In Squamish, Vital Signs presents an opportunity to take stock of community issues

By Tara Ramsey

“It is easy to sit up and take notice, what is difficult is getting up and taking action” – Honore de Balzac

Vital Signs is an opportunity to take stock of key community issues. This snapshot allows us to pause and evaluate how we are doing. Communities receive information that helps determine successes and gaps in services. This focuses energy on what will hopefully result in action. Recently, I took action by joining a “food bank flash mob” which resulted in donations to those in need. I hope as Vital Signs is digested more action will transpire.

Tara Ramsey, Vital Signs committee member

Squamish’s Vital Signs reveals we are doing really well in Health and Wellness. Our obesity rate is 6.2%, which is 65.7% below the national average. Not surprising since we are known for being the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” On the downside, our Violent Crime Rates are shocking, as we were 66.2% above the national average.

Squamish is a community in transition. Although I believe “the only constant is change” (Heraclitus), Squamish has been adapting to significant changes. It has changed from being resource-based, where now nearly one-third of occupations are in sales and service. In nine years:

- 2003 Interfor sawmill curtailed operations / closed (2004) (*-185 jobs)

- 2004 BC Rail privatization / CN Rail purchase (*-300 jobs)

- 2006 Woodfibre pulp mill closed (*-323 jobs)

- Real estate market high and low

- 2008 beginning of economic downturn

- Highway improvement / 2010 Olympics – including Pre and Post – influx of people / temporary employment

*stats: http://www.thesquamishreporter.ca/index.php?id=149

Squamish Community Foundation indicated that with financial support they would write a follow-up report. In light of all of these changes, combined with 2011 census results, I believe this would be crucial to assess our improvements.

Tara Ramsey is a Vital Signs committee member with Squamish Community Foundation

Squamish’s Vital Signs celebrates success, offers direction for improvement

By Caroline Ashekian

The Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) celebrated the inaugural launch of its Vital Signs report in 2011.

The journey has been abundant with community engagement, visionary leadership, and many volunteer hours. I have had the privilege to be a part of this journey as a participant in the community engagement process.

Now, as a new board member with the SCF, I admire the fruits of everyone’s labour, and have a greater appreciation for the process by which this project was realized.

Caroline Ashekian, board member with Squamish Community Foundation

The launch of this first Squamish Vital Signs report is a milestone achievement for our board. And by virtue of the process and all that the report shares, it is also a celebration of our community’s achievements and successes. The results showcase positive trends, an exciting one being the health and wellness of the community, with indicators reflecting healthier and more active residents than both the BC and national levels, as well as a growing sense of life satisfaction.

Of course, by providing a snapshot of the community, Squamish’s Vital Signs 2011 also reflects opportunities for growth and improvement, such as in the areas of early childhood development, safety, and the gap between rich and poor. For every key issue, the report includes a special feature on how the SCF is contributing to improvements in these areas, and how residents can do their part to help.

The Squamish Vital Signs launch event featured more than one reason to celebrate. In addition to the report launch and presentation, the evening featured presentations and displays from our grantees, and recognition of our donors with the first presentation of our Ascent of Philanthropy program.

The Squamish Vital Signs is beneficial on many levels, and provides clear vision to SCF and our community as we all move forward and leap into action.

Caroline Ashekian is a Director of Squamish Community Foundation