2008 Our Community’s Check-Up
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table of contents introduction data collection & grading things we’re doing well where we stand top 3 strengths environment arts & culture work learning getting around belonging & leadership safety health & wellness the gap between rich & poor housing getting started innovation thanks
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red deer’s vital signs: an introduction We are pleased to share our 2008 Red Deer’s Vital Signs report with you members of our community! Publishing its first Vital Signs report card in 2007, the Red Deer & District Community Foundation strives to meet a unique mandate of being “a community catalyst committed to growing a legacy which strengthens the quality of life in Red Deer and surrounding area”. Over time, and by working closely with individuals and organizations, we have developed a deep understanding of the many issues that affect all of us. Vital Signs is a long-term initiative which affords us the opportunity to convene the community. It invites respectful conversations about long-term community directions that may be difficult to discuss or plan. Vital Signs enhances the role that we have filled in this community for the past 19 years. How does it help us achieve that? By collecting and compiling good quality, relevant statistics and data about opportunities and issues currently facing Red Deer, not only can the Community Foundation Board of Directors make better, more strategic decisions; the organization can develop and offer programs that are designed to better meet the needs and desires of the whole community. Vital Signs has, and will continue to, strengthened our role as a grantmaker. It serves us in our fund development efforts. It helps us understand the realities of the organizations we fund, which ensures our donors’ funds are used effectively. Simply put, Vital Signs informs all of our work as we serve the whole community.
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
This year’s Vital Signs report has two significant changes – the addition of “Innovation” as an issue area, and an expansion of the anecdotal comments sections of our on-line survey. As we consider the strength of our current economy and reflect on the sustainability of the region and province in the future, our community’s leaders believe diversification and innovation are of critical importance. Including this issue area in our annual report will allow us to monitor our progress towards accomplishing this objective. Innovative thinking is the key to our adaptability in times of change. These indicators discuss topics that impact our community directly and indirectly. This collection of comments, ideas and opinions reflect the passion and innovation in our community. This report is more than responses to indicators - what breathes life into this report is the passion. The Board and staff of our community foundation thanks our community graders for taking the extra time to complete this extra task - by publishing a distillation of their comments we honour the range of emotion and experience that they have brought this year’s Vital Signs work. We look forward to hearing about the conversations sparked by this year’s Vital Signs report – please let us know how you plan to use it! Give us feedback now and throughout the coming year – remember, indicators of community wellness become evident and change all of the time! Let us know what you would like included in future Vital Signs surveys. We look forward to working with YOU to make Red Deer an even better place to live, work and play!
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data collection & grading The data presented in this report represents a synthesis of data about Red Deer, obtained from existing sources such as Statistics Canada, the Province of Alberta, The City of Red Deer and local organisations. In many instances, Community Foundations of Canada was able to compare data among the many communities presenting Vital Signs reports. We have shown Red Deer in context, against the backdrop of Alberta and Canada, where possible. Analysis of the data was conducted using generally accepted statistical techniques in order to summarize the data in the form of context statements. The sources upon which each of the statements are based are cited in the online version of the report. We then created an online survey that asked residents of Red Deer to rank these statements on a 5-point scale, according to whether or not they felt that a situation was extremely positive, or just acceptable, or in need of improvement. The survey was sent out to via email and newsletter, and was available for public access on the Red Deer and District Community Foundation’s website. The survey responses were used to calculate the “Grade” that has been assigned to each of these statements. The aggregation and analysis of the survey data was performed by Red Deer College on SPSS (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), following conventional practice for statistical analysis. The computation of median responses (the “grades”) was similarly performed on SPSS.
This is totally unacceptable
I’m concerned This situation needs attention
This situation is mediocre
I’m satisfied with this situation
Red Deer & District Community Foundation Board of Directors, 2008 Paul Harris, Chairman Tom Stevens, Vice Chairman Doug Anderson, Treasurer Jim Baker, Director Wilf Brock, Director Fred Gorman, Director
David Laing, Director Dawna Morey, Director Kim Pasula, Director Joan Scott, Director Janice Wing, CEO
I’m very pleased! Red Deer’s leading the way!
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6 Red Deer’s Vital Signs provides us with an opportunity to
things we’re doing well ...
celebrate the things we are doing well – and an opportunity to
Vital Signs with the highest grades:
things we need to do better...
• Over the last three years, there has been growth and expansion of four public smaller events into larger formats (Artwalk, Earthdance, Mayor’s Garden Party and the Biggest Tree Festival); • In 2004, 51.7 per cent of persons aged 15 years and older were engaged in unpaid volunteer activities, which was slightly above the provincial rate of 47.7 per cent and well above the national rate of 45.3 per cent;
have a conversation about the things we can do better.
Vital Signs with the lowest grades:
• In 2006, the median commuting distance to work in Red Deer was 3.8 kilometres; which was 50 per cent lower than both the provincial and national averages; • In 2006, 9.4 per cent of Red Deer’s population was immigrants who have entered Canada within the past five years. At that time, their unemployment rate was 3.1 percent – 31.1 per cent below the nonimmigrant rate; • In 2007, Red Deer saw employment growth of 11.1 per cent, which was above the provincial rate of 4.7 per cent and the national rate of 2.3 per cent. At the same time, the unemployment rate for the economic region of Red Deer was 3.1 per cent, below the provincial rate of 3.5 per cent and the national rate of 6.0 per cent. • In Red Deer, 3.43 per cent of our homeowners are under the age of 25, higher than the provincial rate of 2.21 per cent and the national rate of 1.13 per cent.
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
• Voter turnout in Red Deer for both the most recent federal and municipal elections has set records for all-time low voter turnout. This year’s voter turnout for the provincial election was 34 per cent. • 21.0 per cent of the population 12 years and over in the David Thompson Health Region reported that they did not have a regular medical doctor. This is more than the provincial rate of 18.4 per cent and more than the national rate of 15.2 per cent. • Smoking rates for people ages 12 and over in the David Thompson Health Region increased to 31.1 per cent in 2007, compared to the national rate of 21.9 per cent and the provincial rate of 21.9 per cent. • Approximately 350 to 400 youth, ages 11 to 24, are currently involved in gang activity in Red Deer. The majority of these are between 12 and 15 years old, and about 30 per cent are female. • The overall poverty rate in Red Deer in 2006, based on LIM, was 13.3 per cent. At that same time, the child poverty rate was calculated at 16.9 per cent.
7 The comments published throughout this report are quotes from community members, taken directly from the survey responses. We did not collect personal information about the survey respondants- we asked for their thoughts.
Vital Signs is an annual community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in areas critical to our quality of life. Indicator Selection Three factors determine indicators that are published in Vital Signs each year: 1. As part of a national initiative that has 16 community foundations from across Canada publishing Vital Signs reports this year, we all agree to publish one common indicator per issue area for cross-country comparison. This is the first indicator published in each issue area. 2. Community and sector leaders participated in workshops earlier in the year, providing critical thoughts and input as to the indicators that would be meaningful and relevant for the community. 3. Data availability! Vital Signs uses existing data collected from a variety of sources. The sources of indicators used in the 2008 Vital Signs report are available on our website at www.rddcf.ca. 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 support for expanding the Vital Signs program across the nation. This report, as well as an expanded version with additional indicators and full source information and links is available on our website at: www.rddcf.ca. The Vital Signs trademark is used with permission from Toronto Community Foundation.
How You Can Use This Report Individuals, organizations, and policy makers can use these indicators to: • Become informed about Red Deer’s economic well-being, educational attainment, health, safety, environment, art and culture and more – in an integrated way, weaving the common and important threads uncovered in each of the issue areas and considering the impact they have on the community as a whole. • Consider these indicators as the community makes decisions and plans, and how our choices and actions will impact them. Use a more integrated approach to your organization’s strategic planning and the development of partnerships as you strive to achieve its mission and mandate. • Use the report as a conversation starter! • Identify an area where you would like to make a positive difference and get involved! • “Give” to an organization that is helping to make a difference in our community.
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where we stand: a community context
As we all know, Red Deer has been, and continues to be, a city of dynamic growth. We are now a population of 87,816 and have also become a Statistics Canada Census Metropolitan Area – this means that we are recognized as an urban centre that also has a high degree of integration with adjacent municipalities. So what does this mean for us? From an information perspective it means that there is more data available to us Statistics Canada and other organisations analyze us from a variety of perspectives, in recognition of our growth and regional influence. Real GDP in Red Deer reached $5,068 million in 2007, up 5.51 per cent from its 2006 level, and we accounted for 2.66 percent of the real GDP of Alberta in 2007. According to the 2006 Census, families in Red Deer earn a median income of $74,566 - more than that of families in Canada generally, but a little less than for Alberta overall. From a social perspective, it is a confirmation of what many of us have been feeling: that our way of life is changing. It’s not just that there are more residents here than last year, it’s more that we’re shifting from being “the small town with a big city feel” to a big city with regional impact and international influences. Over 7,500 people in our community were born in other countries and nearly 10% speak a language other than English at home – we are becoming a diverse population. The census has shown a significant increase in the numbers of families making over $100,000 annually. Along with financial prosperity, we face the economic and social challenges associated with growth. From 2000 to 2007, retail sales in Red Deer saw a significantly greater increase (158% since 2000) than was seen in Alberta overall. For the same time period, consumer bankruptcies increased by 6.0% - while generally in Alberta, personal bankruptcies fell by just over 46%. A slightly higher percentage (8.8%) of people were shown to be divorced in Red Deer, and we had more single-parent families (17.3% of families) than Alberta and Canada overall. Most of these single parents are female, and they were shown to be earning about $15,000 less annually than their male single-parent counterparts.
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7.5
5
2.5
0
15
12.5 25
22.5
20
17.5
National Security
Child Care
General government business
Government
Municipal Fiscal Responsibility
Food Security
Seniors
Taxes
Safety/Law & Order
Social Justice
Cost of Living
Youth
Immigration
Honesty/Ethics
Economic Diversification
Natural Resources/Water/Oil/Energy
Social Safety net/Social Programs
Environment/Conservation/Sustainability Planning
Ending Homelessness
Diversity
Education
Leadership
Health Care/Health Care System
Employment Growth
Arts/Culture/Heritage
Economy
Recreation/Sport/Active Living
Overall quality of life
red deer’s top three strengths 9
Vital Signs graders were asked to identify what they consider to be Red Deer’s top three strengths today.
%
35
32.5
30
27.5
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environment The protection of our air, water and natural resources becomes increasingly important for us as the centre of a burgeoning economic corridor.
Uncertain 9.9%
No - 26.8% Yes - 63.4%
ANTI-IDLING BYLAW SUPPORT
Yes. Turn off your big diesel while you are waiting in line for your double-double.
AIR QUALITY - OZONE LEVELS Ground-level ozone is formed in the air from other pollutants, most notably nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Slow-moving air and strong sunshine greatly speed up the formation of ozone. Vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions are large contributors of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone irritates the lungs and can make breathing difficult. Exposure to high concentrations can result in chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. Groundlevel ozone can also damage agricultural crops such as potatoes and tomatoes as well as affect trees and other vegetation In Red Deer in 2006, the number of days of above threshold levels of 8h Ozone was one, up from zero days in 2001. The 2001-2006 period average was one day. The number of days with PM 2.5 concentrations above threshold levels was also one, up from zero in 2001. The 2001-2006 period average was one day. Over the 2001-2006 period, Red Deer ranked second best of the 15 Vital Signs Communities for both air quality indicators. ANTI-IDLING BYLAW Cities in other provinces have adopted anti-idling bylaws to address emissions and health concerns. Do you think the City of Red Deer should adopt an Anti-Idling Bylaw? “Considering that everyone drives, yes! But instead of focusing on a symptom, Red Deer should do better to address transit issues and promote walking and other emissionfree modes of transportation.” “No. Too complex to administer. Education is the key.”
PERCENTAGE OF DESIGNATED GREEN SPACE “The City of Red Deer defines “Green Space” as a combination of land zoned as “Parks and Recreation District” and “Environmental Preservation District”. In 2007, of the City’s gross geographic area (including undeveloped agricultural land), 24.42 per cent was designated as Green Space. For 2008, 22.75 per cent is designated as Green Space. For developed areas of the city, in 2007, 28.76 per cent was designated as Green Space. In 2008, 28.60 per cent remain as Green Space.” GREEN BUILDING AT RED DEER COLLEGE LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a market-based rating system that facilitates and certifies higher energy and environmental performance of buildings and communities. The rating system is adapted to the Canadian market through an inclusive process that engages stakeholders and experts representing the various sectors of the Canadian industry. Red Deer College, as part of their Building Communities Through Learning initiatives, has started development of a new building that will meet LEED Silver Certification requirements: this includes incorporating water conservation methods that will result in a significant reduction in water use. A storm-water detention pond will be incorporated into the landscaping, along with drought tolerant planting. The new building will incorporate low-flow water fixtures, along with a rainwater, snow-melt and weeping tile collection system that will provide water for all toilets in the new facility.
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What steps are you taking to protect the environment? We moved into town so we could walk more places... I do not use herbicides on my lawn... I do not water my lawn...
Have you changed your driving habits? If so, what motivated you more - the cost of fuel, or concern for the environment? Both. I bike when I can. If there were more direct routes downtown on the buses (e.g., from Deer Park), I would take the bus... Cost of fuel. Also concern for the environment, albeit less than cost of fuel... We drive less, keep our vehicle well maintained, combine errands in one trip, and walk a LOT...
I use my own refillable coffee mug whenever I can when I go to buy a cup of coffee‌
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arts & culture The arts enrich the quality of life in any city and can also be an important economic generator.
Such an interesting time in Red Deer’s history - we must invest in the kinds of infrastructure that will not only nudge us into the next phase of our development but push us (perhaps kicking and screaming). The economic impact that is felt with a strong cultural community is indisputable...
13 EXPANDED PUBLIC CULTURAL EVENTS In Red Deer, over the last three years, there has been growth and expansion of four smaller events into larger formats: • Artwalk - originally a one day event, it grew to two days in 2007. Now in 2008 it has become a week-long event. • Earthdance - In 2005 it was a component of the Alexander Way Festival. It became its own festival in 2006 and has now expanded to a weekend of events. • Mayor’s Garden Party - Has become open to the public and will involve new components in 2009. • Biggest Tree Festival - Has moved into City Hall Park and will also be adding new components SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ART Community and City Council support for Public Art is being seen throughout Red Deer. The City has a Public Art Policy that mandates 1.2 per cent of civic capital project budgets being dedicated to public art in that project. Some current examples would include the newly renovated Recreation Centre, GH Dawe Centre that is under renovations right now, the new Civic Yards, new fire stations and RCMP stations and the Waskasoo Special Gathering Place. A NEW VISION FOR CULTURE In 2007, The City of Red Deer commissioned an update to the 2001 Culture Master Plan The update process utilized a strengths-based approach in interviewing members of the community. The opportunity to participate was extended to the entire community, and ultimately involved over 300 members of the public, including community interviews in English and our two other most common languages spoken in Red Deer homes - Spanish and Tagalog (a major Phillipine language).
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
EMPLOYMENT IN ARTS, CULTURE, SPORTS & RECREATION According to the 2006 census, in Red Deer, 1,015 persons were employed in occupations related to arts, culture, recreation, and sports, up by 26.1 per cent from 2001. Employment in these cultural industries accounted for 2.0 per cent of total employment in Red Deer. By comparison, these industries accounted for 2.3 per cent of total employment in the province as a whole and 3.0 per cent of employment Canada-wide. CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE In the updated Culture Vision and Plan, cultural infrastructure is defined as built spaces (theatres, concert halls, restaurants, museums, etc.), and agora spaces (farmers market, City Hall Park, Bower Ponds). Recent research conducted by Simon Fraser University indicates that cultural infrastructure throughout the Prairie provinces has eroded over the past decade. At the same time, research into culture by the Prosperity Institute and Dr. Richard Florida maintains that economic strength in a community is based on culture and creativity. In Red Deer the community continues to identify cultural infrastructure as a top priority for quality of life, tourism and economic health. When you think of Red Deer’s cultural infrastructure, what would you most like to see developed over the next decade? “In my opinion we would do well to establish more live arts venues (music, theatre, gallery, etc) which encompass a wide array of cultural diversifications...” “Integration of cultural infrastructure with places where we live and work ... a holistic approach ... ie. cultural infrastructure that isn’t in isolation from where we are living and working...”
Though we have seen growth, these events continue to struggle for sustainable funding yet they add so much to the health of our communities. More attention and dollars need to be dedicated to these events ...
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work A look at whether or not our economy is expanding on a larger scale, versus just recording increases in revenues.
EMPLOYMENT GROWTH With employment growth of 11.1 per cent in 2007, Red Deer saw growth of 8.7 percentage points above the national rate (2.3 per cent) and 6.3 percentage points above the provincial rate (4.7 per cent). The 1987-2007 period saw an average annual employment growth of 3.1 per cent, well above both the provincial level (2.5 per cent) and the national level (1.6 per cent). UNEMPLOYMENT RATE In 2007, the unemployment rate in the economic region for Red Deer was 3.1 per cent. This was below both the national level (6.0 per cent) and the Alberta provincial level (3.5 per cent). Since 1987 the unemployment rate in Red Deer has decreased 8.5 percentage points from 11.6 per cent. GROWTH IN THE EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR In 2007, local manufacturers increased international sales to $1.3 billion. This is an 33 per cent increase from $950 million in 2006. There are currently 68 local companies who export goods internationally, compared to 32 companies who exported goods in 2006. In the past five years, the manufacturing industry has reported an 89 per cent increase in sales, a 26 per cent increase in jobs and a 25 per cent increase in average annual and hourly wages.
PREPARATION FOR WORK A survey conducted in Alberta in 2007, showed that 77.1 per cent of Alberta teachers and parents agreed that students are taught the attitudes and behaviors that will make them successful at work when they finish school. In Red Deer, both the Catholic and Public school systems scored higher than the province in this category. COST OF WORK - CHILD CARE Effective September 1, 2008, the fees for child care through the Red Deer Child Care Society, which is a not-for-profit organisation, will be as follows: $850 per month, per child for full-time day care,$650 per month for a full-time day home space, and $375 per month for a school-aged child. These fees do not necessarily reflect the fees for child care with for-profit providers.
Child care workers are paid very poorly, whether in non-profit or for-profit situations. These fees seem entirely reasonable...
As long as students are prepared [...] to seek meaningful employment and contribute responsibly to the community - NOT just trained to be high-priced technicians, who will go where the best-paid jobs are... Just because parents believe [that their children are prepared], doesn’t make it so. I’m not sure if this is relevant. I guess the fact that a majority of parents are happy is good. I’d feel better with a higher percentage rate, however. Also, this question does not address whether their child’s educational NEEDS are being met...
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Although I acknowledge the importance of child care and the responsibility of parents to pay for it... I have a hard time paying it, in fact, it causes our household great distress. The people with the greatest need for day care are probably single parents who may be trying to improve their status in life and community... How can a single mom without an education even begin to support a family??
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learning
LIMITING FACTORS
Other Reasons 12.8%
Education and prosperity are closely linked – are we an educated community? Are we educating our future leaders? Will we maintain our economic strength?
Family/Other Obligations – 15.6% Lack of Funds/Cost – 46.8%
PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION THAT HAS NOT COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL In 2007, 21.7 per cent of people aged 15 and over in the Red Deer economic region had not completed high school. This was down 12.6 percentage points from 1990. The Red Deer rate in 2007 was 2.1 percentage points above the rate for Alberta and 0.6 percentage points below the Canada-wide rate. PROPORTION OF POPULATION WITH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION In Red Deer, 46.3 per cent of the population (15 years and over) in 2006 had completed post-secondary education (university degree, post-secondary certificate or diploma), up 3.4 percentage points from 42.9 per cent in 2001. The rate was 8.6 per cent lower than the national average (50.7 per cent) and 8.0 per cent lower than the provincial average (50.4 per cent). ENROLLMENT AT RED DEER COLLEGE Enrollment in Alberta’s public colleges has dropped since the 2004/05 academic year by an average of approximately 5%. Since the 2004/05 academic year, Red Deer College has experienced a drop in students enrolled in university transfer programs (decreased by 5.35 per cent), career certificate programs (decreased by 4.65 per cent) and diploma programs (decreased by 1.85 per cent). There has been an increase in the numbers of students enrolled in apprenticeship programs (increase of 46.5 per cent). ABORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION RATE The aboriginal high school completion rate for those aged 15 and over in Red Deer was 67.2 per cent in 2006. The rate was 19 per cent higher than the national rate for Aboriginals (56.3 per cent) and 21 per cent higher than the rate for Alberta (55.7 per cent).
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT Do you think you have enough education to ensure an adequate level of employment in the long run? “Yes. I have a degree and am always looking for new training opportunities...” “Yes. However that being said, society has changed to needing people to take the position of being life long learners...” “I used to, but everything I used to know how to do is not a realistic goal anymore...” “Not at all...” What was the biggest limiting factor that prevented you from going any further in your schooling? “I think that post secondary education today, while increasingly required, is also increasingly competitive and expensive. We base our system on “equal opportunity,” but, sadly, the equal treatment of persons from unequal backgrounds and conditions only serves to perpetuate inequality.” “I could not take my post-secondary schooling until student loans were introduced at an adequate level. I also had to be admitted to university as an adult, non-matriculated student as I did not complete high school. Accessibility was a major factor for me.”
With a university degree I know that I will have to continue to educate myself to remain competitive and employable throughout my life...
I wish I had more [education]. But I am too busy working, so I must be okay...
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getting around As our population has grown, has the way we “get around” changed? Have we changed our behaviours when it comes to transportation?
COMMUTING DISTANCE In 2006, the median commuting distance to work in Red Deer was 3.8 kilometres. This was 50.0 per cent lower than the national average of 7.6 km and 50.0 per cent lower than the provincial average of 7.6 km. The median commuting distance was up 11.8 per cent from the 2001 figure. REDUCING THE COMMUTE The downtown area is the location of various central administrative and service offices for The City, The Province, several large financial institutions and a host of social service agencies. Several of the areas closest to the downtown core are seeing their populations declining slightly over the last two or three years. Would you move closer to downtown to reduce or eliminate your commute? Why or why not? “Not in Red Deer. The downtown residential areas are aging and not seeing a lot of reinvestment and revitalization. … it takes minimally more time (and engine emissions) to commute from a more desirable residential neighborhood.”
VEHICLES PER PERSON In Red Deer in 2008, there were 77,226 registered vehicles (excluding trailers, OHVs and dealer plated vehicles). Per capita, this is equivalent to 0.88 vehicles for every man, woman and child in Red Deer. For the driving population, this equates to 1.26 registered vehicles to every person in Red Deer aged 15 to 79. TRANSIT SERVICE & USEAGE In Red Deer, there has been a 34 per cent increase in overall transit ridership from 2004 to 2007. The percentage of transit users is increasing at a greater rate than the population growth. Right now, approximately 4,000 children and seniors rely on the buses every day. Improvements in Red Deer’s transit service over the last year include the following: There are three more regular routes, four more industrial routes, six more buses and over 100 more bus stops. There are 55 per cent more overall active hours of buses on the road, hours of service have been extended in the evening, Saturday schedules match weekday schedules, and there is earlier and later service on Sunday and holidays.
I work downtown and choose to commute. It is not a safe area to raise a family and I would not feel safe moving closer to work. Downtown I have seen hard drug use, prostitutes and fights since I have been working there.
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More neighbourhoods need to developed with sustainability in mind. The live, work and play model needs to be incorporated in every new subdivision to reduce commute time, pollution and increase family time... I think having housing in and near downtown is necessary to a healthy city. It will also keep it from getting too rundown. It is important to have people on the streets in the downtown core and surrounding areas in order to keep crime rates low and the city vital...
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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belonging & leadership Communities are stronger when citizens put their energies toward civic responsibility.
VOTER TURNOUT Voter turnout for the 2006 Federal Election in Red Deer was 58.7 per cent. This turnout is 6.0 percentage points lower than the national average (64.7 per cent) and 3.2 percentage points lower than the provincial average (61.9 per cent). Voter turnout for the 2008 Provincial Election in Alberta overall was 41 per cent (a record low). In Red Deer, voter turnout for the provincial election was approximately 34 per cent. Voter turnout for the 2007 Municipal Election in Red Deer was just under 22 per cent. This turnout marked a new all-time low for voter turnout at Red Deer’s municipal elections. “It’s a right of a democratic society. People in other countries risk their life to vote. We have no idea of the power we give up when we don’t vote. Sadly, we are a complacent country...” “It’s important that the right people are in position to make change in our community and province. It is my responsibility as a citizen to do my part to be informed and let my opinion be heard...” “It’s one of the easiest ways to participate in democracy…. better yet for this 5 second event, use the internet… get with the times!”
No - 14.2% Yes - 85.8% DO YOU VOTE?
CHARITABLE DONORS AS A PROPORTION OF TAX FILERS With the proportion of tax filers that declare charitable donations at 23.1 per cent in 2006, Red Deer was 6.3 per cent below the national rate and 7.4 per cent below the provincial rate. The rate was down 1.2 per cent from 2001. MEDIAN CHARITABLE DONATIONS With the median charitable donation of donors amounting to $300 in 2006, donations in Red Deer were 20.0 per cent higher than the national average ($250) and 6.3 per cent lower than the provincial average ($320). Median donations have increased 30.4 per cent from $230 in 2001. SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING In 2005 in the David Thompson Health Region, 71.1 per cent of the population 12 years and over reported a strong or somewhat strong sense of community belonging. This compares to 64.4 per cent at the national level and 64.8 per cent at the provincial level. WOMEN IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, of all elected members of Alberta municipal councils (mayors and councillors) in 2007, 435 were female. In other words, of the 1,909 elected mayors and councillors in the province, females accounted for 22.8 per cent. In Red Deer, 5 of the 9 elected members of council are female – this is equivalent to 55.6 per cent. VOLUNTEER RATE In 2004, in Red Deer, 51.7 per cent of persons aged 15 years and older were engaged in unpaid volunteer activities. This is slightly above the provincial volunteer rate of 47.7 per cent and well above the national rate of 45.3 per cent.
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I treasure the right to vote. It’s a privilege in many countries; we need to use our votes to ensure that we will continue to have the right instead of having to earn it as a privilege...
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safety The roads we drive on, the areas we live in‌ is our community a safe place for all of us?
In my neighborhood is where I feel most safe. By the bars downtown is where I feel least safe. To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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TRAFFIC CRIME RATE At 535 per 100,000 persons in 2007, the traffic crime rate in Red Deer was 34 per cent above the national average (400 per 100,000) and 8 per cent below the provincial average (580 per 100,000). The rate, which increased 24 per cent in 2007, was up from a low of 411 per 100,000 in 2004. Since 1991 (the earliest year for which data are available), the rate has decreased 83 per cent from 3,220 per 100,000. PROPERTY CRIME At 4,758 per 100,000 persons in 2007, the property crime rate in Red Deer was 43 per cent above the national average (3,320 per 100,000) and 12 per cent above the provincial average (4,259 per 100,000). The rate, which decreased 13 per cent in 2007, was at its lowest point on record. Since 1991 (the earliest year for which data are available), it has decreased 55 per cent from 10,489 per 100,000. TOLERANCE OF GRAFFITI In 2007, The City, the Red Deer RCMP and the Downtown Business Association met to discuss ways to address graffiti. In March, City Council amended the Community Standards Bylaw to allow significant increases to fines for applying graffiti. The fine for the first offence of applying graffiti is $2,500. The fines for failing to remove graffiti from your property start at $250. YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN GANGS Approximately 350 to 400 youth (11 to 24 years old) are currently involved in gang activity in Red Deer - the majority of these are between 12 and 15 years old, and about 30 per cent are female. It is estimated by the RCMP that about 80 of them are involved in serious crimes, for example, those involving violence and weapons.
POLICE OFFICERS PER 100,000 At 135 police officers per 100,000 in 2007, the number of police officers in Red Deer was 30.8 per cent lower than the national average (195) and 18.2 per cent lower than the provincial average (165). The rate was down 8.2 per cent from 147 in 2006. FEELING SAFE AT SCHOOL In a 2007 survey of students, parents and teachers in grades 4, 7 and 10, over 85 per cent of respondents from each of the Catholic school system and the Public school system agreed that: students are safe at school, are learning the importance of caring for others, are learning respect for others and are treated fairly in school. The provincial result was 84.2 per cent. USE OF THE WOMENS’ EMERGENCY SHELTER In 2007, the Central Alberta Womens’ Emergency Shelter provided shelter for 2061 women and children: of these, children comprised 47 per cent of their visitors. FEELING SAFE When outside of your own home, where do you feel the most safe, or the least safe in Red Deer? “Safest - in public areas with lots of people around (Malls, parks in the daytime) Least safe - Downtown, Parks - particularly at night.” “Not safe at all after about 7pm.” “The only places I feel safe outside my apartment is this building as the Schizophrenia Society adopted me several years ago as they are inclusive of anyone with any mental illness and they have made this a safe place.” “I generally feel safe everywhere. I feel safe downtown, and love it there. I try not to put myself in situations where I may be unsafe. My rare feelings of unsafety have to do with situations, not places, such as having to walk to my car after dark on a quiet street - this feeling happens anywhere, not in a particular location.”
health & wellness
OBESITY RATE In 2007, the obesity rate for the population aged 18 and over in the David Thompson Health Region was 18.7 per cent, 16.9 per cent higher than the national average (16.0 per cent) and 2.2 per cent higher than the provincial average (18.3 per cent). The rate was down 2.1 per cent from 2005.
Our overall health is a function of a variety of factors: this section reflects the overall physical and mental health of our community.
% 25 22.5 20 17.5 15 12.5
0
Obesity Rates for Vital Signs Communities, 2007
VANCOUVER
VICTORIA
TORONTO
OTTAWA
MONTREAL
LONDON
FREDERICTON
CANADA
OAKVILLE
CALGARY
MEDICINE HAT
SUDBURY
2.5
GUELPH
5
SAINT JOHN
7.5
RED DEER (DTHR)
10
KITCHENER
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25 LIFE EXPECTANCY For both males and females in the David Thompson Health Region, life expectancy at birth is lower than that for Alberta overall. In 2005, in the DTHR: • for males, the life expectancy in Alberta is 77.6 yrs, and 76.0 yrs • for females, the life expectancy in Alberta is 82.7 yrs, and 80.9 yrs. SELF-RATED MENTAL HEALTH Perceived Mental Health: Definition: “Population aged 12 and over who reported perceiving their own mental health status as being excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. Perceived mental health provides a general indication of the population suffering from some form of mental disorder, mental or emotional problems, or distress, not necessarily reflected in self-reported (physical) health.” The proportion of respondents rating their own mental health as “excellent” or “very good” in 2007 was 74.6 per cent in Alberta and 72.7 per cent Canada-wide. The results for the David Thompson Health Region were similar to the provincial and national results: In 2007, 71.6 per cent of respondents in the David Thompson Health Region rated their mental health status as “excellent” or “very good.” The 2007 value was not significantly different from 2005 (71.7 per cent). PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION WITHOUT A REGULAR “FAMILY” MEDICAL DOCTOR In the David Thompson Health Region in 2007, 21.0 per cent of the population 12 years and over reported that they did not have a regular medical doctor. This was up from 16.5 per cent in 2003. By comparison, 18.4 per cent of the population in Alberta reported not having a regular medical doctor in 2007. In Canada as a whole, the percentage was 15.2. HIGH BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS In Alberta, babies that weigh 4,000 grams or more when they are born are defined as “high birth-weight infants”. These infants are at an increased risk for becoming overweight. Risk factors for high birth weight (referred to as macrosomia - defined as heavy birthweight for gestational age) include maternal obesity, excessive maternal weight gain, maternal diabetes (whether pre-existing or gestational), prolonged pregnancy, and First Nations ethnicity. In 2006, for live births, the DTHR had a higher rate (12.4 per cent) of high birth-weight infants, than the province in general (11.2 per cent).
SMOKING The smoking rate for people ages 12 and over in Canada did not change significantly from 2005 (21.7 per cent) to 2007 (21.9 per cent). During that same period the smoking rate in Alberta also did not change significantly, shifting from 22.7 per cent in 2005 to 21.9 per cent in 2007. However, the smoking rate in the DTHR increased significantly from 2005 (25.3 per cent) to 2007 (31.1 per cent). AIR QUALITY - EXPOSURE TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE Fewer non-smoking DTHR residents ages 12 and over were exposed to second-hand smoke in vehicles or public places in 2007 (17.6 per cent) than in 2005 (22.5 per cent). POSITIVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH What are the most important steps you take to ensure your own health and well being? This could include any activity that develops positive mental and physical health. “Cutting down my working hours. My job is very high demand and high stress. Working less hours also allows me time to exercise and to actually see my family. A well balanced life is extremely important to me. I’m also eating better now...” “Walking and enjoying the green spaces in Red Deer. Attending cultural events...” “Having adequate access to information and education and facilities that are reasonably available to ensure that I am able to keep up (medical, physical [gyms], social, cultural)...” “Love my family, grow a garden, go to Church regularly, give to my community and my world, teach my children to love each other and themselves, laugh, walk, play...” What factors impact your mental health? “Aging, financial pressures, increasing demands and complexity of daily life...” “Quality of life - work, leisure, child care difficulties...” “Security, environment, relationships...” “Stress. Mostly due to money...” “Stress, world events, the thought of my children’s future...”
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gap between rich & poor Growth in the national economy impacts the standard of living of individuals in a variety of ways. *Low Income Measures (LIMs) are a relative measure of low income. LIMs are a fixed percentage (50 per cent) of adjusted median family income where adjusted indicates a consideration of family needs. The family size adjustment used in calculating the Low Income Measures reflects the precept that family needs increase with family size. A census family is considered to be low income when their income is below the Low Income Measure for their family type and size. CHILD POVERTY RATE According to the 2006 census, the child poverty rate in Red Deer, based on the Low Income Measure (LIM), an indicator of relative poverty, was 16.9 per cent. This figure was 6.9 per cent lower than the provincial average. “We should not be comparing ourselves to the National Average to make ourselves feel better. These are CHILDREN! We should be striving for a percentage of 0. Early starts make a world of difference to a child...” “Still too high for the richest province in the country. How are the children fed and clothed in these families?” FAMILIES AND INCOME BRACKETS A census “family” refers to a group of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption. According to the 2006 census, 7.2 per cent of families in Red Deer had annual incomes lower than $25,000. This reflects a 16.8 per cent decrease in the proportion of families in Red Deer making less than $25,000. Also, 30.7 per cent of families in Red Deer had annual incomes of over $100,000. This reflects a 28.2 per cent increase in the proportion of families in Red Deer with incomes above $100,000 between 2000 and 2005.
Of all of our citizens, children need to live with the necessities of life. Poverty begets poverty without caring intervention.
OVERALL POVERTY RATE In 2006, the overall poverty rate in Red Deer, based on the Low Income Measure, was 13.3 per cent. The 2006 figure was 8.0 per cent lower than the provincial average. INCOME OF INDIVIDUALS WORKING FULL TIME According to the 2006 census, in Red Deer, the median income for individuals (over 15, working full time for the full year) was $41,074. This represents an increase of 5.1 per cent since 2000, when the median income was $39,081 (in constant 2005 dollars – this means that inflation has been accounted for since 2000, and that the two numbers are directly comparable). INCOME GAP BETWEEN LONE-PARENT FAMILIES HEADED BY MALES VS THOSE OF FEMALES According to the 2006 Census, in Red Deer, the median after-tax income of families with both partners was $69,493. For male headed lone-parent families, the median income was $49,928, while for female-headed loneparent families the median income was $34,339. USE OF FOOD BANK In 2007, the Red Deer Food Bank Society served families 2,022 times; children under the age of 18 were served 3,939 times. Over the last three years there has been a decline in the number of families using their services; however, in 2008 they have already exceeded their 2007 figures for the same time frame.
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Regardless of your income are you satisfied with your standard of living? We wish to have a little more for some flexibility. We do not have money in the bank for any emergency... I would like a little more financial freedom (which would be attained by simply wiping out my student loans) to be able to take more trips and be able to have a house instead of a condo, but otherwise quite satisfied with my standard of living... Absolutely... Yes, generally - 77.5% Other - 0.9% No, generally - 17.1% Yes, with reservations - 4.5%
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housing Housing is a big factor in quality of life, and an important issue for Red Deer.
I support the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness but I am sceptical about its ongoing viability or public support in Red Deer. The homeless are seen as an eyesore and not as a social problem that needs to be properly addressed. We have to end homelessness; it is our responsibility as a society...
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RENTAL VACANCY RATE In Red Deer in 2007, the rental vacancy rate of two bedroom apartments was 2.6 per cent. The rental vacancy rate was up 420.0 per cent from 0.5 per cent in 2006. RATIO OF HOUSING PRICE TO FAMILY INCOME In 2006 the average house cost 2.6 years of annual income for the median family. The ratio increased 21.9 per cent over the time period 2001-2006. ENDING HOMELESSNESS What would you do to support the goal of ending homelessness in our community? (examples: donate monthly to support a plan you believed in, build a secondary suite in your home, get to know a homeless person by volunteering with a program that provides supports for homeless people). “Help to lobby the government to step up and put programs and housing in place to eliminate homelessness. In this rich province we should be ashamed that anyone is left behind. The community is there to help and support but it is the provincial and federal governments who should be leading the way...” “Donate money - get to know a homeless person - vote for councillors who support proactive initiatives...” “Volunteering, vote for a government that has appropriate policies to address the issue...” HOME OWNERSHIP Nationally, 31 per cent of all Canadians rent their home and 68.4 per cent own their homes. In our province, 26.3 per cent rent and 73.1 per cent own. In Red Deer the percentage of home ownership is lower than both the provincial and national levels: 34 per cent of us rent our homes and 66 per cent own our place of residence.
YOUNG HOME OWNERS In Canada, people under the age 25 comprise 1.13 per cent of the total number of homeowners. In Alberta, they represent 2.21 per cent, and in Red Deer, 3.43 per cent of our homeowners are under the age of 25. The 25-34 age group comprises 10.75 per cent of homeowners across Canada. In Alberta they make up 14.57 per cent, and in Red Deer they represent 16.8 per cent of our homeowners. GROSS SHELTER INCOME RATIO According to the 2006 census, in Red Deer, 35.7 per cent of renters spent 30 per cent or more of their income on housing payments. Also, 14.8 per cent of homeowners spent 30 per cent or more of their income on a housing payment (ie, mortgage). Do you spend more than 30 per cent of your income on your housing (rent or mortgage payment)? 14.4% YES - however it’s not a problem. I have enough money after that to pay the bills and still save some 25.4% YES- it’s a huge expense, but I still have enough left to pay the bills 4.2% YES - it takes up most of my income and there’s nothing left 44.1% NO - I make enough money that the housing payment is less than 30 per cent 11.9% NO - I don’t pay for housing
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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getting started A snapshot of what its like to start a new stage of your life in Red Deer.
MEDIAN INCOME OF RECENT IMMIGRANTS According to the 2006 census, the median total family income of recent immigrants arriving in Canada between 2001 and 2004 in Red Deer was $73,208. This was 2.8 per cent lower than the median income of non-immigrants.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE In 2006, the youth (15-24 years old) unemployment rate in Red Deer was 7.1 per cent. This was 44.5 per cent below the national youth unemployment rate of 12.8 per cent and 13.4 per cent below the provincial average of 8.2 per cent. The youth unemployment rate has decreased 2.0 percentage points from 9.1 per cent in 2001.
MIGRATION According to the 2006 census, in Red Deer, 3,790 persons (4.7 per cent of population) had lived in another province within the previous year, compared to 3.8 per cent for Alberta and 1.9 per cent for Canada. In Red Deer, 12.9 per cent of the population had lived outside the province within the last five years.
STUDENT DEBT For the last government fiscal year (April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008), the average government loan (provincial and federal) per student at Red Deer College was $6,503 for one year. The average funding award was $9,129, showing that $2,626 of their award was grant which does not need to be paid back. For a student in a diploma program, this reflects approximately $13,006 in government loans over the course of their studies. For a student pursuing a degree at RDC, it reflects an average of $26,012 over the course of their program. This does not include personal sources of funding, such as family, loans from banks, lines of credit and credit cards. Do you think that it is harder for this generation of young adults to get started? Why?
IMMIGRATION According to Statistics Canada, as of 2006, 7,655 people, or 9.4 per cent of our population, were immigrants. Immigrants accounted for 16.18 per cent of the population in Alberta, and 19.8 per cent of Canada’s population. UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR IMMIGRANTS AND NON-IMMIGRANTS According to the 2006 census, the unemployment rate of recent immigrants who have entered the country within the last five years was 3.1 per cent in Red Deer, 31.1 per cent below the nonimmigrant rate.
“I think it’s harder for them to obtain the education they may desire. But the job market is such that it is a tempting choice to skip out on expensive advanced education in favor of plentiful readily available income. When the market crashes in the future, will there be an excess of unemployed and uneducated Albertans?” “No. I do believe that their expectations are such that they want to start where their parents are, which greatly impacts their ability to start with less...”
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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I think that hard working resourceful people will always get ahead. The problem comes when too many people want good things without working hard for them...
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innovation There has been a huge jump in industrial and commercial activity in our region over the last several years. With this activity comes new innovation, entrepreneurs and “out of the box” thinkers.
DIVERSIFICATION “As we look ahead to 2009, diversification and increased capacity through technology are some of the many strategies manufacturers will be looking into in order help keep the local economy in expansion mode and the Red Deer Corridor thriving.” -Red Deer Regional Economic Corridor – Manufacturing Survey 2007 Seven years ago, there was only sporadic Research and Development projects at Red Deer College. In 2006-2007 the applied research department budget was $282,000. In 2008/2009 this budget is projected to be approximately $900,000. Funding will come from various sources, including the provincial and federal government. In Phase 1 of Building Communities Through Learning, Red Deer College has allocated approximately 12,000 square feet for the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing. In June 2008 the Federal Government, through Western Diversification announced a $1.2 million grant for highly specialized equipment for the centre to assist manufacturing business and students in Central Alberta.
Bravo. There is always need for research and development and it is great that Red Deer students have the opportunity to be engaged...
To spend this kind of money on tourism when we have a serious lack of affordable housing for people who would work in tourism related jobs is unacceptable... INNOVATION IN TOURISM In 2006, the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Alberta struck a committee to investigate an opportunity for an innovative tourist attraction for Red Deer. With financial support from Alberta Economic Development, the Tourism Development Committee worked to develop a strategy that would identify potential development opportunities with the goal of strengthening our tourism industry. The strategy is intended to provide a specific focus and allow for the identification of destination development opportunities to pursue with other community and business stakeholders, and is currently informing the work of the Culture Vision and Plan as well as the work of the Greater Downtown Action Plan Steering Committee. “We need to accentuate the unique features already in place, and enhance them (Trail system, Farmers Market, Art galleries, an improved Museum, etc. … Whatever is put in place will need to be fully utilized and well-maintained for the future...” “These ideas emerging around the Riverland’s development are extremely exciting. There should be greater collaboration which fosters this type of thinking...”
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This sounds good; but it is weighted heavily on the technical side, largely connected to oil & gas work. We need more diversity, or RDC will become a “Tech”, subject to the vagaries of fossil fuel industries... It’s fine, but RDC is not simply a trades / vocational / applied degree institution. The academic areas need more attention… We’re moving in the right direction but slowly and tentatively...
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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thanks Alberta Education
Red Deer Food Bank Society
Canada Revenue Agency
David Thompson Health Region Dawn Traverse, Accountability Reporting Coordinator, Knowledge Management Tracey Lee, Director, Aboriginal Services Program
Canadian Community Health Survey
Elections Alberta
Canadian Council on Learning
Elections Canada
Red Deer Public School Division Bruce Buruma, Director of Community Relations
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Environment Canada
Catalyst Consulting Glynis Wilson Boultbee
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Alberta Health & Wellness Alberta Transportation
Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) Dawna Allard, Manager Central Alberta Womens Emergency Shelter Ian Wheeliker, Executive Director Citizenship and Immigration Canada City of Red Deer Lori Baugh Littlejohns, Community Researcher, Social Planning Department Franklin Kutuadu, Community Researcher, Social Planning Department Kevin Joll, Manager, Transit Department Annette Scheper, Community & Program Facilitator, Culture Services Pierre Ă–berg, Culture Services Trevor Poth, Parks Planning Department Wendy Meeres, Acting Culture Superintendent, Culture Services GIS Department Community Foundations of Canada Andrew Sharpe Sara Lyons
Homeless Individuals and Families Information System Industry Canada Red Deer Advocate Red Deer and District Community Foundation Board of Directors Stacey Carmichael, Coordinator, Community Leadership Initiatives Red Deer Catholic School Division Paulette Hanna, Superintendent Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Red Deer Child Care Society Rob Elliot, Executive Director Red Deer College Doug Sharp, Director of Facilities Bill Stuebing, Sociology Instructor Rick Tofani, Director of Applied Research and Innovation Tony Skorjanc, Director of Research Services Gerry Paradis, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Research Joanne Premak, Student Funding and Awards Coordinator
Red Deer Housing Committee Red Deer Native Friendship Society Sheralle Graystone, Executive Director
Red Deer Regional Economic Development Red Deer River Watershed Alliance ReThink Red Deer Royal Canadian Mounted Police Red Deer City Detachment Supt. Brian Simpson Cst. Daniel Paterson Statistics Canada Tourism Red Deer Winter Inn Design of Report: Idea Market Design Inc. www.ideamarket.ca
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4811 - 48th Street Red Deer, AB T4N 1S6 Ph: (403) 341-6911 Fx: (403) 341-4177 www.rddcf.ca janicewing@rddcf.ca