WESTLOCK –Affordability, safety and community connection are all issues highlighted by residents through a survey run by a local Westlock group.
On Nov. 15 the Westlock Community Foundation launched their new program based on the release of the 2024 Vital Signs: Community Catalysts Report.
“Our community thrives when we come together to address local priorities,” says Katie Robertson, executive director of Westlock Community Foundation.
“This report serves as both a reflection of where we stand and a call to action for every individual and organization to join in shaping our collective future.”
The report entails Westlock’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats affecting our resident’s quality of life.
The Westlock Community Foundation took the initiative to complete the survey to measure community opinions on key topics, with access to provincial data for comparison.
Comparisons were done with the 2021 Bridging the Gap report, a community needs assessment conducted by FCSS, according to Robertson. Insights to measure community vitality are expressed in the report.
“It (the report) highlights critical areas such as affordability, safety, community connection, economic vibrancy, and active living,” stated the media release.
The report provides evidence-based ideas and suggestions for action to inspire meaningful change.
The Vital Signs Communication Catalyst Action Network team includes community members, nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers.
The intent of the Vital Signs program is for the team to work together on objectives that make a real difference to Westlock, making vital connections, supporting local projects and inspiring action within the community.
One of the highlights is to address affordability as a critical priority addressing housing, cost of living and access to essential services as per the media release.
The Vital Signs program will have more information to share in 2025. The Westlock Community Foundation is using the survey data insights to guide funding priorities for its 2025 granting cycle to address the most pressing challenges in Westlock.
The full report is available for download on the Westlock Community Foundation website https://westlockfoundation.ca/vitalsigns/
