The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta released their 2021 Vital Signs report today – a regional check-up that measures community vitality and identifies strengths and areas of concern across the region that includes the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview and area communities.

“Reimagining Community Together” explores local quality of life through the lens of 10 interconnected areas ranging from health and housing to education and the environment.

The 2021 report also gathered statistics and citizen perceptions on the impact of COVID-19.

It can be accessed online at buildingtomorrowtoday.com/vital-signs

Community Foundation CEO Laura LaValley said this year’s report is especially important as communities are planning for recovery from the pandemic.

“The most important message we heard while conducting our research is that while every citizen has been impacted by the pandemic, the impact has not been felt equally by all citizens,” said LaValley. “An equitable and inclusive recovery requires an understanding of the differences.” She added: “Vital Signs is a timely tool that offers high-quality and reliable data so that governments and community can understand the economic, health and social impacts of the pandemic and work together to respond effectively. “When looking at areas of need across our communities, it’s important to be making informed decisions.”

The 2021 Northwestern Alberta’s Vital Signs report highlights where people have found supports during COVID-19.

“Locals really value greenspaces and the outdoors, with many trying out new kinds of outdoor activities for the first time during the pandemic,” said LaValley. “Citizens also report that family and friends have been their greatest source of strength during the pandemic.”

Findings show that fewer (58%) of us report that we volunteered during the pandemic, down from 72% in 2019. Yet 70% of us helped out people outside our household over the past year (though many had not considered our actions as volunteering).

“That’s an important statistic, as even though we were physically distanced from others, citizens found ways to reach out to those outside their households – even if it meant shoveling a walk or running an errand,” said LaValley. “That’s how we build strong communities.”

Vital Signs research also flagged areas of concern. While the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health across our communities, with 40% of Albertans experiencing a decline in mental health, some demographics, particularly young people ages 18-24, have been impacted more significantly. And while food insecurity was a concern prior to the pandemic, today 14.6% of Canadians are food insecure, up from 10.5% in 2017-18.

Other report highlights:

• Physical activity levels during the pandemic (2020) varied according to age. Comparing 2018 to 2020: levels stayed the same (57.1%) for ages 18-64, decreased (50.5% to 37.2%) for ages 12-17, and increased (35.4% to 40.3%) for ages 65 and over.

• Though a pre-pandemic issue, childcare is a continued priority locally and across Alberta, citizens were impacted by school closures, COVID-19 outbreaks at daycares and reduced availability of babysitters. Limited reliable or affordable child care options is forcing workers, especially women, to stay home or reduce their hours.

• The number of drug poisonings in the City of Grande Prairie in the first quarter of 2021 were three times the provincial average. • 33% of Canadians say that COVID-19 has increased their debt load.

• About 50% of Canada’s charitable sector is experiencing higher demand for services while grappling with volunteer and staffing shortages. 50% report a revenue decline.

• Around the globe and in our communities, violence against women and girls has intensified during the pandemic.

• New programs and increased collaboration and partnerships are helping address the issues. The Community Foundation and the City and County of Grande Prairie launched their Community Compass program, making it easier to connect citizens with social services. A collaborative Regional Workforce Development Action Plan is underway across the Grande Prairie-Greenview region to address labour force challenges and gaps. 1,617 citizens across the Grande Prairie-Greenview region voiced their opinion in the 2021 Vital Signs survey.

• With much of our lives going digital, those without online access were cut off or left behind. 36% of students polled had difficulty completing coursework due to no or poor Internet. Challenges with access to computers negatively impacted 20%.

• Compared to 2019, many more citizens feel they have a role to play in reconciliation: Ages 15- 30 (58% today compared to 23%) and ages 31 and over (62% today compared to 45%).

• As a region, our feelings of connection to Canada are declining while our feelings of connection to community are on the rise.

• 85% of us report we feel our community is a good place to raise a family.

• Over 25% of us “sometimes, most of the time or always” feel uncomfortable or out of place due to discrimination.

• 90% (Greenview), 88% (County) and 71% (City) of survey respondents reported that they know their neighbours well enough to ask for help.

To access the 2021 Vital Signs report, as well as earlier reports, visit buildingtomorrowtoday.com/vital-signs.

Print copies are also available by contacting the Community Foundation office at 780-538-2820.