The grades Connection
B
Environment
B-
Expression
B
Introduction Our High River, the Town of High River and FCSS are pleased to present the first Vital Signs® report for High River. This was a collaborative process and we couldn’t have done it without all the amazing support from the citizens of High River. The Vital Signs® survey was an opportunity for residents to have a voice in the community and to provide feedback on areas that they thought could require more attention. It was also an opportunity to celebrate all the things that are positively contributing to life in High River. The following report features highlights from the survey results and information gathered from the community. The average grade respondents gave was a B. This is a great start and we look forward to tracking High River’s progress in future years. This year, High River participated in the full Vital Signs® survey and there will also be opportunities for citizens to engage more deeply with Vital Signs through “Vital Focus” and “Vital Conversations” throughout the year. - The High River Vital Signs Team
Health & Wellbeing
B
Lifelong Learning
B
Livability
B-
Safety & Security
B+
Thriving Populations
B
2
Vital Conversation Our High River’s Community Cafés will be Vital Conversations for our community! Please join us to discuss High River’s Vital Signs Topics from 5-8 p.m. at Carlson’s On Macleod (129 3 Avenue S.W.) on the following dates.
Dates • October 12, 2016: Vital Signs Overview • November 19, 2016: Livability • December 14, 2016: Expression • January 11, 2017: Connection • February 8, 2017: Health and Wellbeing • March 8, 2017: Lifelong Learning • April 12, 2017: Environment • May 10, 2017: Safety • June 14, 2017: Thriving Populations
Contact information • FCSS: 403.652.8620 • Town of High River Economic Development: business@highriver.ca • Our High River: ourhighriver@gmail.com High River Vital Signs
Table of Contents Vital Signs® is a community checkup conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities and identifies significant trends in a range of areas critical to quality of life. Vital Signs® is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada and with special thanks to the Toronto Foundation for developing and sharing the Vital Signs concept. For more information visit: www.vitalsignscanada.ca. The Vital Signs® trademark is used with permission from Community Foundations of Canada.
Thank you
Connection..............................................................................................................4 Environment ..........................................................................................................6 Expression...............................................................................................................8 Health & Wellbeing.............................................................................................10 Lifelong Learning.................................................................................................12 Livability..................................................................................................................14 Safety & Security..................................................................................................16 Thriving Populations .........................................................................................18
Methodology
571 participants completed High River’s Vital Signs survey in June 2016. Citizens were asked to grade quality of life indicators in our community as well as share their opinions of what is going well in High River and what can be improved. The online survey was conducted by NRG Research Group and was based on a self-selected respondent population. For comparison purposes, a random sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.7 %, 19 times out of 20.
Indicator Research
Whenever possible, data was gathered from local service providers, organizations, and experts to ensure the information included in the report was the most up to date and relevant to the community. In some cases data was used from other sources such as Statistics Canada. The information in this report provides a snapshot of High River at this time and only begins to cover the information available. If you have questions or suggestions for other data to be included in the future, please contact us.
Volunteers • The Citizens of High River • The Photographers who volunteered to take the “Faces of High River”: David Bailey; Jason Greve; Robin Ingram; Lisa MacDougall; Lee-Anne Murakami; Janell Packer; Jane Russell; and Janice Storch. • Organizations and individuals who volunteered or contributed to the report
Vital Signs Project Team • Caitland Asmundson, Project Lead • Kalie Mosig, Research & Content Lead • Kevin Tetzlaff, Report Design
The Grades
• A = Excellent, stay the course • B = Good, but some improvements could be made • C = Average performance, suggests additional effort be made to address this issue • D = Below average performance, additional work is required • F = Failure: immediate action is crucial
The Faces of High River Each photograph in this document is of a citizen or citizens contributing to High River’s community. They were nominated by fellow citizens through Our High River. High River Vital Signs
3
B Connection
Janice Storch Photography
Jason Greve Photography
Janice Storch Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. The community events and celebrations we currently have 2. Relationships and connections between community members 3. Our cultural diversity
84% 70% 77% 4
1. Communication and awareness about opportunities to get connected 2. Listen to community members and value their opinions 3. Increase the number of community events and block parties
AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE
THAT IT IS EVERY CITIZEN’S DUTY TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY (VOTE, VOLUNTEER, ATTEND COUNCIL MEETINGS, ETC.)
Get connected! • Chat with your friends, neighbours and service providers
ARE SATISFIED OR VERY SATISFIED
• Check out local events when you pass by them
AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE
• Volunteer: Volunteers help improve quality of life for others. They also gain valuable experience and develop new skills. As well, studies show that involved Canadians enjoy an improved overall health. (Volunteer Canada)
WITH THEIR SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS (FAMILY, FRIENDS, SOCIAL SERVICES, ETC.) THAT THEY KNOW THEIR NEIGHBOURS WELL ENOUGH TO ASK FOR HELP OR OFFER THEIR ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDED High River Vital Signs: Connection
Stay updated on information & events Social Media
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER SUN COUNTRY 99.7 FM AM 1140 LOCAL BUSINESSES LOCAL SCHOOLS LOCAL INTEREST GROUPS SEARCH FOR YOUR LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS OR EVENT ORGANIZERS
TOWN CRIER
HIGH RIVER TIMES
Radio SUN COUNTRY 99.7 FM
Websites
AM 1140
Community Events
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER WWW.HIGHRIVER.CA
OUR HIGH RIVER
WWW.OURHIGHRIVER.COM
HIGH RIVER ONLINE
WWW.HIGHRIVERONLINE.COM
HIGH RIVER TIMES
WWW.HIGHRIVERTIMES.COM
Community Block Party Trailer
60
• Residents can book the trailer for their neighbourhood free of charge DAYS FROM • Comes with everything you MARCH TO SEPTEMBER need to throw a block party BOOKED
Citizen Engagement Residents can sit on a number of boards and committees to help contribute to the overall success of the community.
TOWN COUNCIL APPOINTED BOARDS SERVICE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
• HERITAGE INN INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL • RIVER CITY CLASSICS SHOW AND SHINE • MUSEUM OF THE HIGHWOOD’S HISTORIC HOME TOUR • ALBERTA CULTURE DAYS • HIGH RIVER FARMERS’ MARKET • HANDMADE HIGH RIVER MARKET • OUR HIGH RIVER COMMUNITY CAFÉS • SKATE MANIA • PLC CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL • TASTE OF HIGH RIVER • CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS • CHRISTMAS PARADE • LITTLE BRITCHES PARADE AND RODEO • SANTA CLAUS PARADE • GUY WEADICK DAYS • LOCAL FUNDRAISERS • AND MANY MANY MORE
Community Vitality Fund Bringing ideas to life through matching grants UP TO
$30,000 $2,000 TOTAL FUNDING FOR 2016/2017
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION BOARDS
High River Vital Signs: Connection
AVAILABLE PER PROJECT
THREE CATEGORIES: NEIGHBOURHOOD MATCHING FUND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND ARTS AND CULTURE VITALITY FUND 5
B- Environment
Janice Storch Photography
Jason Greve Photography
Lee-Anne Murakami
Lisa Taylor Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. The natural green spaces, parks and trees 2. The amazing Happy Trails and pathways throughout High River 3. The ease of enjoying natural spaces in and around High River
1. Continue expanding and maintaining parks, green spaces, natural areas, Happy Trails and pathways 2. Create more accessible recycling options 3. Increase the hours and products accepted at the recycling centre
Recycling & Waste RECYCLING CENTRE
PAPER/ NEWSPRINT 6
TIN CANS
YARD WASTE DROP-OFF
VISIT WWW.HIGHRIVER.CA FOR COMPLETE DETAILS
CARDBOARD
MIXED PLASTICS
CELL PHONES
SELECT BATTERIES
SELECT ELECTRONICS
High River Vital Signs: Environment
GRASS, LEAVES, BRANCHES
Parks & Greenspaces
43
HAPPY TRAILS
28 KM
WALKING & CYCLING PATHS
PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS
670
Sustainability URBAN BEES BYLAW
TOILET REBATE PROGRAM
ASSESS NEED ON ONGOING BASIS
Roads & Infrastructure
100
3,200
METRES
WATER MAINS REPLACED
100%
ACRES IN 2016
OF PLOTS HAVE BEEN SUBSCRIBED
SINCE 2014 OVER:
2,900
CREATING SUSTAINABLE SPACES THAT: - Require less mowing and intensive maintenance - Improve storm water quality - Reduce silt in ponds - Provide diverse environment for wildlife
(Sunshine Storm pond, Highwood Lake, Vista Mirage, Stang Park and Montrose Storm Pond)
APPROXIMATELY 40% OF ALL GREEN SPACES ARE NATURAL AREAS
Flood Mitigation
OF OPEN ROADS TO KM MAINTAIN
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
RIVERSIDE DRIVE
NATURALIZATION OF SELECT AREAS
LIMITED SPRAYING OF COSMETIC WEEDS
OVER
3
SHEPPARD FAMILY PARK
COMMUNITY MCLAUGHLIN MEADOWS GARDENS
APPROX.
Encourage healthy, low-cost, environmentally sustainable choices for recreation and transportation
URBAN CHICKENS BYLAW
COMMUNITY GARDENS
METRES
$100
INVESTED IN FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS TO DATE
Trees
SEWER MAINS REPLACED
HIGH RIVER RESIDENTS VALUE THE PRESERVATION AND CELEBRATION OF OUR PARKS, GREENSPACES, TREES AND RIVER! HIGH RIVER WAS DESCRIBED AS BEING “BEAUTIFUL” 62 TIMES THE HIGHWOOD RIVER WAS CELEBRATED IN RESPONSES 49 TIMES
OVER
MILLION
556
7
KM
PERMANENT DIKES BUILT TO DATE
TREES PLANTED SINCE 2011
Not including flood related replacement The Town of High River has a Tree Protection Bylaw to protect and preserve the trees in our community.
1 1 TO
TREE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
If a tree needs to be removed due to health, safety or other reasons, a new tree is planted.
MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM - Commemorate a loved one or special event - Evergreen and deciduous trees available to choose from - Two parks to choose from - www.highriver.ca for details
High River Vital Signs: Environment
7
B Expression
Jason Greve Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. The diversity of arts and culture events offered 2. Local talent 3. The ways arts and culture contribute to community: recognizing our heritage and celebrating community vitality
1. Increase advertising and planning of art events 2. Increase the number of arts and culture displays and events; Increase accessibility and affordability 3. Create a suitable venue for a variety of arts and culture events
Information on art, culture & music Town of High River events calendar www.highriver.ca
High River Online events calendar www.highriveronline.com
High River Arts Facebook page www.facebook.com/highriverarts
High River Art Society www.highriverartsociety.ca
Search for individual artists, galleries, music and culture pages online 8
High River Vital Signs: Expression
7 40
8
ART GALLERIES
17
ART STUDIOS
LIGHTPOSTS DISPLAYING LOCAL ART
2
MURALS
NEW MURALS UNVEILED IN 2016
HIGH RIVER IS HOME TO MANY AMAZING ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES. THIS LIST IS JUST A START. WE ARE SURE WE’VE MISSED SOME!
Television & Film
3
RECENT FILMS & TELEVISION SHOWS
- HEARTLAND - TIN STAR - FARGO
(MANY MORE FILMS HAVE BEEN SHOT IN HIGH RIVER OVER THE YEARS)
High River Vital Signs: Expression
2
FILM VENUES 9
B Health & Wellbeing Lisa Taylor Photography
Glenn Spencer L and D Photography
L and D Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. The natural environment: ponds, rivers, trees, walking paths, parks 2. The High River Hospital 3. The Field house and walking track
1. Upgrade and enhance recreation facilities 2. Access to affordable mental health services 3. Offer affordable options for recreation programs
Town of High River Recreation 650
9,308
87
1,963
CHILDREN ATTENDED SUMMER DAYCAMPS
USES OF THE WALKING TRACK
YOUTH/CHILD PROGRAMS
BOOKINGS AT THE FIELD HOUSE
10
212 ARENA BOOKINGS
High River Vital Signs: Health & Wellbeing
JANUARY TO JULY 2016
143
2,722
ADULT PROGRAMS
POOL ADMISSIONS
Alberta Health Services
23
PHYSICIANS SERVING HIGH RIVER AS OF JULY 2016
179
AT HIGH RIVER HOSPITAL (2015)
Mental Health Support HIGH RIVER COUNSELLING CENTRE
633
INDIVIDUALS SERVED
FROM 2013-2016
(*Closed in June of 2016)
17,577
BABIES BORN TO HIGH RIVER FAMILIES
HIGH RIVER MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
596
INDIVIDUALS SERVED
FOR 2015
OTHER AVAILABLE OPTIONS INCLUDE: DISTRESS CENTRE SUICIDE CRISIS HOTLINE 403-266-4357 1-800-784-2433 RURAL ADDICTION & AHS MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE MENTAL HEALTH INTAKE (24/7 INFORMATION) 1-877-652-4700 1-877-303-2642 For a full list of service providers including private counselling contact Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-652-8620
HIGH RIVER HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (2015)
1,615
FLU VACCINATIONS GIVEN BY PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES IN HIGH RIVER (2015, ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES)
Wellness Challenge
75
INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED
Facilities and playgrounds OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
TWO CAMPGROUNDS
PATIENT VISITS
Designed to motivate High River residents of all ages to be more physically active and healthier.
OVER 6 WEEKS
SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:
BASEBALL DIAMONDS
OUTDOOR FITNESS PARK
NATURAL PLAYGROUND
OUTDOOR SKATING RINK
OUTDOOR SPRAY PARK
SKATEBOARD PARK
PLAYGROUNDS LOCATED IN NEIGHBOURHOODS ACROSS HIGH RIVER:
17
PLAYGROUNDS
Birchwood Park • Emerson Road Park • George Lane Memorial Park • Hampton Hills • Highland Green • Lineham Acres • Sunshine Park • Charles Clark Medical Centre • Montrose • Notre Dame Collegiate • Sunshine Lake • Water Tower Hill • 6 Avenue and 7 Street S.E.
66%
67%
55%
AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE
AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE
AGREE OR STRONGLY AGREE
THAT THEIR GENERAL SENSE OF PHYSICAL WELLBEING IS HIGH
THAT THEIR GENERAL SENSE OF EMOTIONAL WELLBEING IS HIGH
THAT THEY PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES IN HIGH RIVER (SPORTS, RECREATION, LEISURE, ETC.)
High River Vital Signs: Health & Wellbeing
11
B Lifelong Learning
Jane Russell Photography and Design
Lee-Anne Murakami Jane Russell Photography and Design
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. A full spectrum of learning opportunities, including post-secondary, are available in High River 2. The supportive role our community members and natural environment play in early childhood development 3. Community organizations provide a wide range of programs and services
School Enrollments (As of August 31, 2016)
Middle Schools
321
ECOLE SENATOR RILEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 6-8
12
1. Increase the diversity of courses and opportunities provided 2. Increase awareness, accessibility and affordability of programs 3. Ensure support for early childhood development programs
Elementary Schools
495
HOLY SPIRIT ACADEMY Pre-kindergarten-grade 6
High Schools
506
ECOLE SECONDAIRE HIGHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9-12
491
341
SPITZEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jr.-kindergarten-grade 5
ECOLE JOE CLARK SCHOOL kindergarten-grade 5
451
23
NOTRE DAME COLLEGIATE Grades 7-12
High River Vital Signs: Lifelong Learning
ST. LUKES OUTREACH HIGH RIVER LOCATION
Community Learning Opportunities Parent Link Centre
8,314
High River Library Types and topics of programs offered by the library:
CLIENTS ATTENDED
Children's Literacy (0-12yrs.) • Teen, Adult, Family Literacy • Lifelong Learning • Business & Career Information • Commons • Community Referral • Youth • Cultural Awareness • General Information • Government Information • Local History & Geneology • Connect Online • Express Creativity • Stimulate Imagination
DROP-IN OR REGISTERED PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGED 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD
15 862
PROGRAMS & SPECIAL EVENTS
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Museum of the Highwood
CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL
1,681
ATTENDEES IN 2016
Early Child Development Mapping Project (Alberta Government 2014)
35
GREAT DIFFICULTY IN ONE OR MORE AREAS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
28.9% ALBERTA AVERAGE
43
ADULT VISITS
673
CHILD VISITS
PROGRAMS: SERVED A TOTAL OF 463 ADULTS AND 440 CHILDREN
OF CHILDREN EXPERIENCING
%
(January to June 2016)
25.4% NATIONAL AVERAGE
Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills
76
CHILDREN
38
YOUTH
6
VOLUNTEERS
PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS OF CHILDREN ARE DEVELOPING
%
APPROPRIATELY IN ALL AREAS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT 46.4% ALBERTA AVERAGE
(Not all data included, totals may not equal 100%)
$87,000 $25,000
IN GRANTS RECEIVED IN DONATIONS RECEIVED
(January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016)
Literacy 1,521 For Life 40 20 57 6 65 45
Bow Valley College High River Campus (Activity 2011-2015)
367 FOOTHILLS CAREER PROGRAM LEARNERS & GRADUATES
1,558 WORKPLACE TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
4,731 PROSPECTIVE LEARNER INQUIRIES
8,177 TOTAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS SERVED
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
REFERRALS TO PARTNERS OR POST-SECONDARY
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING GED COURSES
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
HAVE TAKEN A BVC INTRODUCTION COURSE
ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAMS
High River Vital Signs: Lifelong Learning
13
B- Livability
L and D Photography
Janell Packer
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. The transportation services (Handi-bus and taxis) and Happy Trails 2. The community: citizens, small town feel, and services available 3. Neighbourhoods and housing
Food Security
SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANK
1,190
FOOD FOR THOUGHT PROGRAM
447
MEALS PER WEEK
GOOD FOOD BOX
UNITED CHURCH SIMPLE SUPPERS APPROX.
SUPPERS HOSTED EACH YEAR
14
FOOD HAMPERS
SERVED TO FAMILIES IN 2015
OVER 44 WEEKS IN 2015-2016
10 130
1. Increase transportation options in High River including public transit 2. Increase the diversity of businesses and employment opportunities 3. Increase the diversity and affordability of housing options available
130
BOXES OF LOW COST PRODUCE
IN THEIR FIRST MONTH (MAY 2016)
GUESTS
PER SUPPER
High River Vital Signs: Livability
$90,250 WALK-IN DONATIONS
MEALS ON WHEELS
4,050 23
MEALS SERVED
(April 2014-March 2015)
CLIENTS PER MONTH (AVG.)
Housing
Westwinds Communities
UNITS
SODERBERG HOUSE
30
PROPERTIES SOLD IN 2016:
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR SENIORS
100
%
100
RENT SUPPLEMENT
170
UNITS
HIGHWOOD HOUSING CO-OP
85%
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
57%
Economics & Business POPULATION
STATISTICS CANADA 2011
OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS
WORK IN HIGH RIVER
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER
JOB SATISFACTION 29.1%
256 HOME OCCUPATION 296 IN-TOWN 486 OUT OF TOWN
22.3% 7.9% VERY SATISFIED
Transportation
*STATISTICS CANADA 2011
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FROM HOME TO WORK*
2.9%
1.4%
1%
? WALKING
OWNED THEIR OWN HOME
386
34.2%
REGISTERED BUSINESSES
OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS
2015 BUILDING PERMITS
2016 CENSUS DATA TO BE RELEASED IN FEBRUARY 2017
12,920
6.9%
HOUSEHOLDS
IN THE FOOTHILLS REGION
Affordable Housing Options in High River
CAR, TRUCK OR VAN
WILL BECOME AVAILABLE ONCE THE NEW BUILDING IS COMPLETED
UNITS
MEDICINE TREE PLACE
OCCUPIED
SPITZEE HOUSE
88.4%
138
(*January-July)
(Services in High River for 2015)
INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR SENIORS
20
254
PROPERTIES SOLD IN 2015:
OTHER
BICYCLE
PUBLIC TRANSIT
SATISFIED
4.6%
NEUTRAL DISSATISFIED
60 %
IN-TOWN TRIPS (2015)
High River Vital Signs: Livability
VERY NOT DISSATISFIED APPLICABLE
SAID THEY OR SOMEONE IN THEIR FAMILY WOULD USE PUBLIC TRANSIT IF AVAILABLE
HANDI-BUS
5,207
1.8%
483
OUT-OF-TOWN TRIPS (2015)
15.4 MINUTES
MEDIAN COMMUTING TIME*
15
B+ Safety & Security
White Wolf Photography
Jane Russell Photography & Design
White Wolf Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top three citizen priorities
1. Citizens feel safe; as a community we watch out for each other, we have a low crime rate, and have excellent first responders 2. Completed flood mitigation work 3. Education & awareness citizens now have; emergency preparedness and the ALERT system
1. Increase the presence of RCMP in High River 2. Increase citizen engagement; involve citizens in decisions regarding safety and educate citizens about ways to stay safe 3. Finish flood mitigation construction; berms and replacement of the Centre Street bridge
High River Fire Department MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION GAS LEAK
19
16
FIRE CHIEFS FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS
46 PAID-PER-CALL FIREFIGHTERS
61 2 159
MEDICAL OTHER
10
JANUARY TO JUNE 2016
30
ALARMS MUTUAL AID
FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS
31
FIRE
2
29 High River Vital Signs: Safety & Security
HOURS OF 706.5 STAFF TRAINING
High River RCMP 2015-2016 Annual Performance Plan*
17 MEMBERS *(April 2015-April 2016)
VISITS TO SCHOOLS
1. CONTRIBUTE TO SAFE ROADS
132 SEATBELT CHARGES
BY SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)
AN S TH S E 4 L 015 2
6
TRAFFIC RELATED INJURIES
AUGUST
159
JULY
DISTRACTED DRIVING CHARGES
23
KNOWN OFFENDER MONITORING
1
INFORMANTS
56
MAY
32
APRIL
40
MARCH
2. CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY SAFETY COURT ORDER CHECKS
39
JUNE
27 28
FEBRUARY
4
JANUARY
2015
17
DECEMBER
36
NOVEMBER
SEARCH WARRANTS EXECUTED
2016
TOTAL:
27 31
OCTOBER SEPTEMBER
333
3. ENHANCE CONTRIBUTION FOR POLICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
35
35
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
FOR THE CITIZEN ON PATROL (COP) PROGRAM
PUBLIC EVENTS ATTENDED BY RCMP
Rowan House
27
25
DOWNTOWN FOOT OR BIKE PATROLS
EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Provides crisis intervention, long-term support and education to those affected by family violence in rural communities.
PREVENTATIVE OUTREACH 97 WOMEN ADMITTED IN 2015
118
124 CHILDREN ADMITTED IN 2015
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS IN THE FOOTHILLS AREA
Emergency Managment # OF EMPLOYEES TRAINED:
56 77
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
MONTHLY DRILLS & EXERCISES
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)
Community and staff emergency preparedness training and education
24
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE SECTION TRAINING
- EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE - BUSINESS CONTINUITY - DAMAGE ASSESSMENT - EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES
4,880
62
EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES DRILLS (2) High River
SUBSCRIBERS TO
High River Vital Signs: Safety & Security
17
B Thriving Populations Jane Russell Photography and Design
Janell Packer Photography
Top three things to celebrate
Top two citizen priorities
1. High River is a safe and welcoming community with a small town feel 2. Opportunities for everyone to be involved in the community 3. Great schools, programs and services
1. Affordable housing for all populations 2. More local employment opportunities for all populations
Immigrant Newcomers Visible Minorities / Countries Represented:
FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY IMMIGRANT SERVICES
9.8%
OF THE POPULATION (2011 Statistics Canada)
BORN OUTSIDE CANADA
Philippines • China • Columbia • Dominican Republic • El Salvador • Ethiopia • Guatemala • Haiti • Honduras • India • Iraq • Mexico • Nepal • Pakistan • Poland • Rwanda • Somalia • Sri Lanka • Sudan • Switzerland • Afghanistan • Cambodia • England • Eritrea • Iran • Russia • Syria • Ukraine • Vietnam • Germany • Japan • USA • Ivory Coast • Jamaica • Laos • Zimbabwe
Common Languages Spoken: (In no particular order)
18
Tagalog • Spanish • English • Arabic • Tigrinya • Amharic • Urdu • Mandarin • Somali • French •
High River Vital Signs: Thriving Populations
Seniors
19%
Adults
47%
OF THE POPULATION
ARE SENIORS
(Aged 65 and older, 2011 Statistics Canada)
Young Adults
ARE ADULTS
(Aged 30-64, 2011 Statistics Canada)
Children
18
%
ARE CHILDREN
MARRIED
19 %
ARE YOUTH
(Aged 15-29, 2011 Statistics Canada)
11.7%
OF THE POPULATION
OF ADULTS ARE
OF THE POPULATION
Young Families
(Aged 14 and under, 2011 Statistics Canada)
57 %
17 %
OF THE POPULATION
(percentages have been rounded and may not equal 100%)
OF ADULTS ARE
SINGLE
“High River has a lot of outstanding young people who deserve all the opportunities they need to grow in all ways”
9%
OF FAMILIES ARE
SINGLE PARENT
(2011 Statistics Canada)
OF ADULTS ARE
COMMON LAW
6%
3%
OF ADULTS ARE
WIDOWED
OF ADULTS ARE
SEPARATED
“I know plenty of young families including my own that have moved to High River specifically for the quality of life offered here. That should be celebrated in and of itself.”
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EACH DEMOGRAPHIC IN HIGH RIVER? Increase community action to make High River more welcoming & inclusive for each demographic
6.8% 6.7%
20.7%
10.9% 11.5%
6.8%
Increase social, recreation and arts opportunities for each demographic
27% 16.6%
9.9%
Develop more affordable housing options
Increase access to transportation
Increase opportunities for employment or volunteerism for each demographic
Increase education regarding trends or issues involving risks for each demographic Increase the voice of each demographic in our community
28.8%
1.3%
22.6% 15%
5.6% 4.2% 6.1%
25.1%
9.9%
28.8%
7.8% 9.5% 11.3% 4.7% 11.9%
3.1%
44.2%
6.5%
2.0% 4.0%
8.5% 7.2% 9.7% 5.1% 3.7%
High River Vital Signs: Thriving Populations
28.5%
Immigrant newcomers Young Families Youth Adults Seniors
19
Three things you can do: Connection
Lifelong Learning
• Search social media sites to connect with community groups
• Sing, read, talk and play with your children
• Attend an Our High River Community Café to connect, meet and learn
• Register for a course or program and learn something new
• Volunteer for a cause that is important to you
Environment
• Take advantage of our local museum and library
Livability
• Pick up garbage in our community
• Donate time or resources to a food security program
• Get involved with great ideas and ways to volunteer
• Advocate for affordable housing and secondary suites
• Get our and enjoy High River’s parks and green spaces
• Become a volunteer driver
Expression • Attend a local live music or theatre performance
Safety & Security • Sign up for the High River ALERT system
• Try discovering your artistic talent
• Test your smoke detector regularly and replace the batteries if required
• Visit a local art gallery
• Volunteer with High River’s Citizens on Patrol (COP)
Health & Wellbeing
Thriving Populations
• Use the Happy Trials, pedestrian and cycling paths
• Attend the Taste of High River
HIGH RIVER'S • Make a point of introducing yourself to someone you
• Try out the walking track in the field house at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex
• Use the free outdoor fitness equipment beside the Culture Centre
don’t know like a senior or newcomer to High River
• Consider multiple demographics and perspectives in our community
High River is a great place to belong!