'Our community is a different place than it was two years ago': Vital Signs report shows problems growing
The London Community Foundation (LCF) launched its 2021 Vital Signs report, "Be the Change" on Thursday.
The report acts as a ‘pulse check’ on the state of the community,
“The report pains a picture of serious problems we’re facing,” says LCF’s Vital Signs Chair Dr. Jerry White.
“But it’s not just about numbers, it calls upon us all to take action and provides people with the tools to start making social change.”
The report launched with an online event and moderated panel discussion featuring several local thought leaders.
The discussion focused on how residents can work together to create a more just and equitable community.
According to the report, COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities and brought many pressing issues into sharp focus.
“Whether it be COVID-19 perpetuating issues like affordable housing or unemployment, increasing hate crimes or the traumatic legacy of residential schools, we are seeing a heightened awareness and the desire for people to become more engaged,” says Dr. White.
The report highlight six focuses. Housing, racial equality, well-being, gender equality, education, and food security.
The average price of rent in London increased by 7 per cent in 2020, and there are almost 6,000 individuals and families currently on the waitlist for social housing, and as of September over 1,300 individuals are experiencing homelessness.
“Good data is essential to informing social change efforts,” says Dr. White. “The London Vital Signs Data Hub is a long-term project that will require partnerships and collaboration of local organizations and government.”
LCF is inviting any local agencies who collect community-based data to contribute to this project.
“The goal is to track social trends over time and use that information to make positive changes that benefit our community” says Dr. White.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.