2009 Our Community’s Annual Check Up
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table of contents introduction data collection & grading where we stand top 3 strengths & issues 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 Red Deer’s Vital Signs 2009 is here! Your Community Foundation is pleased to present the third edition of Vital Signs to you, community members! This report provides us with a snapshot of our community’s landscape. Vital Signs is a product of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation’s commitment to fulfill its mandate of being a “community catalyst”, presenting the community with its current state of health and sparking interesting conversations on issues that matter the most. It is the Community Foundation’s resource for relevant information that would guide us in our strategic decisions on the different aspects of our organization, such as grantmaking, fund development and leadership. Our 20th anniversary came at a time when our global community experienced the worst economic downturn in a long time. Many of our community members have already felt the impact of these hard times, as expressed through our indicators and input provided by our Community Graders. Vital Signs is a community check up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends, and shares opportunities for action in at least ten areas critical to quality of life and is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada. It is based on a project started by the Toronto Community Foundation. The Vital Signs® trademark is used with permission from the Community Foundations of Canada.
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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data collection & grading The data presented in this report represents a synthesis of data about Red Deer It is a compilation of existing research and information from various sources such as Statistics Canada, Government of Alberta, City of Red Deer, and local community organizations. The context of the local information presented has always been situated within Alberta and Canada when possible. Analysis of data was conducted using generally accepted statistical techniques in order to summarize the data in the form of context statements. All the sources for the context statements are cited in the online version of the report. The online survey asked Red Deer residents to rank context statements on a 5 point scale, according to whether or not they felt the situation was extremely pleasing, just acceptable or in need of improvement. The survey was sent out via email and was available for public access on the Red Deer & District Community Foundation’s website. Printed copies of the survey were also made available to individuals without internet access at the Community Foundation office. The Community Graders responses were used to calculate the grades that have been assigned to 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 (grades) was similarly performed on SPSS. Red Deer & District Community Foundation Board of Directors, 2009 Paul Harris, Chairman Tom Stevens, Vice Chairman Doug Anderson, Treasurer David Laing, Director Fred Gorman, Director Dawna Morey, Director Jim Baker, Director
Kim Pasula, Director Joan Scott, Director Wilf Brock, Director Jean Graham, Director Doug Janssen, Director Robin Mackay, Director Janice Wing, Chief Executive Officer
This is totally unacceptable
I’m concerned. This situation needs attention
This situation is unsatisfactory, but acceptable
I’m satisfied with this situation
I’m very pleased! Red Deer’s leading the way!
5 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 2009 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
Red Deer continues to be a strong and vibrant community. We experienced a steady increase in our city’s population of 89,891 this year and relatively young with our city’s median age of 32. It remains to be thriving despite the tough economic times as indicated by innovation, ingenuity and determination shown by community members. As expected, there was no significant increase, at 0.1%, in Real Gross Domestic product in Red Deer from 2007. There was an increase in retail sales in Red Deer of 11.1% for 2009 which is significant, especially in a recession environment. There were no updates on poverty indicators since the 2006 Census information; however, we have presented our poverty rates using a different measure of Low Income Cut Off (LICO). The rates are slightly different from last year’s as it lends itself to economic families’ share of income on basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. Seasonally Adjusted Employment Rate in Red Deer Economic Region in June 2009 held firm at 70.4% compared to figures from June of last year and slightly higher than Alberta at 69.5 in the same period mentioned and higher than the national rate at 61.6%. Unemployment Rate for July 2009 in Red Deer Economic Region had a significant increase at 7.4% over the corresponding month in 2008 at 4.1%. Our region’s rate is slightly higher than the provincial rate (7.2%) and lower than the national rate of 8.6%. With this in mind, it seems that our community is in relatively good economic shape relative to provincial and national figures.
However, the spike in the average number of Employment Insurance claims indicates that the global economic downturn has truly hit home. The average number of regular EI claims in the first four months of 2009 increased in Red Deer by 252% compared to the first four months of 2008. Our community’s average is 19 percentage points higher than Alberta, at 233% and is 112 percentage points higher than the national average at 140%. Our community graders have indicated that the effects of a recession are definitely felt in their daily lives. Some of them have had to adjust their lifestyle and as one of our graders put it, had to “make smarter choices” in life. Our local Food Bank experienced a drastic increase in the number of food hampers distributed compared to last year. One of our key media outlets in Red Deer, CHCA News, ceased broadcasting at the end of August, due to the economy. Fall applications at Red Deer College increased 22%, mostly in programs or skills upgrade.
red deer’s greatest strengths
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72.6%
Green Spaces/Parks Systems
37.1%
Recreation/Sport/Active Living
28.4%
Facilities
27.4%
Education
24.9%
Economy
14.2%
Celebrations and Activities
13.2%
Arts/Heritage
12.2%
Environment*
10.7%
Diversity
10.7%
Social Safety Net/Social Programs
9.6%
Public Gathering Spaces
9.1%
Cost of Living
9.1%
Health Care/Health Care System
8.6%
Natural Resources/Water/Oil/Energy
7.1%
Leadership
6.1%
Heritage
6.1%
Youth
5.6%
Honesty/Ethics
5.6%
Safety/Law and Order
5.1%
Seniors
4.1%
Municipal Fiscal Responsibility
3.0%
Taxes
2.5%
Employment Growth
2.5%
Immigration
2.0%
Food Security
2.0%
Security/Threat of Terrorism
0.0%
Honesty/Ethics
2.6%
Immigration/Settlement
3.6%
Racism
5.6%
Education
7.1%
Taxes
7.1%
Government
8.2%
Accessibility of Child Care
8.7%
Deficit/Debt
9.7%
Leadership
10.7%
Employment/Unemployment
14.3%
Natural Resources/Water/Energy
17.3%
Environment/Pollution/Impact of Global Warming
18.4%
Human Services/Social Safety Net/Social Programs
19.9%
Economy/Cost of Living
35.7%
Government
Poverty/Homelessness/Hunger
45.4%
1.5%
Authenticity Social Justice
Health Care/Health Care System
46.4%
1.5% 0.0%
Child Care
Crime/Law & Order
48.0%
red deer’s most important issues * the way we care for our natural and built environment
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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.
...We need to get out the message about REDUCING and REUSING-we seem to be consuming so much still and think that by recycling the stuff that is okay, but, really we just consume too much... Good going Red Deer!
We all have to try harder... I would like to see 100% of houses with access to recycling program.
HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING RATE In Red Deer in 2007, 93% of households had access to a recycling program, 2 percentage points below the national rate (95%) and equal to the rate for all of Alberta (93%). Of the households that had access to a recycling program, 100% participated, a proportion that was 2 percentage points above the national rate (98%) and 5 percentage points above the rate for all of Alberta (95%). “We need to be able to recycle more types of plastic!!!”
“We should all stand up and cheer. Well done!” HOUSEHOLDS THAT COMPOSTED KITCHEN OR YARD WASTE In 2007, 63% of all households in Red Deer reported that they composted; 83% of households that did not live in apartment buildings and had a lawn or garden reported composting their yard waste. By comparison, 54% of all households in Alberta reported that they composted; 64% of households that did not live in apartment buildings and had a lawn or garden reported composting their yard waste. Canada-wide, 57% of households composted and 72% of households that did not live in apartment buildings and had a lawn or garden composted yard waste. “More people should be composting yard waste- but the composting program should be expanded to include other household organic materials--food waste.” “I’d like to see the City of Red Deer have a regular compost pick up (on garbage day) for those of us who live in condos.”
DWELLING TEMPERATURE CHANGES In 2007, 59% households in Red Deer with a programmable thermostat lowered the temperature while asleep, while only 49% of those with an unprogrammed or non-programmable thermostat did so. In Alberta, 59% of households with a programmable thermostat lowered it while asleep, while only 30% of those with an unprogrammed or non-programmable thermostat did so. Canada-wide, the percentages were 57 and 31% respectively. In addition, 58% of Red Deer households had compact fluorescent light bulbs, compared with 64% in Alberta and 70% in Canada. “Greater promotion and understanding of the environmental impact we have. There is a huge responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations, and try to repair the damage already done.” “I do not believe in fluorescent light bulbs, as they contain mercury which can contaminate the environment if broken. I don’t believe that lowering the thermostat more than 1 degree at night really saves money.”
“I’ve changed almost all of the light bulbs in my house to fluorescent-and lowering temperature while asleep and while away during the day DOES save on the bill in the long run I’m finding.” “Why the heck wouldn’t people do that?? Save money, sleep better, save the environment. Land sakes!”
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The City of Red Deer is offering $50 rebates for homeowners who replace high flow toilets with six litre toilets and $100 rebates for dual flush toilets. Does your home currently have a water efficient toilet?
No answer - 3%
Not sure
7%
Yes 37% No 53%
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arts & culture The arts enrich the quality of life in any city and can also be an important economic generator.
If Council further reduces emphasis on the arts, it will turn Red Deer into the city no one wants, with no cultural identity; a place that young people want to escape from. The arts are already marginalized here, it would be a grievous error to [continue down this path]...
11 ATTENDANCE AT LOCAL CULTURAL EVENTS Number of Attendees
50
100
150
200
250
0
Farmers Market Red Deer Symphony Orchestra Series Red Deer Public Library Events Bower Pond Stage Presentations Kerry Wood Nature Centre Activities Heritage Ranch Ft. Normandeau Programs City Parks and Recreation Facilities Red Deer Rebels Hockey Westerner Days Parade and Park Activities Westerner Park Activities (other) Great Chief Park Activities Alexander Way Celebrations and Events Red Deer Minor Sports Events/Venues Centrefest Street Performers Festival Festival Hall Events Memorial Centre Performances Canada Day Celebrations Floating on the Red Deer River Have Attended Would Like To Attend Have Not Attended
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
MEDIA IN RED DEER Currently, Red Deer citizens are served by 2 local newspapers (1 daily, 1 weekly), 12 radio stations and 2 local television stations (although CHCA Red Deer will cease broadcasting by the end of August 2009). “I am extremely disappointed that CHCA will be going off the air- a newspaper can only communicate so much, watching people speak about the things that affects them, is much more personal to me. It’s not only Red Deer that will be affected by the loss of CHCA, but our surrounding communities.” “Losing CHCA is a huge loss…I will get local news from the internet.” PUBLIC ART POLICY IN RED DEER The City of Red Deer established a Public Art Policy in 1996 and reaffirmed its commitment in 2003, to provide 1.2% of civic capital project budgets to public art in that project. Red Deer City Council is currently reviewing this policy, with a recommendation to reduce the budget commitment to 0.5%.
“Public art makes our city more attractive and interesting to visitors.” “That in these tough economic times it would make fiscal sense. However as the nation comes out of a recession, I would encourage once again increasing the Public Art spending to previous budget levels.”
“This is most distressing, given the almost total absence of anything artistic in Red Deer.” “City Council is missing the point, Red Deer needs more culture, not less.”
1.2 percent is not that much. Why cut it more than half? Arts are a part of the community too-perhaps if more input from the citizens as to what art is purchased, there would be more support for maintaining the art. Art can be a part of social cohesion and community building...
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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 RATE “Employment Rate” refers to the number of persons employed expressed as a percentage of the population 15 years and over. The employment rate is only calculated on an annual basis. The Employment Rate in the Red Deer Economic Region stood at 74.4% in 2008, a decline from 76.8% in 2007. At 74.4%, the Red Deer Employment Rate was nevertheless higher than the comparable rates for either Alberta (72.0%) or Canada (63.6%). A “Seasonally Adjusted Rate” is one from which the effects of seasonal variation has been eliminated and can be meaningfully calculated on a monthly basis. Current employment data for Red Deer shows that the seasonally adjusted employment rate for June 2009 has held firm at 70.4%, a slight increase over June 2008 at 70.2%. By contrast, the seasonally adjusted rates for both Alberta (June 2009-69.5%; June 2008-72.1%) and Canada (June 2009-61.6%; June 2008-63.7%), both showed a substantial decline. “There is no good reason why we can’t create more local jobs in our community to strengthen our local economy. FAR too many resources are going to recipients outside of our boundaries. There may not be enough centralized economy ‘jobs’, but there is PLENTY of community building work to be done and we have the means to compensate people for their efforts.”
There are certainly other regions of Canada hit worse than Red Deer by the recession. If lucky, we will ride out this recession better as well... UNEMPLOYMENT RATE “Unemployment Rate” refers to the number of workers who were available for work and were either on temporary lay-off, had looked for work in the past four weeks or had a job to start in the next four weeks. The unemployment rate is the unemployment expressed as a percentage of the labour force. The seasonally adjusted Unemployment Rate in the Red Deer Economic Region for July 2009 stood at 7.4%, a significant increase over the corresponding month in 2008 when the rate stood at 4.1%. By comparison, in July 2009 the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Alberta as a whole was 7.2%, an increase from 3.7% in July 2008, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Canada in July 2009 stood at 8.6%, up from 6.7% in July 2008. “We need to create more jobs.”
“[I] suspect some people still continue to abuse Employment Insurance” “Can’t just pull jobs out of a hat..again the economy dictates.” YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT For the first six months of 2009, the average youth unemployment rate in the Red Deer Economic Region is 11.1%. This was 3.5 percentage points below the national youth unemployment rate of 14.6 and is essentially similar to the provincial rate of 11.0%.
A by-product of a hot economy followed by a downturn. Unemployment rates from 2005-2008 were too low leading to poor situations for employers and overall bad service from most businesses. As a recent University graduate, it has been very difficult to find a job that interests me. There seems to be little variety in what is available, and even looking for temporary jobs in retail or customer service has turned up sparse results...
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Has the current economy impacted your employment, lifestyle or quality of life? Absolutely. My husband’s income has decreased by almost 50% from December 2008. We are struggling financially and both of us have been looking for other opportunities to increase our income and decrease our expenses for the last many months. We have also cut as many costs and extras from our life that we can. vacations, clothing, entertainment, etc... Yes. I have had difficulty hiring people with a good work ethic and attitude, and have found many working in the service industry severly lacking in attitude conducive to proper customer treatment.. Lifestyle, the cost of food, gas, etc. is getting out of hand, makes it hard for a one income household to make ends meet... We don’t travel as much, we are very leary to spend on big purchases, groceries and gas consume a large portion of income now...
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learning Education and prosperity are closely linked – are we an educated community? Are we educating our future leaders? Will we maintain our economic strength? PROPORTION OF POPULATION WITH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION According to Statistics Canada, in the Red Deer Economic Region, 45.3% of the population 15 years and over, in 2008 had completed postsecondary education (university degree, post-secondary certificate and diploma) up 13.5 percentage points from 31.9% in 1990. The rate was 10.0% lower than the national average (50.4%) and 9.4% lower than the provincial average (50.1%). “Post secondary education is a very important determinant of health.” “I would attribute these rates as a reflection of our industry base.” “Costs of higher education are rising too much…” “Education also decreases poverty!” ‘I believe that education should be accessible to everyone and the cost should not be a barrier.” POPULATION (15 YEARS AND OVER) THAT HAS NOT COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL In 2008, according to the Statistics Canada Labor Force Survey, 22.3 per cent of people, aged 15 and over and not enrolled in school, in Red Deer Economic Region, had not graduated from high school. This was down 12 percentage points from 1990. The Red Deer rate in 2008 was 2.8 percentage points above the rate for Alberta and 0.7 percentage points above the Canada-wide rate. “Low levels of education mean substandard wages and poverty. Many of these individuals will face having to return to school as adults-an onerous task. We should be implementing effective resources to keep youth in school”
Some youth cannot function in the traditionalor even the enhanced high schools. We must work to keep our school-averse youth positively engaged in learning and working. It will take some imagination, much optimism and patience to meet such needs...
“Educating our youth must be on the list of top priorities.” “I believe that education is the key to a better living environment for all-high school is just the bare bones.” ENROLLMENT AT RED DEER COLLEGE Red Deer College has experienced an increase of 2% in overall enrollment in academic year 2008-2009 over 2007-2008. There has been a 6% increase in student enrollment for University Transfer Programs, 1% increase in Certificate Programs, 2% increase in Apprenticeship Programs and a 3% decrease in Diploma Programs. In a media statement released August 11, 2009, Red Deer College announced that there had been a 22% increase in the number of Fall 2009 Applications compared to last year. The programs that had the most increase in applications are:Career and Academic Preparation, Open Studies, and the BSc in Nursing, indicating a strong focus on upgrading skillsets and broadening capabilities. “I would like to see this trend continue even when the economy turns around.”
Is education accessible in our community?
“Would be more accessible if it was more economically feasible. Hard to consider further education when you can’t afford it.” “For the most part, yes. We have terrific publicly funded schools, an amazing college with university transfers, community organizations offering courses, and a reasonable traffic and transportation system. The biggest issue is the financial constraints and high fees for participation.” “Yes it is. Everyone that wants it has the opportunity to get the education they need.”
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It is a challenge for a mom who needs to work to support her family, to return to school to upgrade her education without impacting her family financially...
How wonderful that RDC has worked hard to become the postsecondary institution of choice. Bravo to them!
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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? TRANSIT USAGE There are approximately 10,000 boardings on the City Transit, on all routes, everyday. The system had a 2% increase in ridership in the first half of 2009 over the previous year. “I am pleased to see more use. I walk to work and to many places. More continues to need to doing to get us away from ‘car culture.’ It should be more difficult to drive than walk, bike or ride transit, not the other way around!”
“This is a clear indication that increase in boarding in 2009 was due to the economic trends. The transit system in Red Deer is not good at all. Such a small city shouldn’t take one hour by bus to travel from one end to the other. So, obviously the increase in boarding has to do more with economics rather than easibility.” RED DEER TRANSIT ACTION BUS The Red Deer Transit Action Bus is available for citizens of Red Deer, who otherwise cannot access regular transportation or regular City Transit due to disabilities or physical need. In 2009, there has been a 0.4 percent increase in ridership on the Action Bus for the first half of the year ( January-June). The Red Deer Action Bus has had over 200 trips per day. “My concern is that the cost is too steep for some people in need of the service.”
I own a car, but choose to use transit at least 6 out of 10 rides to work per week in order to lessen my carbon footprint. This is easy and pleasurable to do and I wish more would do it.
VEHICLES PER PERSON In 2009, there were 78,857 registered vehicles (excluding trailers, off high way and dealer plated vehicles)in Red Deer. This is equivalent to 0.88 vehicles per capita (all adults and children) in Red Deer. For the driving population, this equates to 1.14 registered vehicles to every person in Red Deer with a valid drivers licence as of March 31, 2009. “When I look around, there are still a high number of 1 person vehicles. We are too in love with our vehicles...”
“This is Alberta -- not Paris, France. People won’t change their thinking on this anytime soon.” “To watch the daily traffic flow on a major street and see most vehicles with only one or 2 persons, tells me we have a lot of educating to do.” “Car culture needs to change. We have only one car and share it. If it were easier to walk, bike or take transit we may not even use the one car as much...”
The action bus needs to be resourced better, they should be more available and accessible...
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The Alberta government recently released a report on the proposed High Speed Rail program for the province.
Would you use high speed rail if available?
No 12%
Yes 71%
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
Maybe 12%
No answer- 5%
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belonging & leadership Communities are stronger when citizens put their energies toward civic responsibility. CHARITABLE DONORS AS A PROPORTION OF TAX FILERS The proportion of tax filers that declared charitable donations in Red Deer in 2007 was 22.6%, 5.8% below the national rate and 7.6% below the provincial rate. “Not everyone donates in terms of dollars.” “With greater demands for services, and greater responsibility placed on non-profits in general, it is inexcusable that people cannot make a small donation to support efficient and effective programs to support others. That is what being a community is about.” “I am involved with several non-profit organizations that depend on the charitable donations to do the excellent work they do.” “Those who cannot afford the basics of life cannot give what they don’t have.” “Amazing that the wealthiest areas in the province on one of the wealthiest areas in the country has one of the lowest giving rates.” MEDIAN CHARITABLE DONATIONS The median charitable donations in Red Deer in 2007 were $340.00, 36% higher than the national level ($250.00) and 2.9% below the provincial level ($350.00). Median donations have increased 47.8% from $230.00 in 2001. “I am happy that of those that do give, they give very generously.” “Fewer people giving more money—I see this as an indication to achieve tax breaks rather than an indication of community spirit.”
SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING In 2008, in the David Thompson Health Region, which includes Red Deer, 70.8% of the population 12 years and over reported a “strong” or “somewhat strong” sense of community belonging. This compares to 65.0% at the national level and 60.5% at the provincial level.
Do you feel like you belong in Red Deer? Why or why not?
“Red Deer should be a place where everyone feels that they belong.”
“The population size of Red Deer right now is about right. Programs like WinterFest, CentreFest, the Farmer’s Market, etc. do make it feel like a good community. Even the little coffee shops downtown with their regular clientele add to that.” “Belonging has to be self-initiated sometimes. Red Deer is a community that makes it easy to be involved.”
No clear answer - 2% Not really - 4% Somewhat - 3%
Yes 82%
No 9%
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If you want a great community, you need to take some ownership of that community and donate money and time to give back...
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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?
I do not feel comfortable walking at night by myself. To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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VIOLENT CRIME RATE Violent Crimes include homicide, attempted homicide, assault, sexual assault, sexual offences, robbery and abduction. At 1,179 per 100,000 persons in 2008, the violent crime rate in Red Deer was 26.5% above the national rate (932 per 100,000) and 5.3 per cent above the provincial rate (1,120 per 100,000). The 2008 Red Deer rate represented a decrease of 9.0% over 2007 and a decline of 31.1 percent over the previous five years.
POLICE OFFICERS PER 100,000 At 114 police officers per 100,000 in 2008, the number of police officers in Red Deer was 40.3% lower than the national average (191) and 30.1% lower than the provincial average (163). The rate was down 15.6% from 135 in 2007. “While this might build a case for more police, would the same amount of money invested in prevention (through sport, human services, etc.) not be a better option?”
“One violent crime is too many.”
Do you feel safe living, working, playing in our community and why?
“Through environmental design and community involvement, we’ll see a drastic decline in the number of offences..” “I am very relieved that the RCMP has a physical presence on the north side of Red Deer-67th Street. I’ve seen more police presence on a much more consistent basis lately than ever before in the whole 25 years I’ve lived in Red Deer. .” “The crime rate only addresses the crime that is found. Increase or decrease, we need to continue to educate and discourage crime.” “It is good that the crime rate has reduced. It is still a concern. More needs to be done to address underlying social issues so that crime is prevented, not punished after the fact.” PROPERTY CRIME RATE Property Crime includes breaking and entering, all theft, possesion of stolen goods and all fraud. At 4,396 per 100,000 persons in 2008, the property crime rate in Red Deer was 42.8% above the national average (3,079 per 100,000) and 12.9% above the provincial average (3,895 per 100,000). The 2008 Red Deer rate represented a decrease of 4.8% over 2007 and a decline of 62.1% over the previous five years. “What leads to this? We need to work more on prevention.”
“I do feel safe, but take specific measures to shelter my children from certain areas of the city to ensure this as well as do not let them out on their own.” “Yes, I feel very safe here. The population is not overly transient and Yes there is a good mix of 44% young people, families and seniors.” No “Not after dark in the 14% downtown area.” Somewhat “Mostly. As a smaller urban centre we still have some 42% sense of community and caring for our neighbors.”
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health & wellness Our overall health is a function of a variety of factors: this section reflects the overall physical and mental health of our community.
As of April 1, 2009, the former David Thompson Health Region and the former East Central Health combined to create the Central Zone. Indicators that have been measured in 2008 would still have the former DTHR boundaries.
23 LOW BIRTH WEIGHT Infants born with low birth weight may face long periods of hospitalization and are at risk of life long complications. The proportion of newborn babies who were of low birth weight in David Thompson Health Region, which includes Red Deer, was 6.1% in 2007-2008, down 0.4 percentage points from 2006-2007. The 2007-2008 rate was 0.5 percentage points below the provincial rate and approximately equal to the Canada-wide rate.
“Pre-natal education and access to good care are a factor here.” “Investment in preventative medicine is essential. Not only do low birth weights mean more cost to the medical system, but it indicates that the affected children face a steep curve in terms of meeting the norms. Furthermore, low birth weights are indicative of numerous factors: poor wellness education, lack of proper medical care.” PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION 12 YEARS AND OVER WITHOUT A REGULAR MEDICAL DOCTOR In 2008, 17.8% of the population 12 years and over in the David Thompson Health Region, which includes Red Deer, reported that they did not have a regular medical doctor. This was up from 16.4% in 2003. By comparison, 19.5% of the population in Alberta reported not having a regular medical doctor in 2008. In Canada as a whole, the proportion was 15.6%. “Everyone pays taxes, therefore, everyone has the right to a medical doctor and other medical services.” “Continuity of care, which is often coordinated by a family doctor, is critical for the best care, improving quality of life and is cost effective.” “Walk-in clinics have become the choice of many people. I had a great family doctor but got tired of calling in for an appointment and having to wait for 10 days to get in. If people need medical assistance, they generally need it sooner rather than later. I don’t agree with people using [the emergency room] as a doctor’s office but perhaps wait times have something to do with it.”
“I am one of the many people who have moved to Red Deer recently and who do not have a doctor. It is detrimental to the city’s population to have such a high percentage of people without a doctor.” “As the population increases in the area, we need to ensure residents receive proper health care. We cannot expect a vibrant community when people are sick.” H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS As of July 15, 2009, there have been a total of 10,156 confirmed laboratory cases of H1N1 Influenza Virus in Canada, including 45 deaths. As of July 31, 2009, there have been 1,602 confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus in Alberta, including 5 deaths, 63 of all the confirmed cases are from the Central Zone.
“I have been impressed with the pandemic planning of many public organizations.” “This is flu season-plain and simple. Eat properly, exercise, take your vitamins, and wash your hands. We need to keep a level head and not buy into all the hype and hysteria.” “Public education has been embraced by many businesses with disinfectant wipes at the door and news items keep this issue in the forefront.”
No 59%
Yes 41%
I get a flu shot every year.
No 31%
Yes 69%
I would get the H1N1 virus immunization if given the opportunity.
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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. OVERALL POVERTY RATE Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs) are income thresholds, determined by analyzing family expenditure data, below which families will devote a larger share of income to the necessities of food, shelter and clothing than the average family would. 2006 Census Data indicates: • the Overall Poverty Rate in Red Deer, based on Low Income Cut Off (LICO) was 11.3 percent of the total population. This compares with 12.2 percent of the total population of Alberta and 15.3 percent in Canada. • the Child Poverty Rate (persons under 8 years of age) in Red Deer was 11.8 percent, compared with 14.2 percent in Alberta and 23.1 percent in Canada. • incidence of Poverty of the Elderly (65 years and over) in 2006, in Red Deer, was 7.4 percent compared with 10.9 percent for Alberta as a whole and 14.4 percent in Canada.
“Being that our province is so affluent, and Red Deer, among those cities that greatly contributed to that status, the fact that our poverty rates are slightly lower than the national average is not impressive, it is embarrassing.” “It is very sad that anyone, children in particular, should suffer from poverty. But it is a fact that ‘the poor we will always have with us.’ The sign of a healthy community is the coming together to each do our part to help them.”
We have allowed our relationship with food to deteriorate far beyond what is acceptable for a healthy society. Further, we are completely capable of ensuring that all people at all times can acquire safe, nutritionally adequate and personally acceptable foods in a manner that maintains human dignity. USE OF FOOD BANK In 2008, there were 4,328 hampers distributed by the Red Deer Food Bank, serving adults 5,700 times and children 4,293 times. While the total number of families served in 2008 (1,928) was 4.6 percent fewer than in 2007 (2,022), more recent demand has increased substantially. The number of hampers distributed in June 2009 increased 227% (685) over June 2008 (301). “Food Banks were supposed to be a temporary response to a critical situation, not a permanent fixture in our society. More needs to be done to help prevent poverty and make sure people have the funds for adequate housing and food.” SPREAD BETWEEN RICH AND POOR In the 2006 census, 30.7% of Red Deer families reported incomes of $100,000 or more, while 10.9% of families reported incomes of less than $30,000. By contrast, the proportions for Alberta were 33.1%and 11.7% respectively, and for Canada 25.5% and 13.4%. Tax data from the 2006 census indicates that the poorest 10% of Red Deer families with children reported incomes less than $27,600, while the most prosperous 10% of Red Deer families reported incomes more than $166,900.
In thinking about poverty and prosperity…
“We are a prosperous community with hard working people. Some fall through the cracks and need help.” “More effort and resource could be focused on ‘hand up’ programs and supports to permanently change the circumstances of those below poverty income levels.” “We know there are many factors contributing to poverty but nonetheless, the gap is too severe.”
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Those who decide that minimum wage is acceptable at $8 per hour should have to live on it for a minimum of 1 year. If they can do it, anyone can...
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housing Housing is a big factor in quality of life, and an important issue for Red Deer.
I have never been in a position to be able to afford a house. My minimum income job for many years ($6.25 per hour) would not allow for it. I had to juggle what bills got paid and what we could do without when it had to be disconnected while I was a single parent of 4 children. No house for me...
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HOUSING STARTS At 572 housing starts in 2008, Red Deer experienced a 63.2 percent decrease from the 1,558 housing starts in 2007. This compares to a national decrease of 7.6% and a 39.7% decrease in Alberta. In the previous year (2006-2007), there was a 9.0% increase in housing starts in Red Deer.
“The tremendous boom had to level off at some point.” “Perhaps the decrease in the number of housing starts will bring Red Deer more in line with economic development elsewhere in the country. We need our growth to occur at a ‘sustainable’ rate.” RENTAL VACANCY RATE In Red Deer in April 2009, the rental vacancy rate of two-bedroom apartments was 3.9%, 18.2% higher than the average for all similarly sized urban areas in Canada (3.3%). The rental vacancy was up 56.0% from 2.5% in April 2008. “A 3.9% vacancy rate is not very high. As a landlord I know that some of the vacant suites are not very desirable to begin with. These need some attention and they will lease up.”
“Rental prices are inflated...” RENT SUPPLEMENTS AND SUBSIDIZED RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Rent Supplement Programs provide assistance to households in need to obtain and maintain affordable and suitable rental accommodation. The programs provide rent subsidies in eligible rental arrangements throughout the community. Management and tenant selection is the responsibility of local housing management bodies, located in various areas throughout the province. Applicants are prioritized
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
on the basis of need (Core Need Income Threshold), as determined by income, assets and current housing conditions. In Red Deer, the Red Deer Housing Authority is the local housing organization that administers this provincial funding program. The Red Deer Housing Authority provides subsidized rental accommodation for low to moderate income families in Red Deer, Innisfail and Sylvan Lake. There are 290 units in Red Deer, 13 in Innisfail and 7 in Sylvan Lake. The portfolio consists of 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom townhouses and duplexes, a 26 unit-2 bedroom apartment building a 10 unit-1 bedroom apartment building for singles with Schizophrenia and a 9-unit apartment building with 1 and 2 bedrooms for the physically disabled. The Red Deer Housing Authority is also currently providing rent supplements to 911 households in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail and Rocky Mountain House. 785 rent supplements are being paid out in Red Deer. “We need more affordable housing. People will not consume so many human services if they have a roof over their head.”
At this time in your life, if you had the opportunity to live elsewhere, would you?
Yes 41% Maybe 12%
No Answer- 5%
No 42%
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getting started A snapshot of what its like to start a new stage of your life in Red Deer.
PERMANENT RESIDENT IMMIGRATION While immigration to Canada remained fairly constant over five years from 2004 and 2008 at approximately 248,000 per year, immigration to Alberta increased 147% between 2004 (16,475) and 2008 (24,195). The share of permanent resident immigration received by Red Deer rose from 254 in 2004 to 676 in 2008, an increase of 266%. IMMIGRANTS AS A PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION While the share of the immigrant population choosing to settle in Red Deer is increasing, the total immigrant population remains comparatively low in relation to Alberta and Canada. According to the 2006 Census, immigrants made up a total of 9.4% of the population of Red Deer, in contrast to 16.2% in Alberta and 19.8% in Canada. SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS In 2008, there were 435 Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) that arrived in Red Deer, an increase of 178% from 2004 at 156. The Settlement Services for Temporary Foreign Workers at Catholic Social Services is the agency responsible for providing information and referrals, supportive counseling, interpretation and translation services and advocacy provided to TFWs and their families to help them adapt to living and working in Alberta. To date there are 183 open and active files. The program has served 632 Temporary Foreign Workers served in group sessions, in collaboration with another agency, over the phone and through email.
Does our community have adequate resources to assist newcomers to become integrated? Why or why not? “Those who assist do their best but we could use more help. All citizens should be asked to help welcome new families. This creates a welcoming, friendly, peaceful community… one that will thrive in all economic situations.” “Not bad considering the ethnic community is small for many groups and it is the ethnic group that provides huge informal supports.”
“Yes and No. The settlement services are adequate to assist the numbers, but how can we really expect temporary foreign workers to feel the need to integrate? Having a job and a place to live (sort of) does not fully indicate that a person has integrated...” “I believe that it isn’t so much the programs, but that these people need to be informed that there are tools available to them.”
“They deserve more. We can’t use TFWs when the job market demands and then turn our backs on them when things slow down.”
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
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Are you a newcomer (migrant or immigrant)?
Yes 4%
No 96%
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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. INNOVATION VOUCHERS The Innovation Voucher Pilot Program was launched by the Government of Alberta with the goal of helping small technology and knowledge driven businesses in Alberta get their ideas and products to market faster. Voucher recipients can use these vouchers at Alberta’s public or not for profit service providers for business and technology development services. The vouchers come in 2 denominations: $10,000.00 to be used for smaller fee based services such as marketing studies, business advice or business formation. $50,000.00 vouchers are to be used for more substantial technology development activity such as product prototyping, lab verification and field testing. In Red Deer, the Office of Applied Research and Innovation at the Red Deer College is the approved organization that could provide service to recipients of the Alberta Innovation Voucher Pilot Program. RDC could provide business services, technical services and access to capital. In April 2009, 93 vouchers, totaling more than $5 million, were granted to companies from 24 different communities in Alberta. 5 vouchers were awarded to 5 different businesses in Red Deer.
SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION In July 2009, the City of Red Deer released an advisory which states that Red Deer has the most solar power sites in Alberta on a per capita basis. Red Deer currently has eight solar panel sites including the new Civic Yards, Kerry Wood Nature Centre and several residential units. Every 1,100 kwh (kilowatt hour) of green power produced means a reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide emissions.
“We need to be more energy conscious. Why not provide incentives for home owners to look alternative energy sources.” “Every new housing development should have to have at least a 20% component of solar powered houses and that should increase every few years. It CAN be done - get with it!”
“More needs to happen and soon. We MUST stop burning coal for power!” “If it were cheaper to install, I would definitely retrofit my property.” “Although Red Deer leads the way, there are a lot of inviting roofs that could be home to solar panels… there is much left to be done!”
I would like to see more being done. I have no idea how to go about converting to green energy, but would if I could and if it could be attained in a financially feasible manner.
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If you wanted to buy green energy, or retrofit your property, would you know how to go about it?
Yes 29%
To view the expanded version of the report, please visit: www.reddeersvitalsigns.ca
No 71%
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thanks & acknowledgements Alberta Council on Aging Bonnie Denhaan, Shirley Thomas Alberta Education Alberta Employment and Immigration Floyd Jensen (Coordinator for Consulting Services, Canada Alberta Service Centre, Red Deer) Alberta Health and Wellness Alberta Health Services Dawn Traverse (Accountability Reporting Coordinator, Data Integration, Measurement and Reporting) Alberta Transportation Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Bernadette Majdell (Corporate Representative, Prairie & Territory Community Development Centre) Canadian Community Health Survey
Citizenship and Immigration Canada City of Red Deer Kevin Joll (Manager, Transit Department), Kristina Oberg (Superintendent, Culture Services Department), Mary Curtis (Waste Management Technical Specialist, Environmental Services), Smiley Douglas (Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, Environmental Services), Suzanne Jubb (Community and Program Facilitator, Recreation, Parks and Culture Department), Ligong Gan (Manager, Electric Light and Power Department), Pauline Mousseau (Community and Program Facilitator, Neighborhood Facilities & Community Development), Linda Healing (Community Facilitator, Social Planning Department), Roxana Nielsen-Stewart (Community Facilitator, Social Planning Department), Bonnie Stearns (Social Planning Department). Community Foundations of Canada Sara Lyons
Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society Eileen Bantjes (Coordinator) Red Deer Express Red Deer Food Bank Society Fred Scaife (Executive Director) Red Deer Housing Authority Donna Nye (Chief Executive Officer) Red Deer Housing Committee Jennifer Vanderschaeghe (Chair) Red Deer Native Friendship Society Sheralle Greystone (Executive Director) Red Deer Public Schools Division Bruce Buruma (Director of Community Relations) Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Beverly Anderson (Executive Director)
Canadian Council on Learning
Community Information and Referral Society Dawna Morey (Executive Director)
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Homeless Individuals and Families Information System
Re-Think Red Deer Rene Michalak
Catholic Social Services Jamie Huizing (Settlement Counselor, Immigrant and Settlement Services)
Housing and Urban Affairs Norma Chitrena (Team Lead, Housing Support Branch)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Red Deer City Detachment Supt. Brian Simpson
Idea Market
Safe Harbour Society
Central Alberta Economic Partnership Dawna Allard (Manager)
Public Health Agency of Canada
Shirley Hocken (Riverside Meadows Neighborhood Association)
Red Deer Advocate
Statistics Canada
Central Alberta Refugee Effort Veena Chandra (Executive Director)
Red Deer & District Community Foundation Board of Directors, Paul Harris (Chair), Tom Stevens (Vice Chair), Stacey Carmichael (Coordinator for Community Leadership Initiatives)
United Way of Central Alberta Jennifer Forest (Campaign Co-Manager)
Central Alberta Realtors Association Amanda Shevalier (Executive Assistant)
Red Deer Catholic Schools Division Paul Stewart (Associate Superintendent of Student Services)
Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network Mark Burggren (CARIN Coordinator)
Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Tim Creedon (Executive Director)
Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter Anita Taylor (Project Manager)
Red Deer College Bill Stuebing (Sociology Professor), Tony Skorjanc (Director of Research Services), Joanne Premak (Coordinator, Student Funding and Awards), Robert Hann (Registrar), Alicia Cafferata-Arnett (Project Coordinator, Applied Research and Innovation).
Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association Halima Ali (Executive Director)
Centre for the Study of Living Standards Andrew Sharpe (Executive Director)
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For more information about the Community Foundation, please visit our website at: www.rddcf.ca #108 Scott Block, 4818 50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4A3 Phone: (403) 341 - 6911 • Fax: (403) 341 - 4177 • Email: rdcomfdn@rddcf.ca