCREASE (2012) CBRM NS

11.5% 39.3% CBER REPRESENTS 14.5% OF THE PROVINCIAL TOTAL

29

HEALTH WHY IT MATTERS:

Lifestyle choices, such as what we eat and how much we exercise, can have a greater effect on our mental and physical health than the ability of doctors.

Data reported in this section relates to the population served by the Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) which includes health facilities in Cape Breton County, Victoria County, and northern and central Inverness County.

PERCEIVED HEALTH 2013 In 2013, 59.2% of CBDHA residents reported being in very good or excellent health, while 73.1% reported being in very good or excellent mental health.

These rates are comparable to both the provincial and national averages.

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH 2007/2009 CBDHA

LIFE EXPECTANCY At 78.2 years, children born today in the CBDHA have a life expectancy that is about two years shorter than their provincial peers (80.1) and three years shorter than their national peers (81.1), while those who are now 65 are expected to live another 18.7 years to 83.7 years, less than a year shorter than the provincial average (to 84.3 years) and a year and a half shorter than the national average (to 85.2 years).

78.2

NS

80.1

CAN

81.1

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65 2007/2009 CBDHA

83.7

NS

84.3

CAN

85.2

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (PERSONS 12 YEARS AND OLDER) Over a ten year period (2001 to 2010) in the CBDHA, 23,087 females had a mental health condition, or 383 in 10,000 females, compared to the provincial rate of 390. For the same period, 19,433 males, or 335 in 10,000 males, had a mental health condition, compared to the provincial rate of 345.

RATE OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (PER 10,000 PEOPLE) CBDHA NS

30

335 345

CBDHA NS

383 390

HEALTH BEHAVIOURS

OBESITY RATES

In 2012, one in three residents in the CBDHA was considered obese (body mass index of 30.0 or higher), compared to one in four provincially and less than one in five nationally. Obesity rates in the CBDHA have increased 4.8% on average annually since 2003.

CBDHA

NS

CAN

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RATES In 2012, one half of residents in the CBDHA spent their leisure-time being physically active. This rate is comparable to both the provincial and national rates and has remained relatively constant since 2003.

50%

people who spent their leisure time being active

SMOKING RATES In 2010, 21.9% of residents in the CBDHA were daily smokers. This rate was comparable to the provincial rate (18.8%), and considered significantly higher than the national rate (15.4%).

21.9%

SECOND-HAND SMOKE EXPOSURE AT HOME (PERSONS 12 YEARS AND OLDER)

people who are daily smokers

In 2010, 16.3% of residents in the CBDHA were exposed to second-hand smoke in their home. This rate was comparable to the provincial rate (13.7%), and considered significantly higher than the national rate (11.1%).

18.3%

HEAVY DRINKING RATES

WERE CONSIDERED HEAVY DRINKERS

In 2012, 18.3% of residents in the CBDHA were considered heavy drinkers, compared to 22.3% provincially and 17.4% nationally. This rate has remained relatively constant since 2003.

FLU SHOTS In 2012, 46.3% of residents in the CBDHA received a flu shot, compared to 42.6% provincially and 28.9% nationally. CBDHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rate has increased 4.7% on average annually since 2003.

RECOMMENDED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

ATE THE RECOMMENDED In 2012, 30.9% of residents in the CBDHA ate the recommended number of FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (2012) fruits and vegetables daily, compared to 32.9% provincially and 40.6% nationally.

This eating habit appears to be worsening over time, dropping 8.0% since 2003 CBRM 30.9% (33.6%).

NS

With respect to seniors, in 2012, 32.9% ate the recommended number of fruits and vegetables daily, compared to 31.3% provincially and 42.1% nationally. This eating habit appears to be worsening over time with this demographic as well, dropping 10.8% since 2003 (36.9%).

CAN

32.9% 40.6%

BIKE HELMET USE In 2013, 73.1% of female bike riders in the CBDHA always wore a helmet, compared to only 30.3% of males. Overall, less than half (48.9%) of bike riders in the CBDHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always wore a helmet. This rate is well below the provincial rate (67.3%), but above the national rate (36.9%).

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CAPE BRETON DISTRICT HEALTH AUTHORITY EXPENSES In 2012-13, CBDHA’s operating expenses were $295.2 million, up 72.0% ($123.6 million) from 2002-03, for an average annual increase of 5.6%. On a per person basis, CBDHA expenses in 2012-13 were $2,431 per person, the highest in the province.

OPERATING EXPENSES PER PERSON

DHA 8 - Cape Breton District Health

$2,431

DHA 9 - Capital District Health

$2,192

DHA 5 - Cumberland Health

$2,117

DHA 7 - Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health

$2,054

NS Average

$2,020

DHA 6 - Pictou County Health

$1,823

DHA 2 - South West Nova District Health

$1,818 $1,704

DHA 1 - South Shore District Health

$1,663

DHA 3 - Annapolis Valley District Health DHA 4 - Colchester East Hants Health

$1,188

SENIORS’ PHARMACARE PROGRAM In 2011-12, there were 18,736 beneficiaries of the seniors’ pharmacare program in the CBDHA at an average cost of $1,518 per beneficiary ($28.4 million in total), comparable to the provincial average ($1,503). Each beneficiary had an average of 35.3 prescriptions that year which was also comparable to the provincial average (35.2).

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CLOSURES (between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012) SCHEDULED CLOSURES

TEMPORARY CLOSURES

Glace Bay Health Care Facility 792 hours New Waterford Consolidated 510 hours 1,692 hours Northside General Hospital 510 hours 1,051 hours The CBDHA’s 4,555 hours of closure was the highest of all DHA’s in the province and reflected an 18.1% increase from 2009-10 levels (3,858 hours).

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HEALTH CONDITIONS 2013 CONDITION

CBDHA

CBDHA TO NOVA SCOTIA

CBDHA TO CANADA

Arthritis

28.2%

About the same (26.0%)

78.5% higher (15.8%)

Diabetes 12.3% 53.8% higher (8.0%) 98.4% higher (6.2%) High Blood Pressure

31.6%

50.5% higher (21.0%)

85.9% higher (17.0%)

Mood Disorder

9.3%

About the same (8.1%)

45.3% higher (6.4%)

COPD 8.8% 39.7% higher (6.3%) 104.7% higher (4.3%)

PHYSICIANS In 2011, there were 197 physicians in the CBDHA of which 112 were family physicians and 85 were specialists. Since 2000, the total number of physicians in the area has increased 29.6%, or an average of 2.4% per year. In 2012, 4.2% of the population did not have a regular medical doctor. This rate is about half the provincial average (8.9%) and about one third the national average (14.9%).

PERCENT OF POPULATION 12 YRS+ WITHOUT A REGULAR FAMILY DOCTOR 2012 CBRM

4.2% 8.9%

NS

14.9%

CAN

PHYSICIAN COSTS In 2011-12, the average payment for general physicians in the CBDHA was $251,997, the third highest in the province and 7.5% higher than the provincial average ($234,358).

WHAT KILLS US (2005/2007 Age Standardized Rate per 10,000 People) We have a higher death rate than both the provincial and national averages in every category.

Cause of Death

CBDHA

NS

Comparison

Canada

All Cancers

21.9

Circulatory Diseases

18.9

About the same

16.6

31.9% higher

20.4

18.0

About the same

15.7

29.9% higher

Respiratory Diseases

5.9

5.4

About the same

4.5

30.7% higher

Unintentional Injuries

3.5

3.2

About the same

2.5

40.2% higher

Comparison

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HEART ATTACKS VS. STROKES About three times as many people in the CBDHA are hospitalized for heart attacks (33.8 per 10,000 people) as they are for strokes (12.6 per 10,000 people). CBDHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitalization rate for heart attacks is 30.0% higher than the provincial rate (26.0 per 10,000 people) and 61.7% higher than the national rate (20.9 per 10,000 people), while its rate for strokes is comparable to both the provincial (12.2 per 10,000 people) and national (12.4 per 10,000 people) rates.

CANCER The incidence of all cancers in the CBDHA, at 48.5 per 10,000 people, is about the same as the provincial average (45.6 per 10,000), but 19.8% higher than the national average (40.5 per 10,000). Incidences of colon (6.3 per 10,000) and lung (7.0 per 10,000) cancers are about the same as the provincial averages (6.1 and 6.9 per 10,000 respectively), but are about 25% higher than the national averages (5.0 and 5.7 per 10,000 respectively), while breast and prostate cancers (11.0 and 16.0 per 10,000) are higher than the provincial averages (10.2 and 14.8 per 10,000) and the national averages (9.8 and 12.4 per 10,000).

CANCER RADIATION THERAPY WAIT TIMES Between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, in the CBDHA, average wait times for cancer radiation therapy were shorter than the provincial and national averages in all categories.

WAIT TIMES (IN DAYS) FOR NATIONALLY-PRIORITIZED PROCEDURES Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2013 in the CBDHA, average wait times for nationally prioritized surgeries were lower than provincial averages in every category, but much longer than the national benchmark with respect to hip and knee replacement surgeries.

WAIT TIMES FOR NATIONALLY PRIORITIZED PROCEDURES (90% OF PATIENTS WAIT LESS THAN THIS NUMBER OF DAYS) AVERAGE FOR APRIL 1, 2011 TO MARCH 31, 2013 588.8 539.4 487.9 421.0

251.8 182.0

182.0

182.0 134.9

CBDHA

NS

National Benchmark

HIP REPLACEMENT

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CBDHA

NS

National Benchmark

KNEE REPLACEMENT

CBDHA

NS

National Benchmark

CATARACT SURGERY

WAIT TIMES FOR COMMON PROCEDURES Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2013, 90% of patients in the CBDHA generally had to wait less time than those in other parts of the province for common procedures.

WAIT TIMES FOR COMMON PROCEDURES (90% OF PATIENTS WAIT LESS THAN THIS NUMBER OF DAYS) FOR APRIL 1, 2011 TO MARCH 31, 2013 123.2

141.0 114.7 102.8

69.6

67.8

67.6

50.6

48.5 33.1

CBDHA

NS

UPPER GI SERIES

CBDHA

NS

ULTRASOUND

CBDHA

NS

CT SCAN

CBDHA

NS

BONE DENSITY

CBDHA

NS

BARIUM ENEMA

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ABOUT

CONNECTING PEOPLE WHO CARE WITH CAUSES THAT MATTER The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to have published Vital Signs速 for five consecutive years starting with Wolfville in 2009, Lunenburg County in 2010, Nova Scotia in 2011 and Halifax in 2012. While the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia itself is a young initiative, the community foundation movement across Canada has been connecting people who care with causes that matter for more than 90 years. In less than six years, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia has helped to create over 40 endowment funds, distributed more than $300,000 as grants and impacted over 125 charities throughout Nova Scotia.

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The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia is a public charitable foundation established

by Nova Scotians for Nova Scotians. We connect donors with the community issues they care about most and create lasting impacts.

Take a look at some of our endowments...

2008 Heart of the Bay Fund

Our three core activities are...

1. Growing Philanthropy - We help others to establish and grow endowments that will make a long-term difference in Nova Scotia;

An initiative of the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association to preserve and enhance the Bay’s natural environment, it’s heritage and quality of life.

2. Building Knowledge – We provide the public with objective information about community strengths and opportunities through our Vital Signs® reports; 3. Strengthening Community – We support charities and community organizations throughout Nova Scotia and Canada.

So what’s so special about a Community Foundation? At the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia we do philanthropy differently.

We’ve tossed out the old idea of “who” creates a Foundation and created a space where people of all financial means can build their own Fund and begin to make their own impact in their own way.

We’ve also created a space where donors, charities and other community stakeholders can learn more about what’s happening in their own backyard through the publication of Vital Signs® reports. All of these efforts are aimed at inspiring civic engagement – or in other words – encouraging you, your co-workers, family, friends and neighbours to get together to try to figure out how we can pool our resources to bring a new perspective to some age-old issues and ultimately build more resilient communities throughout Nova Scotia.

2009 Buddy Daye Scholarship Fund A scholarship fund for African Nova Scotians age 14-24 years that celebrates athletic accomplishments, community involvement and scholastic achievement.

2010 Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society Fund An initiative aimed at nourishing our connections with the land and protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the Cole Harbour area.

How will you make a positive impact in your community?

For more visit www.cfns.ca 37

CONTRIBUTORS The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia is grateful to all of those who helped to make this report possible.

CBRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vital SignsÂŽ Team Barbara Crowell, Project Manager Peter Nicholson, PhD, CM, Senior Research Advisor

Research Support Andrew Sharpe, PhD Centre for the Study of Living Standards

Editors Allison Kouzovnikov, BA MBA LLB Barbara Crowell Carolyn Smedley Beverly Clark

Design Valerie Keast

Sources & Credits Most of the data included in this report was sourced from Statistics Canada. Most of the pictures were taken from the Flickr Creative Commons.

For a complete source listing, please visit our websites: www.cfns.ca and www.novascotiasvitalsigns.ca

Acknowledgements Special thanks to George Karaphillis, Dr. David Wheeler, Harvey Johnstone, Dr. Ron Stewart, Dave Alderson, Jacquelyn Thayer Scott and Valerie Bobyk for your help and support with this project.

Contact Us 806-1888 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS B3J 3J8 (902)490.5907 infocfns@cfns.ca www.cfns.ca www.novascotiasvitalsigns.ca

Community Foundation of Nova Scotia Board of Directors Dennice Leahey, CM, Chair Robert Orr, Vice-Chair Ruth March, CA, TEP, Treasurer Dr. Margaret Casey, CM, Secretary Mary Eldridge Jane Nicholson, APR Joe Gillivan Dale Godsoe, CM

We would like to thank all of those who were involved in putting this report together, offering their advice, support and guidance. We especially recognize the contributions of the NextGen Leadership Society and Cape Breton University.

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PARTNERS CBRM’s Vital Signs® was generously supported by:

The JSF Fund@CFNS Joe Shannon

Special thanks to our print sponsors:

Vital Signs® is a community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends, and supports action on issues that are critical to our quality of life. Vital Signs® is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada.

CBRM’s Vital Signs® is a signature product of the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia. The Vital Signs® trademark is used with permission from Community Foundations of Canada.

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