The Red Deer & District Community Foundation is a community catalyst committed to growing a legacy which strengthens the quality of life in Red Deer and surrounding area.
Grading System Explained ........ 6
Stewardship – we value the gifts entrusted to us by our donors, our volunteers, and the resources of the community. We are therefore accountable for the effective and efficient use of these resources, in every way.
Environment ................................ 8
Being Proactive – we believe that we must actively seek out solutions to emerging issues in our community to produce results that will meet the current and future challenges we all face.
Work ........................................... 12
Partnerships – we believe that by working together in partnership with others, we will generate new and innovative solutions, reduce duplication of effort and develop long lasting relationships for the betterment of our community.
Arts & Culture ........................... 10
Learning ..................................... 14 Getting Around ......................... 16
Volunteerism – we value the spirit of volunteerism that is so strong in Central Alberta, for the contribution of volunteers make to the enrichment of life for us all. We support the continued development of that spirit, and the personal growth of our volunteers.
Belonging & Leadership .......... 18
Empowerment – we believe that self-reliance is an essential strength for individuals, organizations and communities, and we encourage actions to cultivate, nurture and sustain this capacity.
Health & Wellness .................... 22
The work that the Community Foundation does results from the combined generosity of area residents, business, and organizations that have utilized the Foundation’s services to maximize their current giving and to build charitable legacies. Many people care about their community and would like to share their success by giving charitable support back in some lasting way. Often, though, they may not feel they can make much of a difference alone. For such people, the Community Foundation has many ways to help!
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Introduction ................................. 4
Safety ......................................... 20
The Gap Between Rich & Poor 24 Housing ..................................... 26 Getting Started ......................... 28 Thanks ....................................... 30
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Red Deer’s Vital Signs is a report card on the health of our community that is published each year by the Red Deer & District Community Foundation. In the medical community, “vital signs” refer to the body’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate – critical signs of health. When considering growing a community and its quality of life what exactly do we mean by “Vital Signs”? “Statistics Canada describes “civic indicators” as a combination of measurements: some measure quality of life and overall societal wellbeing, which tend to be subjective, and others measure a community’s health and sustainability, which tend to be more objective. The balance between these can tell us whether or not a community is generally robust. Good indicators use data that is available at regular intervals so they can be monitored over time; are made up of data that can be disaggregated and compared between jurisdictions; are simple; measure outcomes that can potentially be affected by public policy; are meaningful; and are broad and cover many bases.” “Creating a Vital Signs Report Card in Your Community” Community Foundations of Canada
In 2007, our report card assigns gradings to 11 key areas that affect the quality of life of Red Deer citizens on a daily basis. These key areas are wide ranging – Arts and Culture; Belonging
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and Leadership; the Environment; the Gap Between the Rich and the Poor; Getting Around; Getting Started in Red Deer; Health and Wellness; Housing; Learning; Safety; and Work. The mandate of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation is to strengthen the quality of life in Red Deer and the surrounding region. In order for us to accomplish this it is important that we intimately understand how our community residents feel about the issues that impact their day to day lives. We would like to thank those who took the time to participate as “Vital Signs Graders” by completing our on-line survey. Graders were promised anonymity – we did not collect any information about the folks that participated – however we did offer many opportunities throughout the survey for people to offer their thoughts and comments. This report contains some of those very important thoughts – diverse and wide ranging, they reflect those critically important impressions about the issue areas as well as the individual indicators. We have been asked many times . . . “how will the Community Foundation use this data?”, and the short answer is “we already have”. Readers will notice that the section on “Getting Started in Red Deer” is small – we did not have much current data to report that reflects the true picture of newcomers and immigration. We anticipate that this section will grow in coming years as more up-todate data becomes available – however we
were able to work with various community partners to develop an inventory of services and programs provided by local agencies that serve newcomers. This inventory will serve other local funders and initiatives such as the “Welcoming and Inclusive Community” that began earlier this year. Additionally, as a result of the Vital Signs project, the Red Deer and District Community Foundation’s program reviews will be more thorough and our future Strategic Plans will be more clear. It is our intention that this report sparks dialogue, discussion and possibly debate among people who care about community issues and want to act upon them. Work will soon begin on Red Deer’s Vital Signs 2008 – look forward to it! Red Deer & District Community Foundation Board of Directors 2007-2008 Paul Harris – Chair Tom Stevens – Vice Chair Dennis Baker – Treasurer Dawna Barnes – Director Gord Deck – Director Fred Gorman – Director David Laing – Director Debra Petty – Director Janice Wing – Executive Director
Vital Signs is an annual community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our cities, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in at least ten areas critical to quality of life. Vital Signs is based on a project of the Toronto Community Foundation and is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada.
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A grade was calculated using the responses of those who expressed an opinion about the statements. We have used median scores in compliance with proper statistical procedures. Median is the middle point of the data set - fifty percent of the respondants to each question would have chosen an answer to the left or right of the median. Median scores have been rounded down to the nearest halfgrade
(1 tree): This is totally unacceptable (2 trees): I’m concerned: This situation needs attention (3 trees): This situation is mediocre (4 trees): I’m satisfied with this situation (5 trees): I’m very pleased! Red Deer’s leading the way!
Vital signs graders were asked to identify what they consider to be the three most important issues facing red Deer today. Homelessness Cost of Living Crime/Law & Order Environment/Pollution/Global Warming/Climate Change Education Social Safety Net/Social Programs Natural Resources/Water/Oil/Energy Overall Quality of Life Youth Issues Health Care/Health Care System Child Care Employment Issues Poverty Leadership Social Justice Economic Diversification 0
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The City of Red Deer is now home to 85,705 people, and is growing every day. The 2007 population count represents an increase of 3.3 per cent over 2006’s count of 82,971. Next to English, Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in Red Deer homes.
dented growth and prosperity. Not only has the population itself increased, but the trade area has grown to over 200,000. Also contributing to economic growth is the fact that Red Deer is the second lowest cost location to operate a business in Canada’s Midwest.
The economic benefits of our location and resources have allowed us unprece-
The majority of Albertans rank the quality of their lives in their communities
as “Very Good” or “Good”. In 2006, it was estimated that the average Red Deer income was 10.6% higher than the national average. Although quality of life and income are high, cost of living is also increasing: The assessed value of the average single family dwelling in Red Deer increased by 38% for the 2007 taxation year with a corresponding tax increase of 7.6%. Our
spending is catching up to what we’re earning: the average household income was $73,871 while average spending was $70,215. Employment in the goods producing sector accounted for 34.2 per cent while the service producing sector accounted for 65.8 per cent of total employment in Red Deer in 2006.
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PER CAPITA WATER USE Environment Canada calculates an average Canadian daily domestic use of 343 litres per person.
Poor. Good air quality is the best possible rating and means that there are no known harmful effects to human or environmental health.
In 2006, Red Deer’s daily domestic use was 290 litres per person.
Between January 1, 2006 and January 31, 2007, Red Deer’s air quality measured “Good” 96.14% of the time.
AIR QUALITY
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MONITORING
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, associates concentrations of five major air pollutants to provincial air quality objectives and federal air quality objectives. Outdoor concentrations of carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide are used to determine whether the quality of the air is Good, Fair, Poor or Very
Emissions of greenhouse gases are reported to Alberta Environment only by large industrial facilities that annually emit 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in carbon dioxide equivalent units.
Passenger transportation contributes to 13% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and commercial transportation contributes to 11%, according to federal government figures
As of 2007, of the City’s geographic area, 25% is designated as Green Space.
Greenhouse gas emissions are not monitored in the Red Deer region, other than the reports filed by large-volume emitters described above.
Curbside waste is defined by the City of Red Deer as waste collected from single family residences (dwellings without access to a dumpster), including the Blue Box program, yard waste and household garbage.
PERCENTAGE OF DESIGNATED GREEN SPACE The City of Red Deer defines “Green Space” as a combination of land zoned as “open space” and “environmental”.
BREAKDOWN OF DOMESTIC WASTE: RECYCLABLE, YARD WASTE, LANDFILL
Of the curbside waste collected in Red Deer in 2006, 15% was recyclable material, and 10% was yard waste. The other 75% of waste was taken to Red Deer’s landfill.
“Although Red Deer’s water consumption is below the average we should still endeavour to conserve water as in the future this is going to be a major concern…” “Red Deer’s incredible growth will put intense pressure on the environment. In order to effectively address these pressures, Red Deer needs to be proactive and take leadership on environmental issues…” “Red Deer residents need to embrace recycling and yardwaste programs. The curbside recycling should be expanded.” “Further steps need to be taken…education, promotion, limits on actual waste.”
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LIBRARY VISITS
LIBRARY MATERIALS CIRCULATION
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING
CULTURAL RECOGNITION
In Canada in 2004, a community the size of Red Deer would expect 386, 644 in-person visits, and 121, 568 internet visits to their library annually.
At 8.5 items circulated per capita in 2005, library use in Red Deer decreased 20% since 2000.
The Red Deer Community Culture Master Plan defines culture as “including visual arts, performing arts and literary arts, as well as heritage, including explorations of our history as a community or as individuals. It relates to the interaction of society with the arts in formal and informal “settings”.
In 2003, Red Deer was the first mid-sized city to be designated a Cultural Capital of Canada. The city received this designation by “demonstrating innovative vision, developing creative solutions to challenges and integrating arts and culture into community life.”
In 2004, the Red Deer Public Library had 592, 768 inperson visits, and 126, 929 internet visits. This is 53% and 4% higher than the expected number of in-person and internet visits respectively.
In 2007, the City of Red Deer contributed $26 per person for Arts, Culture and Heritage. Comparative data from similarly sized communities will be available in 2008.
“Arts & Culture funding is always seen as a luxury and it is time for the community and the City to understand that arts and culture funding improves the quality of life…” “Red Deer is a wonderful Arts & Culture community…” “The time has come for the community to study and consider the economic impact of the cultural sector...”
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EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
With employment growth of 4.3 % in 2006, Red Deer saw growth above the national rate of 1.9 but below the provincial rate of 4.8. The rate exceeded the average growth of 2.4 % over 1987-2006.
The employment growth rate is the year over year percentage increase in the number of persons employed.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
(3.4 %). Since 1987 the unemployment rate in Red Deer has decreased 5.7 percentage points from 9.5 %.
In 2006 the unemployment rate in Red Deer was 3.8 %. This was below the national level (6.3 %) and slightly above the Alberta provincial level
The unemployment rate for Red Deer Economic
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN CANADA, 1976 TO 2007 14
10 8 PERCENT
TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS A temporary foreign worker is a foreign national who has been authorized to enter and remain in Canada, on a temporary basis, as a worker.
Periods of stay generally are in the range of 3 months to 2 years. In order to address labour shortages 189 temporary/ foreign workers were approved for Red Deer in
2006. This is an increase in foreign workers of 89% since 2001. Red Deer has 25% points more foreign workers than Alberta for the same period.
“With the increase in foreign workers, the demand for housing, medical and social supports goes up – do we have the capacity to deal with this? Are we doing a good job of supporting the newcomers?”
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6 4
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20
4
20 0
2
20 0
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20 0
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19 94
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19 90
88
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19 86
84
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19 78
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Region as of February 2007, was 2.9 %, compared to the 4.0 % for the same time in 2006. These rates were less than the 2005 rates for Red Deer at 3.3 % and Alberta at 4.2 %.
“Bringing temporary foreign workers to our community is a wonderful way to build and celebrate diversity in our community. Our business community, however, must be willing to invest in the community life of its employees including appropriate and affordable housing…”
“...There seems to be a general unwelcoming attitude towards immigrant families…how can we best integrate new people into our communities?”
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red deer
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saint john
20
kitchener
30
medicine hat
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sudbury
The average adult literacy score for numeracy in Red Deer was 274 in 2003. This score was 4% above the national average of 263.
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canada
Scores in the 276-325 range are considered “level-3” proficiency - the proficiency level required for a modern economy and knowledge society.
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“Prose Literacy” focuses on the knowledge and skills to understand and use information from texts such as editorials, news stories, brochures, manuals and fiction.
“Numeracy Literacy” addresses the ability to interpret, apply, and communicate mathematical information in commonly encountered situations.
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ADULT LITERACY SCORES
ADULT NUMERACY SCORES
toronto
In 2001 the proportion of the population 15 years and over with a PostSecondary Education (University Degree; PostSecondary Certificate or Diploma) was 50.1% for Red Deer. This is 2.8% below the provincial average and 1.8% less than the national average.
“Who will be making business decisions that affect our communities and the environment 20 years from now when these folks are no longer on the front lines of the oilpatch or the building boom?”
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PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION AGED 15 YRS AND OVER WITH COMPLETED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
The average adult literacy score for prose in Red Deer was 283 in 2003. This score was 4 % above the national average of 272 and equivalent to the provincial average of 283.
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At a rate of 23.5% of the population 15 and over, the high school noncompletion rate in the economic region of Red Deer in 2006 was 1% higher than the national average and 13% higher than the provincial average.
“Literacy is directly related to other community issues. If we are to solve homelessness and poverty then we need much better literacy rates…”
Scores in the 276-325 range are considered “level-3” proficiency - the proficiency level required for a modern economy and knowledge society.
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HIGH SCHOOL NONCOMPLETION RATE
PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION (15 YEARS AND OVER) WITH A POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FOR VITALS SIGNS COMMUNITIES, 2006 *Data for Red Deer and Medicine Hat are from Economic Regions
“Right now, with the current economic boom, it is very attractive to earn high wages without requiring much education, however, when this economic cycle busts, there will be a large portion of the workforce not able to cope.”
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“With the growth of the community we need to continue to encourage people to use public transportation. Less people driving their cars means less pressure on the road system.” “If Red Deer wants to lead the way on the environment, the move away from personal vehicles should be our first step...”
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Assuming that people who use public transit as their primary mode of transportation will purchase a monthly bus pass, in 2006, there were 3, 392 people using the bus as their primary means of getting around in Red Deer. This is a 2.4% increase over 2005.
TRANSPORTATION FOR CITIZENS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The Citizens’ Action Bus offers transportation services to citizens of Red Deer who cannot use regular transportation with dignity because of a disability or physical need. The customers include persons with disabilities, seniors and children with disabilities. In 2006, there were 52, 999 trips taken on this form of public transportation. This represents an 8.9% increase in the number of trips taken since 2005.
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TRAFFIC FLOW/TIME TO COMMUTE BETWEEN 2 POINTS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY Overall, the city of Red Deer has seen an increase in traffic flow at key intersections over the past few years.
For example, the intersections at 19th Street & 30th Ave., 19th Street & 40th Ave. and 19th Street and Gaetz Ave. have seen an average increase in traffic of 19.6% from 2003 to 2006. It takes approximately 25% longer to get across town during rush hour, traveling down one continuous road, in 2007.
“I think that there needs to be a regional committee on traffic planning as traffic patterns in and around Red Deer influence each other.” “As our population ages – we are going to need increased levels of transportation for the elderly and disabled.”
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FEDERAL ELECTION VOTER TURNOUT
CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Voter turnout for the 2006 Federal Election (electing our Member of Parliament) in Red Deer was 58.7% of eligible voters. This turnout is 6.0 percentage points lower than the national average (64.7 %) and 3.2 percentage points lower than the provincial average (61.9 %).
Red Deer’s median charitable donation equaled $280 in 2005, which was 17% higher than the national average and 3% lower than the provincial average. Median donations have increased 22% in Red Deer since 2001, the first year for which data are available.
PROVINCIAL ELECTION VOTER TURNOUT
VOLUNTEERISM
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vancouver
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calgary
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toronto
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kitchener
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red deer
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In 2004, 27.3% of eligible voters in Red Deer voted in the Municipal Election (electing our Mayor, Councilors and School Division Trustees). This was 5.2% higher than voter turnout in the 2001 municipal election.
“We need to role model and support youth to be more involved in their community, and to develop their leadership skills.”
Volunteer Rate for Vital Signs Communities and Canada, 2004 60
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MUNICIPAL ELECTION VOTER TURNOUT
“We need to do a better job of promoting the responsibility of becoming aware and involved in our civic need to participate in the voting process.”
In 2004, 51.7% of Red Deer’s population volunteered. This was higher than both the national rate of 45.3% and the provincial rate of 47.7%.
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Voter turnout for the 2004 Provincial Election (electing our Members of the Legislative Assembly) in Red Deer was 41.4%. This turnout was 3.3 percentage points lower than the provincial average of 44.7%.
“Red Deer needs more people with leadership skills and ability to turn brilliant ideas into action”
“When folks make the connection between the way we vote and the policies that are impacting the way we live our lives, we may begin to increase turnout and accountability.”
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REPORTS OF PROPERTY CRIME IN RED DEER
Property crime, as defined by the RCMP, includes Theft under $5,000, Theft over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Goods, Fraud, Break and Enter and Arson. In 2006, there were 7,361 reports of property crimes in Red Deer. This is
equivalent to 1 property crime for every 11 citizens in the city. Comparative data will be available in 2008.
VIOLENT CRIME
Violent crime includes homicide, assault, abduction, kidnapping and robbery.
In 2005, 645.5 violent crimes per 100, 000 in Red Deer, compared to 942.9 violent crimes per 100, 000 in Canada. In 2005, there were 942.9 violent crimes per 100,000 at the National level.
RESPONSE TIME FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
POLICE OFFICERS PER 100,000
At 147 police officers per 100,000 in 2006, the number of police officers in Red Deer was 23% below the national average and 12% below the provincial average. The rate was up 17 % from that in 2000.
In 2006, the Emergency Medical Services and Fire Departments responded to emergencies in less than 4 minutes 91% of the time. The City of Red Deer’s goal is to respond to 90% of emergencies in 4 minutes or less.
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“We must all be proactive - we must be involved.” “Crime isn’t something we can simply ‘take a stand on’ and hope it goes away. When we start to make the connection between income disparity, education success, mental illness, etc., and its impacts on crime, we might start to influence our crime rates.”
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Violent Crime Rate Per 100,000
“More emphasis on healthy family; community policing and funding for them to prevent crime; rather than always having to react to increases we need to be proactive in preventing them.”
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PHYSICIANS PER 100,000 The number of physicians per 100,000 in Red Deer was 228 in 2005, up 21.3 % from 188 in 1996. Nationally, the number of physicians per 100, 000 was 190, and provincially the number was 188.
RATE OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT Low birth rate babies (2500 grams or less) are more likely to have birthrelated complications and disabilities. At 6.1%, the percentage of low birth weight babies in Red Deer in 2003 was 5% lower than the provincial average. The 2003 rate for Red Deer was 2% higher than the 2001 rate for Red Deer.
OBESITY RATE The Government of Alberta defines “obesity” as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
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At 19.1 % of the population 15 and over, the obesity rate in the David Thompson Health Region in 2005 was 23% higher than the
national average and 21% higher than the provincial average. The rate was up 7% from that in 2003.
RATE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY The Canadian Community Health Survey calculates leisure time physical activity as being based on an individual’s response to questions about the
frequency, duration and intensity of their participation in a variety of activities. This information is then used to classify a person as physically active, moderately active or physically inactive. With 52.8 % of the population being physically or moderately active in 2005, the rate of physical activeness in the David
Thompson Health Region was 3.5 % higher than the national average and 1.3% below the provincial average. The rate for the David Thompson Health Region was up 0.6% from 2003.
SMOKING RATE In the David Thompson Health Region in 2005 the proportion of the
population 12 and over who indicated that they were current smokers was 25.3%. This represents a 8% decrease from the 2003 level (27.3 %). The 2005 rate was 17% more than the national smoking rate (21.7%) and 11% more than the Alberta provincial rate (22.7%).
“Obesity and smoking need to be addressed. Too many long term health issues are associated with these two preventable health hazards...I am pleased we do have smoke-free work and public places to enjoy.” “I think there has to be a community effort to try to get the obesity levels down.” “Even more reason to impose smoking bans in public places and to stop accommodating private vehicle transportation by establishing better infrastructure and municipal development for public transit, bicycling and walkable communities.”
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THE INCOME GAP The top 10% of income earning families in Red Deer earned an average of 6.38 times more than the income of the lowest 10% of income earning families. This gap grew by 3.0 % from 2001.
AFTER TAX INCOME Census family is defined as a married couple and the children, if any, of either or both spouses; a couple living common law and the children, if any, of either or both partners; or, a lone parent of any marital status with at least one child living in the same dwelling and that child or those children. All members of a particular census family live in the same dwelling. A couple may be of opposite or same sex. Children may be children by birth, marriage or adoption regardless of their age or marital status as long as they live in the dwelling and do not have their own spouse or child living in the dwelling. Grandchildren living with their grandparent(s) but
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with no parents present also constitute a census family. The median money income for census families in Red Deer was $71,300 in 2005. This was 0.4% higher than the provincial level and 17.7% higher than the national level. Since 2001, the median census family money income in Red Deer has increased by 20.6%, which is 11% greater than the provincial rate of increase and 55% greater than the national rate of increase.
COST OF LIVING Average wage in Red Deer is $19.57 per hour. An average family of four with two working adults requires net $4300/month to meet their basic needs. Basic needs include housing, food, utilities, child care, clothing, education, leisure/ recreation, furnishings, house keeping supplies, transportation, medical needs and savings.
Based on this 2006 average wage, each worker in a family of 4 (2 persons working and 2 children) needs to work 5.5 hours per day, 5 days a week, to meet basic needs. If each worker earned $12 per hour, each worker would need to work 9.0 hours per day, 5 days a week, to meet their basic needs.
LOW INCOME MEASURES Low Income Measures (LIM’s) are a relative measure of low income. This measure has been developed by Statistics Canada.
FAMILIES IN LOW INCOME SITUATIONS In 2005, 15.4% of Red Deer families were categorized as low income according to LIM. This is 5.8% lower than provincial numbers and 40.9% lower than national numbers of families categorized as low income.
CHILDREN IN LOW INCOME SITUATIONS In 2005, 18.5% of Red Deer families with children 0-17 years of age were categorized as low income according to LIM. This is 13% lower than provincial numbers and 30% lower than national numbers of families with children categorized as low income.
SENIORS IN LOW INCOME SITUATIONS In 2005, 4.0% of Red Deer families with people aged 65 or older were categorized as low income according to LIM. This is 73% lower than provincial numbers and 350% lower than national numbers of families categorized as low income.
“…We have seen a widening of the gap between those who have and those who have not. The poorer end of the spectrum of income is a serious problem in our community. It often involves children being raised in poverty.” “…We need to stop viewing income as a measure of ‘worth’ and make some necessary adjustments to the supports we provide to those in need.” “More and more we are seeing the working poor in our community with some sectors unable to compete with government and the oil industry.”
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NUMBERS OF HOMELESS PEOPLE In Red Deer, homeless people are defined as individuals and families who lack shelter or are temporarily residing at an agency (shelter, hospital, jail) and expected to be on the street by the end of their stay or are temporarily staying with friends and relatives. In 2006, a survey was completed to attempt to determine the number of homeless people within the city. In September of 2006, there were 104 homeless persons. This is a rate of 1.25 homeless persons per 1000 population in Red Deer. As a comparison, there was 1 homeless person per 1000 population in Vancouver in 2005.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS Inn from the Cold is a program offered by local city churches and Red Deer College to offer cold weather shelter to the City’s homeless. Homeless people who cannot be accommodated at People’s Place Shelter are provided with a mat on the floor of one of the participating organizations. Implemented in 2000, this was intended to be a temporary two year program while other, more permanent solutions could be developed. Now, seven years later, this program is still operating in Red Deer. Although the number of homeless is increasing annually, this program is reducing its services due to volunteer exhaustion and inadequate screening of guests.
RED DEER’S RESPONSE TO HOMELESSNESS In 2005, the City of Red Deer established a communitybased Task Force with developing a ten-year plan for ending homelessness. Red Deer was the first Canadian community to take action in this manner.
GROSS SHELTER INCOME RATIO (HOUSING COSTS GREATER THAN 30% OF INCOME)
The proportion of households spending 30% or more of their income on rent was 40% in Red Deer in 2001, 1% higher than the national average. The proportion of households spending more than 30% of income on mortgage payments was 15%, which is 6% lower than the national average.
HOUSING PRICES VERSUS FAMILY INCOME Housing prices in Red Deer increased an average of 26% between 2001 and 2005. Median census family income has increased by 20.6% in the same period.
MEDIAN HOUSING PRICES Residential housing includes houses, condominiums, townhouses, mobile homes, and any other form of residential housing. Median residential housing price is the price point at which 50% of residences are sold under that amount and 50% of residences are sold for over that amount. In April and May 2007 combined, the median residential housing price for Red Deer was $312,000. This was 36.2% higher than the median residential housing price for Red Deer for the same period in 2006, and 76.2% higher than the median residential housing price for Red Deer in 2005.
“Housing prices are through the roof making it impossible for single-income families to purchase a home, condo or any type of property…” “One homeless person is too many.” “We need to encourage housing developments where it is windows and doors that face the street…not garages. This way we will have people feeling more neighbourly.”
RENTAL VACANCY RATE Rental vacancy rates in Red Deer (according to the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation) over the past 5 years are as follows: 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
3.9% 4.3% 3.5% 1.0% 0.5%
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation recommends that no more than 30% of monthly household income be spent on housing.
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CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP INITIATIVE
NUMBER OF FIRST WAVE IMMIGRANTS BELOW LOW INCOME CUTOFF
The “Institute for Canadian Citizenship” was launched in Red Deer in 2007. This national not-for-profit organization will “help to bridge the gap between newly arrived immigrant and fully engaged citizen”.
A first wave immigrant to Red Deer is a person who declares Red Deer as their first place of settlement upon arrival in Canada for the first time.
In her remarks, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson said that Red Deer was chosen for the launch because “it seems to be ahead of the pack when it comes to attracting immigrants and keeping them”.
Low Income Cutoff (LICO) is defined by Statistics Canada as an income level at which a family has to spend a greater proportion of its income on necessities than the average family of similar size. The proportion of first wave immigrants in Red Deer living below the Low Income Cutoff (LICO) in 2001 was 11.2%. This was 42% lower than the proportion of first wave immigrants living below LICO in Alberta and 69% lower than the proportion of first wave immigrants living below LICO in Canada.
“We need to ensure we continue to and even expand services for those getting started in our community. Host families, integration programs, “buddy systems” are necessary to ease the transition for people new to Red Deer. This needs to go beyond the very basics in order that families and individuals can become part of the community.” “I see many people who are trying to get started in Red Deer coming to the church for food vouchers as rent uses all of their financial resources. Whatever the statistics are they aren’t showing how badly off people are.”
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Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Licensing Department F. Dieno, Parking Liaison
Canadian Community Health Survey
Community Foundations of Canada Elizabeth Orton Andrew Sharpe Sara Lyons
Canadian Council on Learning Canadian Institute for Health Information Canadian Medical Association Catalyst Consulting Glynis Wilson Boultbee Central Alberta Diversity Association Linda Tewes, Executive Director Central Alberta Refugee Effort Veena Chandra, Executive Director Jan Underwood C. Smyth City of Red Deer Sheila Sikora, Social Planning Department Linda Boyd, Social Planning Department Kevin Joll, Transportation Tom Marstaller, Waste Management Pam Vust Kristina Getz, Culture Services T. Woods, GIS Department J. Whitesell, Environmental Services Department F. McDougall S. Perrault, Traffic Assistant Inspections and
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David Thompson Health Region Dawn Traverse, Accountability Reporting Coordinator, Knowledge Management Government of Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry K. Mooney Alberta Health & Wellness Environment Elections Alberta Government of Canada Citizenship and Immigration Canada M. Raj Canadian Heritage Environment Canada Elections Canada Canada Revenue Agency Life Long Learning Council of Red Deer Lee Anne Shinski, Executive Director Grant MacEwan College Center for Volunteer Organizations L. McWhirter Public Interest Alberta Recycling Council of Red Deer C. Seidel, Executive Director
Red Deer Advocate Red Deer & District Museum Lorna Johnston, Manager Red Deer & District Real Estate Board Dale Russell Red Deer Catholic School Division Hugh McPherson Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Cal Dallas, Executive Director Red Deer Child Care Society Rob Elliot, Executive Director Red Deer College Dr. Richard Roth Jo-Anne Beggs Janene Fox Yukari Ishibachi Vincent Jankunis Marianne Keller Alison MacLeod Angela Murphy Robert Nyden Aubrey Olinek Tiffany Seymour Logan Wowk Christopher Woytuck K. McCallister, Admissions Office Brenda Munro, Continuing Education A. Sales, Student Support Services Red Deer Food Bank Fred Scaife, Executive Director
Red Deer Housing Committee Stacey Carmichael, Chair Red Deer Public Library Lois Prostelby, Adult Literacy Program Coordinator Red Deer Public School Division Community Programs Office Bruce Buruma Rob Porkka Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation Gayle Urquhart, Executive Director Royal Canadian Mounted Police Red Deer City Detachment Superintendent Brian Simpson Service Canada
We would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations who provided information, statistics, expertise or otherwise helped in creating this report. Special thanks to Red Deer College, Dr. Richard Roth and his Applied Anthropology students. And – thanks to those community members who participated by grading our report!
Statistics Canada Tourism Red Deer Darren Kuz, Executive Director United Way of Central Alberta Heather Gardiner, Executive Director Janyce Yuzbasheva
Design of Report Idea Market Design Inc. www.ideamarket.ca
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4811 – 48th Street Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1S6 Phone: 403 341 6911 Fax: 403 341 4177 Website: www.rddcf.ca email: janicewing@rddcf.ca