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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 24 25 | Thursday, October 8, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE'S VITAL SIGNS® REPORT The Oakville Community Foundation's Vital Signs® report aims to identify the major issues affecting quality of life in the Oakville community. It also shines a light on the good work being done by charitable agencies, citizens and local governments to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. This is not a report card; it's an overview of who we are and how we are changing as a community. The 2015 report is the result of more than 50 points of contact with a wide range of organizations across Oakville and Halton Region that share a commitment to our community and its people. And this is just the beginning. We believe the report will encourage more voices to join the conversation about how we can learn more, do more and give more to create a community where everyone feels they belong. Read more about the methodology used for this unique report at vitalsigns.theocf.org/methodology. OAKVILLE IS A COMMUNITY OF CONTRASTS HOME TO THE HIGHEST & LOWEST INCOMES IN HALTON REGION 160K Average household income1 8.6% Overall poverty rate3 100K Median household income for a couple family (41 percent higher than that of Ontario)2 10.6% Poverty rate for children under 184 FOUR KEY ISSUE AREAS: THE EQUITY GAP MENTAL HEALTH HOUSING INCLUSION MORE PEOPLE, MORE DIVERSITY BRIDGING THE EQUITY GAP Many residents live well in Oakville, but there are still barriers that prevent individuals and families from participating fully in the community. Learn more about the precarious class, living wages and the community need for both job and food security. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/equity. FROM DIVERSITY TO INCLUSION Recognizing and encouraging diversity is an important step toward becoming a fully inclusive and accessible society. Learn more about the changing demographics in Oakville and how inclusion efforts can bring new vitality to an established community. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/inclusion. Population increase from 2011 (182,455)5 to 2014 (187,500)6 31% Immigrant population7 24% Visible minorities in population8 HOUSING FOR EVERYONE A lack of affordable housing highlights the challenges for vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling to stay in the community. Learn more about the cost of new homes, rentals and vacancy rates in Oakville as well as the wait times for assisted housing in Halton Region. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/housing. NEXT GENERATION Children and youth living in poverty, in households under stress, or struggling with mental health issues and isolation need support to build resilience and achieve wellness. Learn more about issues that are affecting Oakville's youth. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/next-generation. NOT EVERYONE CAN LIVE OR WORK HERE BETTER MENTAL HEALTH Increased awareness and more open discussions are helping to reduce the stigma of mental illness and encouraging more individuals and families to seek treatment. Learn more about the trends in mental health and the supports available for children, newcomers and older adults. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/mental-health. ON THE HORIZON Learn more about emerging issues that we believe will need more community awareness and education. Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/horizon. New home sales in 2014 (the highest number in Halton Region) 9 Median sale price of a home10 All new home sales above affordability threshold in 201411 Commuters that work outside of Oakville12 CRIME IS LOW IN THE REGION, BUT NOT EVERYONE IS SAFE VITAL SIGNS® ONLINE Oakville's complete 2015 Vital Signs® report is available at vitalsigns.theocf.org. #1 Halton Region had the lowest overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate, of the 12 largest municipalities in Ontario in 201413 Number of Oakville calls to the SAVIS Halton (Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton) 24-hour support/crisis line last year14 302 227 Number of Oakville residents who accessed services from Halton Women's Place shelter in 2014-15. Another 251 crisis calls came from the Oakville community15 Visit vitalsigns.theocf.org/learn-more for complete list of reference materials ABOUT THE FOUNDATION The Oakville Community Foundation is a registered charity and one of the largest members of a national network of over 190 Canadian community foundations. We support individuals, families and corporations who come from all walks of life, economic backgrounds and charitable interests with one thing in common ­ a desire to make a difference today and leave a legacy to support Oakville's future as a smart & caring community. The Oakville Community Foundation is part of the national Vital Signs® report initiative and one of 29 community foundations across Canada that is presenting its own local report. 478 Morden Rd., Ste. 204 Oakville, Ontario L6K 3W4 905 844 3562 info@theocf.org Charitable BN: 89193 4374 RR0001 theocf.org