MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 1311 Guelph, ON N1H 6N6 STREET ADDRESS:
147 Wyndham St. N., Suite 405 Guelph, ON N1H 6N6 Tel: 519-821-9216 Fax: 519-821-6525 E-mail: guelphcf@bellnet.ca
www.guelphcf.ca www.guelphwellingtonvitalsigns.ca Charitable Registration #867278350RR0001
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Introduction & Methodology
3
How We Did It
4
Community Profile
6
Gap Between the Rich & Poor
8
Safety
10
Health & Wellness
12
Learning
14
Housing
16
Getting Started
18
Arts & Culture
20
Environment
22
Work
24
Belonging & Leadership
26
Getting Around
28
Families
30
Making a Difference
32
Acknowledgements
33
Our Photographers
34
Vital Signs® 2008
The Guelph Community Foundation is very pleased to publish Guelph & Wellington’s first Vital Signs® report – a report card of the quality of life in our community. Unlike reports which focus on a single life issue, you will find that Vital Signs® is broad in scope and is more than data. Nearly 700 individuals participated in the grading process, sharing their views on Guelph & Wellington’s wellness and liveability. It is said that the first step to problem solving is awareness of the problem.This report provides that awareness. In part, it will guide The Foundation’s granting decisions and give us the understanding we need to advise donors of the priorities in our community. We hope this report will inform the decisions of community leaders both elected and otherwise. We hope it will influence grant recipients, charities, community groups of all kinds, and those who support our community through donations and volunteerism.
GUELPH ABOUT THE FOUNDATION Y COMMUNIT
gacy. n leave a le Everyone ca ommunity e Guelph C Th , 0 0 our 0 2 in ll-being of Established s on the we ing a se at cu e fo cr n in io s Foundat individual s st si o as ti d an nera ns community ng community for ge f life ri ca ve quality o giving and is to impro al o g d r u an O g to come. by buildin Wellington other gifts, in Guelph & funds and t n e le m w o d n e ts to charitab managing rough gran th l s ca d lo ee t n u g o addressin g others ab ns, informin roviding organizatio rams, and p g ro p d an s n together to organizatio ing people g n ri b y b leadership mmunity. ngaged co hed create an e nds establis owment fu d n lph e e u 0 G 7 r e ve With o of life, Th ks al w l al m fro er – by donors n is a build y Foundatio it or in n u ct m se m le o C charitab e th g on, in n e ure, Educati strength rts and Cult d Social Services. A f o as e ar the are an nt, Health C Environme ns n in donatio In 2007: r $2.8 millio ve o d e iv ce • Re million rew to $6.5 able • Assets g ts to charit n ra g ted 110 0,000 3 6 $ r ve o • Distribu s totalling n io at iz an org funds ed 20 new • Establish
Further, we want the report to stimulate those not yet involved to get engaged in our community. Making a difference is not restricted to those who are privileged and financially wealthy; it is open to anyone of generous spirit. Everyone can make a difference in some way. We hope you will find this an easy and informative read, and that it will prompt your participation in whatever way you can. We thank The Ontario Trillium Foundation, The Co-operators and the City of Guelph for their funding support. As well, special thanks go to the project steering committee of community leaders, all citizens who took the time to grade the elements of the report, those organizations who provided data, and The Guelph Mercury – our media partner. While we count our blessings that Guelph & Wellington offers so much to enhance our quality of life, there are needs in our community that continue to require our attention. Read the report. Understand it. Share it. Discuss it. Dig deeper. Find a way to make your difference. This is only the beginning. For more detailed information about the report and information on the work of The Guelph Community Foundation, give us a call at 519-821-9216 or check out our website at www.guelphcf.ca.We would be delighted to hear from you.
MESSAGE FROM THE GUELPH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
1
Message from The Guelph Community Foundation
Pauline Curtis, Chair Cindy Lindsay, Executive Director The Guelph Community Foundation
Vital Signs® 2008
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INTRODUCTION & METHODOLOGY
Vital Signs® is a powerful tool. It indicates where communities are doing well and where improvement is needed. It engages citizens in ranking the priority issues that need to be addressed. This 2008 report card gives us an overview of Guelph & Wellington in 12 key areas: 1. Gap between the Rich & Poor 2. Safety 3. Health & Wellness 4. Learning 5. Housing 6. Getting Started 7. Arts & Culture 8. Environment 9. Work 10. Belonging & Leadership 11. Getting Around 12. Families The results will help inform the work of The Guelph Community Foundation. Understanding the needs of our communities is critical to The Foundation’s success and to ensuring that donated funds are used effectively. Besides the benefits to The Guelph Community Foundation’s work, we hope that this report sparks discussion and learning, on the part of both community decision-makers and citizens. We encourage you to use this Vital Signs® report in your workplace, school, and in all aspects of your community. This is the beginning of a process, not the end.
We established an Advisory Committee, comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders. Their knowledge and guidance has been instrumental in the planning, community engagement, research, writing and promotion of this project.
PHY GEOGRA e data for both T U O B A to provid of Wellington. A NOTE avoured
ende County We have Guelph and the lways possible. f ta o d the City tely, this was no report are base a is n In th tu . Unfor dings in litan Area) data al f the fin Much o ensus Metropo able at the loc gly. (C vail in A a rd M ly o C n c o c n o cited a data is , is s on e d s ti n a a a c n , area expla some conomic le below for an e r o h lt hea rt. e tab fer to th the repo Please re graphy cited in eo of the g
Geography
What it pertains to
Guelph Area
The Guelph CMA (Census Metropolitan Area), which is comprised of the population of the City of Guelph and the Township of Guelph/Eramosa. The municipal boundaries of Guelph. The seven municipalities and townships in rural Wellington Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph/Eramosa, Mapleton, Minto, Puslinch, and Wellington North. The Wellington CD (Census Division) which includes the City of Guelph plus all municipalities and townships in the County of Wellington. The catchment area of the WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Public Health unit.
City of Guelph County of Wellington
Guelph & Wellington
WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Health Region WaterlooWellington Health Region Economic Region
The catchment area of the WaterlooWellington LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). Guelph & Wellington is included in the economic region of Kitchener Waterloo – Barrie.
As part of the national initiative, all of the community foundations across Canada publishing Vital Signs® reports agree to publish one common indicator for cross-country comparison. This is the first indicator in each of the issue areas (with the exception of Arts & Culture for which no Guelph & Wellington data was available, and Families and Getting Around which are Guelph & Wellington-specific issues). In April 2008, we held three community consultation sessions throughout the city and county to help identify what issues/indicators the community feels are critical to track and report on. About 80 civic, non-profit, and business leaders and other informed members of our community participated in this priority setting exercise.
HOW WE DID IT
Vital Signs® is a report card prepared by Community Foundations across Canada that measures the health of our community, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in areas critical to quality of life.
We collected data from a variety of sources, both local and national. In so doing, we considered four factors: • Reliability of the data source • Availability of data for Guelph & Wellington, and for provincial comparators • Currency of the data, and the prospect of future updates • Feasibility of data collection, from the point of view of cost and availability The Advisory Committee then reviewed each indicator statement, with consideration to the relationship of the indicators to one another and the issue area. Finally, 689 community members, representing all the municipalities and townships in Guelph & Wellington, participated by assigning one of the following grades to the indicator statements and issue areas: A. I am very pleased. Guelph & Wellington is leading the way. B. I am satisfied with this situation. C. This situation is mediocre. D. I am concerned. This situation needs attention. F. This situation is unacceptable. The grades in this report reflect the median scores. Median is the middle point – 50% of the respondents to each question chose an answer above or below it.
References An online version of this report that includes footnotes with definitions and links to source information is available at www.guelphcf.ca or www.guelphwellingtonvitalsigns.ca. 3
Vital Signs® 2008
Vital Signs® 2008
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Population Size & Growth In 2006, there were 114,943 people living in the City of Guelph. This represents an 8.3% increase since 2001. In the County of Wellington, there were 85,482 people; an increase of 5.3%. In comparison, the provincial growth rate was 6.6%.
Foreign-born Residents In 2006, there were 24,110 immigrants living in the City of Guelph. This represents 21.1% of the total population. In the County of Wellington, there were 9,630 immigrants, comprising 11.4% of the population. In comparison, immigrants make up 28.3% of the population of Ontario. Since 2001, there has been less than a percentage point increase in the proportion of foreign-born residents in Guelph & Wellington.
Visible Minorities In 2006, there were 15,800 visible minorities living in the City of Guelph.This represents 13.8% of the total population. In the County of Wellington, there were 1,425 visible minorities, comprising 1.7% of the population. Since 2001, the proportion of visible minorities has grown a percentage point in Guelph & Wellington.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Understanding who makes up our community and where they come from helps to identify patterns and the services needed.
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Child Poverty In 2006, 15.1% of families with children GUELPH WELLINGTON in the Guelph area were living in poverty. In comparison, 23.4% of children live in low-income families in Ontario. These rates have remained relatively stable since 2001.
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Defining Poverty We have used LIMs (Low Income Measures) as the definition of poverty for the indictor statement. LIMs are a fixed percentage (50%) of adjusted median family income. The adjustment used in calculating LIMs reflects the principle that family needs increase in family size. A census family is considered to be living in poverty when their income is below the LIM for their family type and size. For comparator purposes, we have also included a graph based on the LICO (Low Income Cut-Off Measure). LICO is an income level at which families or unattached individuals spend 20% more than average on food, shelter and clothing. LICOs are adjusted by community and family size.
Social Assistance Ontario Works, the government's welfare-to-work GUELPH WELLINGTON program, provides financial and employment assistance to people who are in temporary financial need. There were 1,288 social assistance cases in Guelph & Wellington in April 2008. This equates to 1,724 cases per 100,000 households. In Ontario, the median was 4,136 cases per 100,000 households in 2005. In Guelph & Wellington, the number of social assistance cases has remained fairly constant since 2005.
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GAP BETWEEN THE RICH & POOR
Inadequate income increases the vulnerability of at-risk groups in our society - children, lone-parent families, newcomers, people with disabilities, seniors and other marginalized populations. Knowing the difference between the lowest and highest income earners in our community helps us to identify and take measures to address the gap and help those who require it most.
Homelessness is KNOW? nations DID YOU r charitable food dpoeople living in
d fo 97. of the The nee since 19 7, 2.5% 0 0 2 In . up 12% g , s in k n w a ro b g d used foo are children. Ontario ers s u e s e th 39% of
In Guelph & Wellington, 994 individuals stayed GUELPH WELLINGTON at least one night in an emergency shelter in 2006; 228 (18%) were youth, including 50 expectant and young mothers. Between 2003 and 2006, there was a 42% increase in the number of shelter users.
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Traffic Crime The Criminal Code Traffic Crime Rate measures GUELPH WELLINGTON violations such as dangerous operation of a vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and impaired operation of a vehicle. In 2007, the criminal code traffic crime rate in the City of Guelph was 176 occurrences per 100,000 people. The rate for the County of Wellington was 254 occurrences per 100,000 people. In comparison, the provincial average was 253. Since 2006, traffic crime has decreased 18.5% in the City of Guelph and increased 3.7% in the County of Wellington.
SAFETY
Emergency preparedness, policing services, the way our neighbourhoods are planned, and the extent to which we feel empowered to protect ourselves are key factors that influence our feeling of safety. Personal safety affects the way we socialize and participate in community life.
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Domestic Violence Domestic violence is any use of physical or GUELPH WELLINGTON sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship, including emotional/psychological abuse or harassing behaviour. In 2007, the rate of domestic violence offences (where charges were laid by police) in the City of Guelph was 249 per 100,000 people. In the County of Wellington, there were 136 occurrences per 100,000 people. In comparison, the provincial rate was estimated to be 220 in 2005. Since 2006, domestic violence occurrences have increased 6.4% in the City of Guelph and decreased 17.6% in the County of Wellington.
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Community Perceptions of Crime In a Guelph Police Service survey of city GUELPH WELLINGTON residents conducted in 2003 and again in 2006, between 96% and 97% of respondents said that they felt “somewhat safe” or “very safe” in the City of Guelph.
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98 $1,096,1 KNOW? DID YOU Police Service seizendd $1,087,382
lph 07 a e value The Gue licit drugs in 20 2005. Th gton il f in o 4 3 th r ,6 wo $84 ellin nty of W up from in 2006, ized in the Cou se of drugs ,226 in 2007. 99 ,5 1 $ s wa
Vital Signs® 2008
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Obesity In 2007, 20.1% of adults living in the GUELPH WELLINGTON Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph health region were considered obese. In comparison, the provincial average is 16.1%. Since 2005, the obesity rate has increased 24.1% in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.
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Physician Supply The Canadian Medical Forum’s Task Force One on GUELPH WELLINGTON Physician Supply in Canada (1999) recommended that Canada should retain a ratio of 180-190 physicians per 100,000 people to maintain an adequate health care delivery system. In 2006, there were 137 active physicians (family practitioners and specialists) per 100,000 people in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph health region. In comparison, the average number of active physicians practicing in Ontario was 174 per 100,000 people. Since 2000, the ratio of active physicians practicing in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph has risen 11.4%.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Good health improves the quality of individual lives and reduces health care costs. The health status of people is influenced by good health practices and behaviour, as well as access to health care services.
Mental Health In 2005, 8.4% of residents living in Waterloo- GUELPH WELLINGTON Wellington health region reported having a mental health diagnosis (i.e. mood disorder, anxiety disorder and/or schizophrenia). This figure is comparable to the provincial average of 8.5%.
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Wait Times Wait Times in Days (Jan-Mar 2008) Procedure
to the KNOW? erted in DID YOU way has been convthe Credit Valley
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Cancer Surgery Cataract Surgery Joint Replacements Hip Knee Diagnostic Scans MRI CT
Guelph General Hospital
Waterloo Wellington LHIN
Ontario
Provincial Target
55 75
60 76
65 121
84 182
86 92
163 162
216 249
182 182
55 61
87 41
110 43
28 28 Vital SignsÂŽ 2008
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High School Non-Completion In 2006, 20.4% of the population (15 years and GUELPH WELLINGTON over) of the City of Guelph had not completed high school. In the County of Wellington, 27.5% of the population do not have a high school certificate. In comparison, the provincial average is 22.2%.
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LEARNING
Lifelong learning and educational achievement affect our ability to participate in a competitive workforce and achieve higher incomes. The learning we do in our early years establishes a life-long foundation.
Literacy Prose is defined as the skills needed GUELPH WELLINGTON to understand and use written information. The proficiency level of prose required for a modern economy and knowledgable society is a score of 276 - 325. In 2003, the average prose score for Guelph & Wellington’s economic region was 281. This score is 4.0% above the provincial average.
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Readiness to Learn The Early Development Instrument (EDI) GUELPH WELLINGTON measures groups of children’s readiness to learn at school. It looks at five areas: Physical Health and Well-Being, Social Competence, Emotional Maturity, Language and Cognitive Development, and Communication Skills and General Knowledge. Children who score in the bottom 10th percentile on at least one of the domains are considered “vulnerable”. In 2006, 28.3% of kindergarten-aged children living in the City of Guelph scored in the bottom 10th percentile on one or more domains of the EDI. In the County of Wellington, 30.9% of children scored in the bottom 10th percentile. In comparison, 26.8% of children in Ontario scored in the vulnerable range.
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m KNOW? ip Progra DID YOU Youth Apprenticesnhsition program
rio tra e The Onta school-to-work chools. Full-tim s a y tive is r ) a ra P d e n A p Y o o c o (O se arn c through nd 12 e nts in offered des 11 a placeme ents ra rk G o in w h ts g n u e tu d s 69 d stu s thro n credit 7-08, there were ard and o ti a c u d 0 e l Bo 20 t Schoo ades. In ict skilled tr er Grand Distric n Catholic Distr p to p g U in e ll e in th eW YAP. nts in th 10 stude rd enrolled in O a o B l o Scho Vital Signs® 2008
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Rental Vacancy Rate The generally accepted benchmark for a healthy GUELPH WELLINGTON residential rental vacancy rate is 3%. In 2007, the rental vacancy rate for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Guelph area was 2.1%. The average rate for CMAs (Census Metropolitan Areas) across Canada is 2.5%. Between 2005 and 2007, the average rate in the Guelph area was 3.0%.
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HOUSING
An adequate mix of safe and affordable housing benefits individuals, families and firms in the community. How and where our housing is built and organized in relation to employment, public amenities, transportation, and community services shape our quality of life.
Average Rent in Comparison to Family Income Whether buying a house or renting an apartment, GUELPH WELLINGTON spending more than 30% of one’s before-tax income on housing places people at risk of becoming homeless. In 2006, the cost of renting an average 2-bedroom apartment in the Guelph area amounted to 12.9% of the median family income. In comparison, the provincial ratio is 16.6%. Since 2004, the rate has decreased 5.1% in the Guelph area.
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Waiting List for Social Housing 1,370 households were on the waiting list for GUELPH WELLINGTON social housing as of December 31, 2007. Between 2006 and 2007, the waiting list increased 37.3%. On average, 3.1 applications are received for every vacated unit. In the City of Guelph, the average wait time ranges from 3 – 9 years. In the County of Wellington, the average wait time ranges from 2 to 5 years.
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imum KNOW? e at min of DID YOU on working full-tim % 4 pend 4
pers to s achelor A single ld be required rent a b eu to o e w m e o g c wa t a on ax in before-t lph (60% to ren ordability r e /h is h e aff nt in Gu ove the apar tme partment) – ab ). a % bedroom for shelter (30 ark m h c n e b
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Income Gap between Immigrants and Non-Immigrants In 2005, the median family income of recent GUELPH WELLINGTON immigrants (arrived between 2001 and 2004) living in the Guelph area was $57,908. This figure is 28.6% less than the income of non-immigrant families. In Ontario, the median family income for recent immigrants was $46,222; this is 39.8% less than non-immigrant families.
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Knowledge of English In 2006, 1.2% of the City of Guelph’s population did not speak English. In the County of Wellington, 0.7% of the population does not speak English. In comparison, the provincial average is 2.6%.
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GETTING STARTED
Newcomers are vital to our community’s future. Our ability to welcome and integrate immigrants into the community and the workforce is critical to their well-being and makes a lasting difference.
Unemployment Rate of Immigrants In 2006, the unemployment rate of recent GUELPH WELLINGTON immigrants (arrived between 2001 and 2005) in the Guelph area was 7.3%. In comparison, the rate for non-immigrants is 5.0%. In Ontario, the rate for recent immigrants is 11.9% and for non-immigrants is 6.2%. In the Guelph area, the unemployment rate of recent immigrants has gone down from 13.5% in 2001.
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What is Generation Status? 1st Generation refers to persons born outside of Canada. 2nd Generation refers to persons born inside Canada with at least one parent born outside Canada. 3rd Generation refers to persons born inside Canada with both parents born inside Canada. rolled in KNOW? were en nd U ts O n Y e d ID D e) a lt stu anguag 933 adu
8, to nd L In 2007-0 glish as a Seco wcomers n n for Ne per Grand (E o L ti S c E u e tr th Ins Up nguage offered by the s down LINC (La s wa m t ra n g e ro )p Enrolm . rd Canada a o B School District 6-07. om 200 fr 19.8%
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Number of Artists In Guelph & Wellington, 810 people reported earnings as artists in 2001. This equates to less than one percent of the overall labour force (0.7%). It is comparable to the provincial ratio (0.8%).
GUELPH WELLINGTON
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Earning Gap between Artists and the overall Labour Force The average income of artists in the City of GUELPH WELLINGTON Guelph was $21,400 in 2001.This figure is 36.3% less than the average earnings of the overall labour force. In Ontario, the average earnings of artists were $26,800; this is 23.9% less than the overall labour force.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Arts and culture make a community a vibrant and enriching place to live. An active and diverse mix of cultural offerings increases people’s sense of satisfaction with their environment and community pride.
Household Spending on Performing Arts In 2003, 36.4% of households in Guelph GUELPH WELLINGTON & Wellington’s economic region (which includes Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie) reported spending money to attend a live performance. This is comparable to the provincial rate (37.4).
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Artists include nine occupations tracked by Statistics Canada: actors; artisans and craftspersons; conductors and arrangers; dancers; musicians and singers; other performers; painters, sculptors and other visual artists; producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations; and writers.
ington NOW? K h & Well lp U e O u Y G DID rio for ents in nts Onta er 24 ev
ov Eve There are ith Festival and studio tours to w m d o re e fr te g is reg cover th rythin 09 - eve irs.To dis , theatre, 0 fa -2 ll 8 fa 0 0 to 2 ce s firework usic, dan e, music to and events in m arts, and heritag a s ia s.c w d e rt e n a t n m s , late arts ingto s, literary s.ca or www.well rt a l a u is v hart w.guelp visit ww Vital Signs® 2008
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How is Air Quality Measured? Air quality can be measured using several metrics, such as Ozone levels and Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) concentrations. Ground-level ozone is a reactive, unstable form of oxygen. Vehicle exhausts are large contributors of ground-level ozone as well as industrial emissions. Particulate Matter 2.5 refers to substances that can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Sources include forest fires, sea salt, volcanoes, construction work, mining and quarrying.
Air Quality In 2006, there were 14 days in the Guelph area where the Ozone levels were above threshold. Particulate Matter 2.5 was above threshold levels on 2 days. Between 2001 and 2006, it was above threshold an average of 6 days a year.
ENVIRONMENT
From the air we breathe to the ground we walk on, a healthy and sustainable environment is an important part of the quality of life in our community.
GUELPH WELLINGTON
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Waste Diversion The Diversion Rate refers to the percentage GUELPH WELLINGTON of waste materials diverted from traditional disposal such as landfills to be recycled, composted, or re-used. On June 10, 2004, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment set a provincial goal of diverting 60% of waste from landfill. In 2002, 38% of waste was diverted in the City of Guelph. In the County of Wellington, the diversion rate is 57%. In comparison, the provincial average is 28%.
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Residential Water Use a shrubs in KNOW? ees and eets, and U tr O e Y th ID str D rs to rest refe parks, on rt
t pa se in an Fo The Urb y, including tho are an importan anage it s m n e commu properties.Tre re as they help unities, te m tu on priva green infrastruc In farming com wind r. ng of a city’s and storm wate lds by moderati hould ie ty ys y li it a n p u u q ro air mm se c ally, a co he City lp increa trees he mperatures. Ide er of 30 - 40 %.T nd v te ,a and soil tree canopy co roximately 30% %. a p 7 maintain ’s coverage is ap estimated at 1 is h ’s lp n e to u g G of llin ty of We the Coun
Municipal residential drinking water GUELPH WELLINGTON systems supply the homes of more than 80% of Ontarians. In 2004, the average daily flow of water for residential use was 216.4 litres per capita in the City of Guelph. This rate is 16.8% below the provincial average. Since 2001, residential usage of water in the City of Guelph has dropped 5.4%.
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Employment Growth
WORK
In a healthy community, the local economy creates quality employment opportunities for everyone by training and supporting workers and attracting and developing new employment. The availability of secure work for living wages is essential to our overall quality of life.
In 2007, there was no employment growth GUELPH WELLINGTON in the Guelph area. In fact, there was a 0.1% decline in the size of workforce. This is 1.7 percentage points below the provincial rate. Between 2000 – 2007, the average annual employment growth rate in the Guelph area was 1.4%. This annual growth rate is comparable to the provincial average of 1.8%.
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Average Hourly Earnings In 2007, the average hourly earnings in Guelph GUELPH WELLINGTON & Wellington’s economic region (which includes Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie) was $18.74. The provincial average is 2.4% higher. Since 1997, the rate has gone up 9.6% in Guelph & Wellington.
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Involuntary Part-time Workers In 2007, 1.2% of the labour force in Guelph GUELPH WELLINGTON & Wellington’s economic region wanted and looked for full-time work but were employed part-time. This figure is comparable to the provincial rate (1.4%). Since 1997, it has gone down from 2.3% of the labour force in Guelph & Wellington.
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chain KNOW? n value DID YOU presents a $63 billioto the auto
d re only rly 6,000 Agri-foo second in size ton, nea ; g o in ri ll e ta n W in O h& is sector. . In Guelp industry employed in th are people
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Voter Turnout In the electoral riding of Guelph, 70.8% GUELPH WELLINGTON of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2006 federal election. In Wellington-Halton Hills, the voter turnout rate was 71.0%. In comparison, the provincial average was 66.6%. There was a 10.2% rise in voter turnout in Guelph and 6.0% in Wellington-Halton Hills from the 2004 federal election.
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Community Organization Memberships In 2006, 20.6% of households in the GUELPH WELLINGTON Guelph & Wellington’s economic region reported making contributions or paying dues to social clubs and other organizations. This is 24.1% higher than the provincial average.
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Charitable Donations In 2006, the median of total charitable GUELPH WELLINGTON gifts made by donors in the Guelph area was $280. This is 9.7% below the provincial average. Since 2001, median donations have increased 33.3% in the Guelph area.
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BELONGING & LEADERSHIP
Participation in civic life contributes to our sense of connection to one another. By voting, volunteering, and donating, we foster leadership that helps build and maintain a vibrant community.
city NOW? st caring K o m U ’s O a Y d DID Cana ighest rated as as the h
it h was ited Way Guelph azine, as n’s mag country.The Un a le c a M by d to be the r rate in gton is delighte r 500 e te n lu o v in ve h & Well 7. g, with o of Guelp r y of this carin .6 million in 200 2 ia $ c fi e e is n ra e ab g to rs helpin voluntee
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Use of Public Transit to Get to Work In 2006, 6.6% of workers used public GUELPH WELLINGTON transportation to get to work in the City of Guelph. In the County of Wellington, 0.9% of workers commute by public transit. In comparison, the provincial average is 12.9%. There has been less than half a percentage increase in the use of public transit as a method of commuting to work since 2001.
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Commuting Distance In 2006, the median distance people who GUELPH WELLINGTON lived in the Guelph area commuted to work was 5.0 km. This is 42.5% lower than the provincial average. Since 2001, the median commuting distance has risen 11.1% in the Guelph area.
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GETTING AROUND
Transportation methods that recognize the importance of individual mobility and minimize the impact on the environment contribute to a sustainable community.
Working in a Different Community In the City of Guelph, 22.5% of workers GUELPH WELLINGTON travelled to a workplace located outside of Guelph & Wellington in 2006. In the County of Wellington, 38.6% of residents commuted to a workplace in a different county. In comparison, 24.4% of residents in Ontario commuted to workplace in a different region.
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e KNOW? ted in th DID YOU 62 people participaal initiative that
h, 3 tion In Guelp Challenge, a na bike or take the r , k te lk u a w m the wee Com ople to e p s e was held km was g e ra g u n e o ll c a n e Ch ,434 ork.The tal of 20 e bus to w 008. A to opted to leav 2 , 7 to 1 o h e n w u of J ipants y par tic saved b t home. a their cars Vital SignsÂŽ 2008
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In 2006, there were 56,650 families living in Guelph & Wellington: • 56.8% live in the City of Guelph and 43.2% live in the County of Wellington (This is comparable to the urban/rural split for the total population). • 75.6% are married. • 11.8% are common-law. • 12.8% are single-parent. Of these, 77.4% are female-led. • Average family size is 3.0 persons. • Since 2001, there has been an 8.4% increase in the number of families (compared to a 7.0% increase in the total population).
FAMILIES
Family Composition
Family Income In 2005, the median income of families GUELPH WELLINGTON living in Guelph & Wellington was $75,857. This figure is 9.7% higher than the provincial average. In Guelph & Wellington, median family incomes have risen 15.4% since 2000.
B B
Child Care In 2008, the child care spaces located in GUELPH WELLINGTON daycare centres could accommodate 7.9% of the population of Guelph & Wellington, aged 0-12 years. In comparison, centre-based child care spaces were available for 11.9% of children in Ontario in 2007.
D C
Family KNOW? care of DID YOU 271 children in theh and Wellington
ere uelp 8. There w ’s Services of G ty) in 2007-200 n cies ie n re c e d o aid s er ag & Chil ildren’s s of oth under h rd (c a y w t s n Cou mes clude s not in ption ho This doe cal foster/ado lo placed in rvision. e p u s ir the
Vital Signs® 2008
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As Canada’s most caring community (Maclean’s magazine, Aug. 28, 2008), Guelph has a reputation for always giving a little extra to help increase the quality of life in our community. But there is always opportunity to do more – The Guelph Community Foundation’s Vital Signs® report gives us a chance to see where we excel and where we can all focus greater attention. “From formal fundraising initiatives to neighbourhood volunteerism, the citizens of Guelph help improve the lives of those at home and abroad every single day. Guelph’s recent recognition as the most caring city in the country is a testament to this community’s unique dedication to making a difference.” Karen Farbridge, Mayor City of Guelph If you or your organization is moved and motivated by what you’ve read in this report, please don’t stop there: · Pass it on. Share this report with your employer, your teacher, your friends, your neighbourhood association, or a government representative at any level. · Make your voice heard. Engage elected officials and talk about the issues that matter to you. · Find out more.Visit the websites of the organizations featured in the expanded online version of this report. · Examine your choices and actions and how they contribute to these indicators. · Get involved with neighbourhood groups or start your own. · Identify an area where you would like to make a positive difference and get involved. · Review the policies and activities of the organizations and businesses that you are affiliated with to see how they affect these trends. · Give to a charitable organization that is helping to make a difference. · Contact The Guelph Community Foundation at 519-821-9216 or visit www.guelphcf.ca. Supporting and growing our community’s quality of life… now that’s making a difference!
Do you have a story to share about someone who is making a difference? Visit guelph.ca/makingadifference.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
What can you do to make a difference?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that provided information and statistics or in any way helped in the creation of this report. We are grateful to all those who participated in our community forums and the 689 individuals who participated in the on-line grading survey. Vital Signs® is based on a project of the Toronto Community Foundation and is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada. The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation provided critical support for the national expansion of the Vital Signs® program. The Vital Signs® trademark is used with permission from the Toronto Community Foundation. Special thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing funding for the start up of this program, to the 13 members of our Advisory Committee for their guidance and leadership, to Andrew Sharpe and his colleagues at the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, and to Sara Lyons of Community Foundations of Canada. We also wish to thank The Co-operators, the City of Guelph, and The Guelph Mercury. Vital Signs® Advisory Committee Andrea Olson, Committee Chair The Guelph Community Foundation Board Member Ken Dardano, Executive Director United Way of Guelph & Wellington Linda Davenport, Chair Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Toni Ellis, Board Member Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence Ken Hammill, Board Member The Guelph Community Foundation Susan Healey, Research and Development Guelph Police Service Audrey Jamal, Executive Director Guelph Downtown Business Association Vern Lediett, Retired Executive Director Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services Jane Londerville, Chair Wellington and Guelph Housing Committee Rob MacKay, Manager Recreation and Culture, City of Guelph Daniel Moore, CEO Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County Paul Truex, Board Member Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network Brenda Whiteside, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs, University of Guelph
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Vital Signs® 2008
Contributors of Information Centre for the Study of Living Standards City of Guelph Community Foundations of Canada County of Wellington Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County Guelph Arts Council Guelph Community Health Centre Guelph Environmental Leadership Guelph Police Service United Way of Guelph & Wellington Upper Grand District School Board Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board Wellington Centre for Continuing Education Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit Vital Signs® Communities Calgary Fredericton London and Middlesex Medicine Hat Greater Montreal Oakville Ottawa Red Deer
Greater St. John Greater Sudbury Toronto Victoria Metro Vancouver Waterloo Region (Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo)
Creative Partner MacMillan Marketing Group Guelph & Wellington’s Vital Signs® Project Team Eden Grodzinski, Project Manager Jodi Hamelin, Student Researcher Cindy Lindsay, Executive Director
Thank you to our volunteer photographers who spent a day taking the pulse of our community through pictures. Thank you to the Guelph Mercury for supplying the Getting Started photo and a special thanks to the many individuals who participated in the Guelph Mercury Vital Signs® photo contest. Many of the entries are displayed throughout the report. Congratulations to Ken McKenzie for his winning photo.
The Guelph Community Foundation Board Ken Hammill Pauline Curtis, Chair Peter Kastner Hugh Guthrie, Vice Chair Moragh Lippert Jay Elinesky, Vice Chair Beverley McAleese Hilary Coates, Treasurer Pat McCraw Susan Brown Andrea Olson Gary Christie Ella Pauls Dan Cremasco
(Not pictured: Jay Bathija, Dan De Fidelibus, Bill Longshaw, Ken McKenzie, Andrew Mihok, John Smit. )
Funders/Sponsors
Andrea Buchholz
Tova Davidson
Cory Fowler
Mark Hallman
Brenda Louise Moore
Natasha Paterson
Tanya Reimann
Noelle Valeriote