The public's first look at the 2024 Vital Signs Report will occur at the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce's Leaders Lunch event on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Supported by Community Foundations of Canada, Vital Signs reports are locally led by community foundations. They are used by residents, businesses, community organizations, universities and colleges, and government leaders to learn more about community needs, take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.
They are published every two years locally by the Abbotsford Community Foundation.
“This year’s Vital Signs Report will continue to share data on key indicators of well-being in community such as community belonging, housing and homelessness, public safety, and work and economy," stated Areni Kelleppan the ACF executive director. "For the first time, we’ve chosen to spotlight food security since Abbotsford is considered the ‘Bread Basket of BC’ and yet still has citizens who go hungry. We expect this year’s report to be a valuable tool for the City, local organizations and the broader community."
The 2022 Vital Signs Report found that the top three issues of concern among local residents were homelessness, affordable housing and crime. According to the 2022 report, the top three best things about living in Abbotsford are friends and family, parks and green spaces, and locally grown food.
More than 500 responses were collected for the 2024 report. The report indicates that Abbotsford’s growth continues to outpace B.C.’s population growth and the incidence of chronic disease continues to be slightly higher in Fraser Valley east compared to the rest of B.C. The 2024 report also found that 40 per cent of respondents feel that crime in Abbotsford has increased.
“We’re proud to partner with the Community Foundation on this event as the indicators are valuable as businesses and community members make decisions that further shape our City,” stated Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “Given Abbotsford’s strong agricultural base on so many local businesses, this year’s theme of food security resonates deeply with Chamber members.”
The Leaders Lunch event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre on Nov. 5.
The event will feature a panel of local experts including: Dr. Lenore Newman – director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley, and Canada research chair in food and agriculture innovation, Rebecca Thuro – manager of food security at Archway Community Services and Colin Watson – Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department.
For more on the event, visit business.abbotsfordchamber.com/chamber-calendar/Details/leaders-lunch-spotlight-on-agriculture-and-food-security-1195829.
