Quality of life Report - Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

Comox Valley
2009 Quality of Life Report
August 2009
Prepared for the CVSPS
by North Island College & K.E. Jones
i Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Acknowledgements
North Island College Project Team
Sammi Barker
Catherine Blackman
Jackie Cole
Amber Dufour
Megan Fletcher
Teresa Hansen
Sondra Lambie
Johnathon MacKenzie
Project Advisors
Roger Albert
Peter Ashmore
Joseph Dunn
Wendy Johnstone
Pam Munroe
Bunny Shannon
Jeremy Triggs
Comox Valley Social Planning Society Board of Directors
Jan Adams
John Higginbothan
Doug Hillian
Pam Munroe
Joanne Schroeder
Bunny Shannon
Jeremy Triggs
This report has been prepared under the direction of the Comox Valley Social Planning
Society board with support from North Island College students, under the direction of
Roger Albert. Karen Jones, MLIS, assisted in the writing and editing.
Cover Photo: The Beaufort Mountains overlooking Goose Spit, © K.E. Jones.
Comments regarding the contents of this report should be addressed to:
Comox Valley Social Planning Society
489 Old Island Hwy
Courtenay, BC V9N 3P5
Telephone (250) 338-0777
Email [email protected]
ii Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Mailing Address:
489 Old Island Hwy.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 3P5
Office Location:
Community Action Centre
407 – 5th Street (corner of 4th and England, 2nd Floor)
Courtenay, BC
Telephone (250) 338-0777
Fax (250) 338-0787
Website: http://cvsocialplanning.ca
Email: [email protected]
© Comox Valley Social Planning Society 2009.
This publication (excluding the logos) may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium,
provided that it is reproduced accurately and is not used in a misleading context. The material must be
acknowledged as Comox Valley Social Planning Society copyright with the title and source of the
publication specified.
Further copies of the report are available from the Comox Valley Social Planning Society.
Email: [email protected]
PDF versions of the report are also available online at http:// cvsocialplanning.ca.
Published August 2009 by the Comox Valley Social Planning Society. Printed in Canada.
iii Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Letter from the President
July 1, 2009
Dear Reader,
The Comox Valley Social Planning Society (CVSPS) is a collaborative group formed to address social
issues, and to support community initiatives that improve quality of life in the Comox Valley.
Membership is open to all interested citizens and professionals. The CVSPS also hosts an annual
interagency brown bag lunch where groups and agencies can update one another on their work in
the community. Our main objectives are to foster awareness of existing service networks, prioritize
community needs, create new initiatives, increase public awareness on important issues, and act as
an advisory body. We gather and synthesize community statistics for analysis and discussion.;
hence, the “Quality of Life” reports.
The 2009 Quality of Life Report is our third QOL publication. Created almost entirely by volunteer
labour, an amazing array of people had a direct hand in researching and writing the report. The
CVSPS wants to acknowledge and sincerely thank Roger Albert, North Island College instructor, and
his students of the spring 2008 term, for all their hard work and commitment toward this project.
You can be proud of your contribution.
We extend special thanks to the rural regional district directors, Bruce Joelliffe (Area A), Jim Gillis
(Area B), and Edwin Grieve (Area C), and to the previous directors of the Comox-Strathcona
Regional District: Suzanne Murray (Area A), Barbara Price (Area B) and Barry Minaker (Area C).
Their invaluable support and funding made the writing and printing of the report possible.
Our hope is that decision-makers and citizens will use this report to create meaningful strategies,
and to plan for a future that supports and improves quality of life in the Comox Valley. As David
Ross of the Canadian Council on Social Development noted so succinctly:
“We want to see policymakers’ adrenaline react to social indicators the same way it
responds now to economic indicators. Our future prosperity depends on it.”
Sincerely,
EM (Bunny) Shannon, President
Comox Valley Social Planning Society
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
iv Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Maps
This report examines the Comox Valley Regional District that includes Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland,
Regional Districts A, B, C, and K; School District #71; and Local Health Authority #71.
Figure : Comox-Strathcona Regional District (Island part) 2006
Source: BC Stats, http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/maps/RDMaps2006/RD25I.pdf. Accessed May 9, 2008.
Figure : Comox Valley Regional District
Source: Comox Valley Regional District, http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/notices.asp?id=82 (iMap). Accessed May 9, 2008.
v Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Figure : Comox Valley Regional District – Electoral Areas
Source: CVRD, http://www.comoxstrathcona.ca/section_rdb/content.asp?id=877&collection=6. Accessed May 14,
2008.
Figure : North Vancouver Island (43) Health Service Area and Local Health Areas
Source: BC Stats, http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/maps/hsd43.pdf. Accessed May 9, 2008.
vi Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ i
Letter from the President ............................................................................................. iii
Maps .............................................................................................................................. iv
Not an Executive Summary ........................................................................................ vii
Introduction................................................................................................................. viii
Methodology ................................................................................................................. ix
1. Population Demographics ........................................................................................ 1
2. Housing .................................................................................................................... 10
3. Transportation ......................................................................................................... 24
4. Food Security........................................................................................................... 28
5. Health........................................................................................................................ 41
6. Education ................................................................................................................. 57
7. Arts, Culture, and Recreation ................................................................................. 69
8. Public Safety ............................................................................................................ 73
9. Environment............................................................................................................. 81
10. Community Involvement ....................................................................................... 98
11. Employment and Economy................................................................................. 105
Appendices ................................................................................................................ 115
References ................................................................................................................. 119
vii Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Not an Executive Summary
Summaries are tricky for reports that cover many different issues. It’s the data that hold
the key. That being said, if you read the whole report, or just a few sections, you may be
struck by this observation we’ve made: everything in the report is interconnected.
We begin by pointing out that the recent economic downturn has had an impact on our
community, but it barely registers in the data available from sources like BC Statistics.
Still, we have to acknowledge it. The economic impact was hardest felt by our most
vulnerable citizens, in short, people already struggling to feed and house themselves
and their families. What happens when people suddenly find themselves unemployed?
What happens when seniors on military pensions discover that their fixed income isn’t
so fixed?
What happens depends on how motivated a community is to extend a good quality of
life to all its citizens. More importantly, it depends on political will, and any lack thereof is
directly proportional to public apathy. However, the Comox Valley is fortunate. When a
community or a group of citizens band together to tackle an important issue, things
happen; a travelling health outreach program, funding for affordable housing, just to
name two examples that are happening right now in the Valley. There is so much going
on that a person could volunteer at a different agency every year for a lifetime, and
never come back to the first agency.
Here’s why there is no “proper” executive summary: we want to leave you to your own
devices. You will form opinions. You will make decisions. You will have questions. You
will want answers. That is the point. Each section of the report stands on its own, but
together the sections paint a picture of our community in all its hues and shades. If you
need clarification, you will have to go to the sources. If you want action, you will have to
corner your government representatives. You might even have to do it yourself. But you
won’t be alone. The 2009 Quality of Life Report is a tool. Use it. Abuse it. Enshrine it.
Burn it. We won’t take it personally.
Print editions of the report are limited, so if you don’t receive a printed copy, you will be
able to print off sections as needed from the Comox Valley Social Planning Society web
site. The URL is http://cvsocialplanning.ca. We also hope to make the data more
relevant by encouraging the community to post new statistics, or even argue with the
ones we used. A “living” Quality of Life document means no more waiting for the next
printed report. Data and news is published directly to the site as it becomes available. If
this seems like a great idea, please let us know. You can email us [email protected].
viii Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Introduction
Not everything that counts can be counted,
and not everything that can be counted counts.
~ Albert Einstein
About the 2009 Report
Students at North Island College (NIC) grappled with all the problems inherent in
researching, analysing and writing a community report such as this. Their work on the
report ended when the semester ended in 2008. It is now 2009. Why does this matter?
The fact is that the Comox Valley didn’t stand still. It changed and changed dramatically.
We updated what we could given our time and budget constraints. Remember, this
report is a snapshot of the Comox Valley, or, more accurately, it is a collage of
snapshots. Use the data here as a starting point, but it’s a good idea to check the
information again to ensure that you’re keeping up with the inevitable changes.
About the Indicators
The 2009 Quality of Life Report has expanded from the 2004 report. The original 11
categories remain, but there are 8 new indicators: diversity, farmers’ market impact,
organic food, land use, hospital use, community care, cost of education, and
Francophone programs. Two indicators have been renamed in the new report: STDs are
now called STIs (sexually transmitted infections), and “municipal voting” is now “Voting”.
“Addiction Services for Youths and Adults” is no longer an indicator, and is now listed
under “Community Care”.
The following symbols next to the indicators represent changes between the
statistics of the 2004 QOL Report and the 2009 report:
Indicates an Increase
No Significant Change
Indicates a Decrease
Insufficient Data/Not Comparable
New Indicator
ix Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
Methodology
The 2009 Quality of Life Report relies on statistics and information gathered from a
variety of sources: government statistic sites, news articles, academic reports,
interviews, and email discussions.
Limitations
Many indicators overlap. Distinctions between indicators are discretional, and the report
should be read with that in mind. Also, there is a lack of local statistics: people are too
busy doing to do paperwork. Anecdotal information, when we thought it necessary, is
included and so noted. Whenever agencies changed the way they collected data, we
made this explicit.
Our time frame changed. Unlike the previous reports, the writing of this one occurred
over two years rather than several months. Two groups of students from North Island
College began the project, and then the CVSPS hired an independent researcher/editor
in 2009. By then, much of the data reported by the first group of students had changed.
Time constraints, however, meant that not all the statistics were updated. Some were.
Some are still based on 2006 statistics.
Data Quality
Because of the recent split (February, 2008) of the Comox-Strathcona Regional District
into two distinct districts, the Comox Valley Regional District and the Strathcona
Regional District, some of the numbers in this report are retrieved in various ways to
best reflect the split. One of the main difficulties is that BC Statistics uses Statistics
Canada data to construct their own profiles and analyses. We are in the middle of a
census period, and there will not be any data reflective of the new districts until 2013 or
2014. Some of the data are based on postal code areas that sometimes overlap district
boundaries. In this period of transition, there will be inevitable problems with data
collection “fitting” exactly into the new regional district configuration. For instance, the
former Area K is now a part of Area A. However, the data are accurate enough for most
purposes in this report.1
1
Paragraph by Roger Albert, June 2009 email to K.E. Jones.
1 Comox Valle y 2009 Quality of Life Report
1. Population Demographics
The size and characteristics of a population shape the fundamental components of a
community. Analysis of population characteristics allows governments, health agencies,
school districts, and other organizations to meet the current needs of the citizens, and
shape future growth for the well-being of the community. Please note that the Comox
Strathcona Regional District (RD) split into the Comox RD and Strathcona RD on Feb
15, 2008.
1.1 Population Growth
From the census years of 2001 to 2006, the population growth in the Comox Valley of
5.9% was slightly greater than the provincial population growth of 5.3%.2 Gender
percentages in the Comox Valley remain unchanged from previous reports and are the
same as the provincial percentages: 49% male, and 51% female.
Table : Population Growth of Comox Valley
Location
2001
2006
Comox
11,391
12,136
6.5%
Courtenay
19,166
21,940
14.5%
Cumberland
2,633
2,762
4.9%
Regional District A
4,748
4,885
2.9%
Regional District B
7,013
7,219
2.9%
Regional District C
7,448
7,441
-0.1%
Regional District K
1,982
2,169
9.4%
54,381
58,552
5.9%
3,907,738
4,113,487
5.3%
Totals
British Columbia
% Change
2008 Estimate
% Change
3
7.4%
63,239
Source: BC Stats, 2006 Census Profiles. All figures are adjusted to 2006 boundaries.
According to census estimates, the overall number of children in BC families increased
by 1.2% between 2001 and 2006, compared to BC’s total population growth of 5.3%
over the same period.4
2
BC Stats, 2006 Census of Canada: Census Profiles.
3
BC Stats, Sub-Provincial Population Estimates: Health District 71. Accessed April 2009.
4
BC Stats, Business Indicators: Children in BC Families, 2007.
1.2 Lone Parent Families
Socio-economic conditions faced by members of lone parent families vary considerably
from families headed by two parents. Lone parent families often face issues related to
poverty, unemployment, and various stress-related conditions.
Of the 1.2 million children living in BC families in 2006, 22% lived in lone parent families:
the same percentage as in 2001. Although the percentage of children living in male lone
parent families was slightly higher than in 2001, the average number of children in male
lone parent families was lower than in female lone parent families.5 This trend is also
apparent in Comox Valley lone parent families.
Figure : Comparison of Male & Female Lone Parent Families in the Comox Valley 2006
100%
% Lone Male
Parent Families
80%
% Lone Female
Parent Families
60%
40%
20%
0%
1 child
2 children
3 or more
Source: BC Stats, British Columbia Municipal Census Populations - 2006 Census Profiles.
Of the 8,740 families in the Comox Valley with children at home in 2006, 29% were lone
parent families. Figures for prior years in the Comox Valley adjusted to the 2006
boundaries were not available for comparison. The Comox Valley 2006 rate is
significantly higher than the 22% BC rate for lone parent families.
The median total income for all census couple families in British Columbia in 2005 was
$65,000,6 for census lone parent families, the median total income was $27,800.7 A
2006 study examined the two decades between 1984 and 2004 and found that lone
mothers experienced the highest degree of volatility in earnings of any family type.8
5
BC Stats, Business Indicators: Children in BC Families, 2007.
6
Stats Canada, Median total income, by family type, by province and territory: Couple Families.
7
Stats Canada, Median total income, by family type, by province and territory: Lone Parent Families.
8
Stats Canada, The Daily, Friday, October 20, 2006. Study: Earnings Instability.
In 2006, females headed 78.6% of lone parent families in the Comox Valley, slightly less
than the BC rate of 79.8%, and less than the 2001 rate of 87%.
Related Indicators: Housing – Food Security – Employment and Economy
1.3 Number of Families
The 2006 census shows that just over half of the families in the Comox Valley had no
children at home. The average number of children at home is 0.87 per family: slightly
below the provincial average of 1.04 children per family.
Table : Number of Families and Children at Home in the Comox Valley – 2006 Census
Location
# of
Families
# of
Children
% No
Children
% With
Children
Average # of
Children
Comox
3,685
3,160
50%
50%
0.86
Courtenay
6,335
5,615
48%
52%
0.89
740
810
42%
58%
1.09
Regional District A
1,605
1,145
57%
43%
0.71
Regional District B
2,275
1,930
53%
47%
0.85
Regional District C
2,280
2,185
49%
51%
0.96
Regional District K
665
425
61%
39%
0.64
17,585
15,270
51%
49%
0.87
1,161,420
1,202,145
41%
59%
1.04
Cumberland
Totals/Averages
British Columbia
No adjusted figures are available for the 2006 municipal boundaries in the years of 1996
and 2001. Table 2 above is intended to show only the trend toward an increase in
families and a decrease in the number of children in the Comox Valley as well as
provincially. According to BC Statistic’s census profiles for 2001 and 2006, the number
of children living at home decreased, while the number of seniors (people over 65) living
in the community increased.9 Another possible clue as to why there are fewer children in
the face of an increasing population is in the range of ages. In 1991, the main
distribution of the population resided in the 20 – 44 age range. That distribution has
shifted to the 45 – 64 range, a time in people’s lives when the children have left home.10
(See Figure 6: Comox Valley Population by Gender & Age)
9
BC Stats, 2001 Census Profile: CSRD and 2006 Census Profile: CSRD. Accessed April 2009.
10
BC Stats, 2001 Census Profile of British Columbia's Regions, CSRD, and 2006 Census Profile Summary Version: Comox-Strathcona, CD. Accessed April 2009.
Table : Number of Families and Children at Home in the Comox Valley and BC - 1996-2006 Comparison
Comox Valley
Year
Census Families
No Children
Children
Avg. # of Children
1996
15,935
44%
56%
1.8
2001
16,465
46%
54%
1.0
2006*
17,585
51%
49%
0.9
British Columbia
Year
Census Families
No Children
Children
Avg. # of Children
1996
1,008,440
39%
61%
1.8
2001
1,086,030
44%
56%
1.1
2006*
1,161,420
41%
59%
1.0
Source: BC Stats, Census of Population and Housing, 2004 – 2001 boundaries: and – 2006 boundaries.
Related Indicators: Student/Educator Ratios – The Aging Population
1.4 Marital Status
Following provincial court rulings in 2003, vital statistics registries in British Columbia
started registering marriages of same–sex couples. Statistics Canada now publishes
data on three types of marriages: opposite–sex marriage, male same-sex marriage and
female same-sex marriage. Common-law relationships, civil unions, and partnerships
registered with partnerships registries are excluded from these statistics.
Table : Comox Valley Marital Statuses - 2006
Location
Comox
Courtenay
Cumberland
Regional District A
Regional District B
Regional District C
Regional District K
Totals/Averages
Comox Valley
1996
2001
2006
Single
22.3%
29.4%
32.8%
24.7%
23.8%
26.9%
26.6%
26.5%
Single
24.9%
25.9%
26.5%
Legally
Married
56.7%
46.6%
41.1%
56.0%
58.5%
55.7%
46.3%
51.9%
Separated
2.9%
4.5%
5.4%
3.0%
3.2%
3.2%
3.2%
3.7%
Divorced
9.8%
12.2%
12.3%
10.6%
10.1%
9.6%
17.4%
11.2%
Widowed
8.5%
7.3%
8.3%
5.7%
4.5%
4.7%
6.1%
6.7%
Legally
Married
56.2%
53.0%
51.9%
Separated
3.9%
3.9%
3.7%
Divorced
9.6%
9.6%
11.2%
Widowed
5.7%
5.7%
6.7%
Commonlaw
7.5%
10.4%
13.4%
12.0%
9.6%
11.3%
14.7%
10.3%
Commonlaw
10.3%
In 2006 in the Comox Valley, the marital status of people aged 15 years and over in
single, divorced, and widowed categories increased. Legally married percentages
decreased by 4.3% compared to 1996 and 1.1% compared to 2001. Common-law status
was 10.3% in 2006.
Comox Valley had significant differences to BC marital statuses in three categories in
2006: 5.6% less single people, 2.8% more divorced people, and 2.1% more people in
common-law relationships.
The number of marriages solemnized in BC dropped from 22,000 in 2001 to 20,660 in
2006. 11 However, the number of same-sex couples in Canada rose by 33% from 2001
compared to the opposite-sex rate of 6%. In 2006, same-sex couples made up 1% of all
Canadian families. About half of all same-sex couples in Canada live in the metropolitan
areas of Toronto (21%), Montréal (18%), and Vancouver (10%). The 2006 census
collected data on same-sex married couples for the first time, as a result of the
legalization of same-sex in 2005. About 17% of same-sex couples were married
couples, whereas, married opposite-sex couples made up 69% of all Canadian
families.12
1.5 The Aging Population
The faces one sees on the streets of our communities are older than what one typically
sees elsewhere. The baby boomers are now in their 50s or 60s, and many of them are
moving to the Comox Valley because of its moderate temperatures, lush environment
and cultural diversity. The number of senior citizens in our community is also growing for
similar reasons. They have decided that the Valley is a great place to retire. Retirement
is a misnomer. Many people continue to work in their 50s and beyond, even if part-time.
Our older citizens are often the people who spend their energies and time volunteering
for many community organizations. Their increasing numbers will continue to influence
the way our community grows.
As of 2006, there were 10,665 people over the age of 65 in the Comox Valley, or 18.2%
of the population. This is higher than 2003 at 16%, and the 2006 BC rate of 14.6%. By
2031 the people in BC aged 65 and over will represent 24.2% of the population. 13
11
.Stats Canada, Marriages by Province and Territory.
12
Stats Canada, Canada Social Trends: Census Snapshots of Canada – Families. Accessed April 2009.
13
BC Progress Board, Strategic Considerations for BC’s Future: Issues and Trends 2007 Report.
Table : Comox Valley and BC Population 65 and Over, including Projections
Year
Comox Valley
BC
2006
10,665*
566,135*
2011
11,754**
695,600^
2016
13,832**
846,000^
2021
16,318**
1,015,000^
Source: BC Stats, 2006 Census Profiles* (figures adjusted to 2006 boundaries), Invest Comox Valley**, and British
Columbia Population Forecast – 07/07, Table 3: Selected Age Groups.
Figure : Comox Valley Population by Gender & Age
6,000
Male
Population
5,000
Female
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
0-9
-29
20
-19
10
-39
30
-49
-59
40
50
Age
-69
60
-79
70
-89
80
+
90
The heaviest concentrations of people over the age of 65 in the Comox Valley are in
Courtenay and Comox.
Figure : Comox Valley Seniors by Area
2,500
Male
Population
2,000
Female
1,500
1,000
500
K
RD
C
RD
A
B
RD
rla
Cu
m
be
RD
nd
ay
te
n
Co
ur
Co
m
ox
0
Source: BC Stats, British Columbia Municipal Census Populations – 2006 Census Profiles.
Related indicators: Health section, Housing
1.6 Aboriginal Identity
In 2006, the Aboriginal population in BC increased slightly to 4.8%14 from 4.4%15; the
percentage during the same time period remained constant in the Comox Valley at
7.2%.16
The composition of the Aboriginal population in the Comox Valley is predominately
North American Indian (69.7%) and Métis (25.9%); BC’s distribution is similar.
Figure : Predominate Aboriginal Identities 2006 - BC/Comox Valley
Source: Stats Canada, 2006 Census – Profiles of Diversity – BC & Comox-Strathcona.
On average, BC’s Aboriginal population is younger than the non-Aboriginal population.
In BC in 2001, 48% of Aboriginals and 31% of non-Aboriginals BC’s population were
under 25 years old. 17 This decreased slightly in 2006 to over 43% of Aboriginals and
29% of non-Aboriginals. The median age of Aboriginals in BC was 26.8 in 2001 and 28
in 2006 compared to non-Aboriginals at 38.4 in 2001 and 41 in 2006. The Aboriginal
population aged 65 and over in 2006 was 5% contrasted to 15% of non-Aboriginals.18
In 2001 in BC, marital and family statuses differed for Aboriginals. Aboriginals (24.2%)
were half as likely to be legally married as non-Aboriginals (51.2%), twice as likely
(14.4%) as non-Aboriginals (7.2%) to be in common-law relationships; and Aboriginal
14
Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch, Profile of Diversity in British Columbia.
15
BC Stats, 2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population.
16
Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch, Profile of Diversity in BC Communities, 2001 and 2006,
Comox-Strathcona.
17
18
BC Stats, 2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population, Age Distribution.
BC Stats, Business Indicators, February 2008. The Aboriginal Population in BC and Recent Trends in
Off Reserve Aboriginal Labour Force Participation.
families were twice as likely (29.8%) as non-Aboriginal families (14.7%) to be lone
parent families.19
Related Indicators: Lone Parent Families – Diversity – Affordable Housing
1.7 Diversity
Diversity of a population is simply a description of where people come from, and what
their ethnic origins are. A diverse community is thought to enhance cultural richness.
However, acceptance of differences and employment opportunities are issues that
influence the migration of people from other ethnicities.
As shown in Figure 9 below, Comox-Strathcona’s 87% Canadian-born population is
significantly higher than BC’s 71%. The greatest inflow of immigrants for ComoxStrathcona and BC was experienced before 1991. In 2006, the generation status of 63%
of Comox-Strathcona’s immigrants was third generation or more compared to 45% of
BC’s immigrants.20 The 2006 census shows the percentage of visible minorities in
Comox-Strathcona is only 3%; this is significantly lower than BC’s 25%.21
Figure : Ethnic Origins - BC & Comox-Strathcona Regional District
BC
Com ox-Strathcona
Non-immigrants
Immigrated
before 1991
Immigrated
1991 to 2000
Immigrated
2001 to 2006
Non-permanent
residents
Source: Stats Canada, 2006 Community Profiles- Comox-Strathcona
19
BC Stats, 2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population, Family Status and Living
Arrangements.
20
Stats Canada, 2006 Community Profiles- Comox-Strathcona.
21
Ibid.
Figure : Visible Minorities Population Characteristics - 2006 - Comox-Strathcona
Chinese
Filipino
Southeast Asian
Black
Japanese
South Asian
Latin American
Korean
Arab
West Asian
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Source: Stats Canada, 2006 Community Profiles- Comox-Strathcona.
Figure : Top Ethnic Ancestry Origins - BC & Comox-Strathcona
40
Percentage
Comox-Strathcona
30
BC
20
10
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an
0
Source: Ministry of Attorney General, Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch. Profile of Diversity in BC and Profile of
Diversity in BC Communities 2006 - Comox-Strathcona.
Figure : Non-official Languages Spoken (English & French excluded) - Comox-Strathcona
German
Spanish
Dutch
Italian
Tagalog (Filipino)
Vietnamese
Japanese
Danish
Cantonese
Chinese, not specified
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
Source: Ministry of Attorney General, Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch. Profile of Diversity in BC and Profile of
Diversity in BC Communities 2006 - Comox-Strathcona.
Related Indicators: Employment and Economy
2. Housing
Community landscapes change. Sometimes the changes create unforeseen problems.
The Comox Valley Economic Society noted in a press release that Statistics Canada
ranked Courtenay as “the 4th fastest growing community in British Columbia”
representing “a 14.47% increase since 2001”.22 During this period housing prices also
soared. Concerned citizens noticed a distressing “side effect” of the population growth
and higher housing prices. Homelessness and the “near homeless” were on the
increase.
2.1 Housing Tenure
BC Stats reports the total number of dwellings in the Comox Valley for 2006 as 25,585.
78% are owned and 22% are rented. The statistics in the 2004 report were sourced from
the Comox Valley Economic Development Society, and using their percentages, there
appears to be a shift to higher home ownership and fewer rentals. Their total number of
dwellings was 25,492 where 71.7% owned and 28.3% rented (2001 Stats).23
2.2 Housing Costs
The most expensive housing in Canada resides in the western provinces of British
Columbia and Alberta. Toronto was the only eastern centre to make the top 10 list.
Courtenay’s median value of $299,241 placed it in the top 50 highest housing costs in
Canada, lagging behind Victoria, Duncan, Parksville and Nanaimo on Vancouver
Island.24 In 2004 the average price was $204,467.25 (Not comparable to median values.)
A median value is the point of the exact middle in a range of all values. In other words,
half of the dwellings (single-detached) in an area have higher values than the median,
and half have lower values. An average value divides the total value of all houses by the
number of houses. Averages are not as reliable because they can be skewed by
22
Comox Valley Economic Development, Comox Valley Population Soars. Accessed April 2009.
23
Comox Valley Social Planning Society. 2004 Quality of Life Report, p. 18.
24
BC Stats. 2006 Census Fast Facts: Housing Affordability in British Columbia. August 2008.
25
Comox Valley Social Planning Society, 2004 Quality of Life Report, p 18.
extremes like very expensive mansions. Figure 13 below displays the median house
values of the top 25 most expensive places in Canada as of 2006.
Figure : Median Value of a Single-Detached House, Canada’s Top 25, 2006
Edmonton (AB)
Campbell River (BC)
Centre Wellington (ON)
Oshawa (ON)
Hamilton (ON)
Guelph (ON)
Grande Prairie (AB)
Salmon Arm (BC)
Yellowknife (NWT)
Courtenay (BC)
Ottawa-Gatineau (ON part)
Duncan (BC)
Chilliwack (BC)
Nanaimo (BC)
Okotoks (AB)
Vernon (BC)
Parksville (BC)
Penticton (BC)
Abbotsford (BC)
Calgary (AB)
Kelowna (BC)
Toronto (ON)
Victoria (BC)
Vancouver (BC)
Canmore (AB)
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
500,000
550,000
Source: BC Stats, 2006 Census Fast Facts: Housing Affordability in British Columbia, August 2008.
The recent economic recession slowed house sales; however, the Vancouver Island
Real Estate Board (VIREB) has reported a recent stabilizing of prices. Comparing the
end of May 2008 to the end of May 2009, average sale prices in the Comox Valley
decreased 14% to $327,844.26
2.3 Housing Starts
Table 6 below depicts housing starts in the Courtenay region as reported by BC Stats.
Housing starts peaked in the main areas at different times with Cumberland ending the
peaks in 2008. (Peaks are indicated by a grey background.)
26
VIREB, news release, June 1, 2009. Available at http://www.vireb.com/pages/newsstats/article.php?id=91.
Table : Housing Starts for the Courtenay Area, 2000 to 2008 (Peak years marked in grey.)
Courtenay Centre
Comox
Courtenay
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
113
28
187
47
356
42
452
92
678
159
713
114
685
87
650
210
517
189
55
103
241
268
334
472
471
324
115
1
2
5
6
12
33
62
58
135
29
35
68
86
173
94
65
58
78
Cumberland
Other
Source: BC Stats, March 2009. British Columbia Housing Starts for Urban Areas and Communities.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, housing starts in the last
quarter of 2008 dropped 42.7% compared to the starts in the last quarter of 2007.27
2.4 Vacancy Rates and
Rents
The vacancy rates in BC remained low in 2008, but the average rent for a two bedroom
apartment increased 5.3 per cent, about double the general rate of inflation. The
Courtenay and Nanaimo rates were among the lowest on Vancouver Island at 1.2%.
Only Victoria and Parksville were lower at 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.28 Courtenay’s
vacancy rate in the 2004 report was 3.7%.29
Table : Vacancy Rates (%) in the Comox Valley by Dwelling Type and Number of Bedrooms
Dwelling Type
Bachelor
1 Bedroom
2007
2008
2007
Row Housing
N/C
N/C
N/R
Apartments
0.8
0.0
0.8
2008
2 Bedroom
3 Bedroom +
2007
2008
Total
2007
2008
2007 2008
N/C
1.9
1.5
0.0
0.0
1.1
0.9
1.6
0.2
1.1
1.7
0.9
0.5
1.2
N/C Data Not Collected
N/R Not Reliable or Suppressed for Confidentiality
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report: British Columbia Highlights, Fall 2008.
The rest of BC, except Abbotsford, posted vacancy rates below one per cent. Because
of rising migration and increasing house prices, demand for rental housing has
increased.30 People often rent before buying in a new area, competing with local renters
27
CMHC, Housing Now – British Columbia, 64151, First Quarter 2009.
28
CMHC, Rental Market Report: British Columbia Highlights, Fall 2008.
29
Comox Valley Social Planning Society. 2004 Quality of Life Report, p. 19.
30
CMHC, “National Rental Vacancy Rate Decreases in 2008”, News Release, December 11, 2008.
for the few available rental units. As demand increased, rent increased, and became
unaffordable for people on fixed or low incomes.
Although there were fewer vacancies in the Comox Valley, average rental rates continued
to increase – overall by 7.9% between October 2007 and October 2008. 31 The current
tight rental market increases renters’ vulnerability to housing affordability problems.
Table : Average Rents in the Comox Valley by Dwelling Type and Number or Bedrooms
Dwelling Type
Bachelor
2007
Row Housing
Apartments
2008
1 Bedroom
2007
N/C
N/C N/R
$449 $511 $554
N/C Data Not Collected
2008
2 Bedroom
2007
2008
N/C $672 $706
$591 $655 $706
3 Bedroom +
2007
$789
$673
2008
$786
$700
Total
2007
2008
$717 $740
$611 $657
N/R Not Reliable or Suppressed for Confidentiality
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report: British Columbia Highlights, Fall 2008.
A seniors’ housing survey conducted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in
May and June of 2008 indicated that average rent for standard spaces on Vancouver
Island ranged from $2,177 for a bachelor unit to $2,560 for a one bedroom unit. Units
with a den or second bedroom averaged between $3,069 and $3,565.32 A standard unit
is defined as a “unit occupied by a resident who receives the standard level of care
provided by the residence.”33 The survey targeted private and non-profit residences
where the majority of residents were over 65 years old, and had access to services not
offered in traditional rental structures such as laundry, meals, or housekeeping. Nursing
homes and long-term care facilities were not included in the survey.
Vancouver Island’s vacancy rate remained low for independent living seniors’
residences. The Courtenay/Comox area reported a vacancy rate of zero in 2007 for
independent residences.34
2.5 Affordable Housing
Housing affordability becomes a problem when a household spends more than 30% of
the generated income on shelter. In BC, homeowners with mortgages were spending
31
CMHC, Rental Market Report: British Columbia Highlights, Fall 2008.
32
CMHC, Seniors’ Housing Report, British Columbia, 2008, p.4.
33
Ibid, p. 12.
34
CMHC, Seniors’ Housing Market Survey, British Columbia, 2008, p. 4.
34.4% on shelter. Ontario followed at a distant second with 29.5%. Renters in the
province had the highest rate of all households at 43.7%.35 In the Comox Valley, the rate
was higher still at 47.2%.36
Among all household types, lone-parent family households had the greatest challenge
with housing affordability. 43.1 percent spend 30 per cent or more of their household
income on shelter. Of those households that owned their home with a mortgage, over
half (51.3%) had affordability problems. The figure was similar for lone-parent family
households that were renters, with 52.5 percent spending 30 percent or more of their
household income on shelter.37
“Couple family households without children fared best, whether the
home was owned (with or without a mortgage) or rented, with only
16.8 per cent spending 30 per cent or more of their household
income on housing costs. In addition, 44.9 per cent of couple
families without children owned their home without a mortgage, the
highest percentage among the household types.” 38
Housing affordability problems have sinister implications for the community: increased
stress that compromises physical and mental wellness of its citizens, and increased
risks of temporary or permanent homelessness. Without safe, adequate shelter, children
suffer, also. They may experience developmental impoverishment that continues to
affect their adult health and mental stability.
“In 2006, there were an estimated 181,000 low-income children in
the province, with British Columbia reporting the highest before-tax
child poverty rate (21.9%) in Canada (15.8%) for the fifth year in a
row. This was the news in the 2008 Child Poverty Report Card
recently released by the First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy
Coalition. Many of these families lived on incomes that were at
least $11,000 below the before-tax low-income threshold (First
Call, 2008a). These figures tell us that thousands of BC families
35
BC Stats, Business Indicators: Housing Affordability in British Columbia. September 2008.
36
BC Stats, Local Health Area 71 - Statistical Profile, 2007.
37
BC Stats, Business Indicators: Housing Affordability in British Columbia, p. 3, September 2008.
38
Ibid.
are struggling economically, whose children are dealing with the
effects of poverty. The current economic recession will further
intensify the challenges many families face in earning an income
sufficient to support their families.” 39
In November of 2007, the City of Courtenay and the Town of Comox adopted affordable
housing policies/strategies. They are available online at the following addresses:
· http://www.city.courtenay.bc.ca/news/affordable-housing-policy.aspx
· http://comox.ca/town-hall/other-documents/planningdocuments/HOUSING%20AFFORDABILITY%20STRATEGY.pdf
BC Housing has invited a number of municipalities to take part in a new federalprovincial agreement that provides $123.58 million to create up to 1000 housing units
over the next 2 years for seniors and people with disabilities.40 The province will provide
the capital for construction of modular homes. Local governments are being asked to
consider providing municipally-owned sites for the developments. These developments
will be managed by non-profit housing organizations. On May 15, 2009, the Comox
Valley Regional District publicly announced a region-wide proposal to take advantage of
the BC Housing initiative. The proposal will designate up to $500,000 toward land
acquisitions for supportive housing projects. Costs of buying land will be shared across
the Valley. The Regional District will establish bylaws to allow the initiative to move
forward. The bylaws will need public approval.41
A number of local initiatives and organizations have created or are creating affordable
housing within our communities. For instance, in 2004, 2006 and 2007, Habitat for
Humanity Vancouver Island North Society built three duplexes in Courtenay, providing
six families the opportunity to become homeowners in the Comox Valley. Their next
project is slated for completion in Campbell River, May 2009.42
2.6 Non-Market Housing
Non-market housing is generally owned by government or registered societies that
provide housing for those who cannot afford to pay market rents. Rents are determined
39
Margaret White, March 2009. Poverty and Education Report.
40
BC Housing, Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative.
41
Comox Valley Echo, May 15, 2009, p.1-2.
42
Vancouver Island North, Habitat for Humanities.
by an individual’s ability to pay. Most non-market housing target specific groups, such as
low-income families, seniors, or people with disabilities. People must apply for nonmarket housing, and must meet the eligibility requirements. An undetermined waiting
time is usual.
Housing options for families are limited to two facilities. Laketrail has 36 units, and First
Nations families have priority. Lions Valley View Estates (built in 1990) has 32 family
units.43 Non-market housing for single low-income earners remains unavailable in the
Valley. The one organization that has contacted all the municipalities for support to build
new non-market rental units is the Comox Valley Affordable Housing Society.
Table : Non-market Housing Units for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, Comox Valley
Name
Location
Number of Units
D'esterre Gardens
Comox
16
Quadra Gardens
Comox
28
Kiwanis Village
Courtenay
62
Laketrail
Courtenay
5
Centennial Place
Cumberland
15
Union Square
Cumberland
28
Total Number of Units
149
Source: The Link: Choices for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities, Zone 9 - Vancouver Island North and Nanaimo.
Seniors and people with disabilities have more non-market housing options, as seen in
Table 9 above. Vancouver Island Health Authority's Assisted Living program provides
rental accommodations with services and personal care assistance for seniors and
people with physical disabilities. Casa Loma Seniors Village has 35 of its125 units that
are rent supplemented. “Residents pay 70% of their after-tax income for the full package
of services. Residents under age 65 receiving income assistance pay a pre-determined
set rate. Residents with higher incomes pay up to a maximum amount based on
comparative private services.”44
The Comox Valley Seniors Village opened March 2009, and provides an additional 96
independent/assisted living units and 146 residential care units (provides 24 hours
professional care and supervision for complex health care needs). Of the assisted living
43
BC Housing, The Link: Choices for Families, Zone 9 - Vancouver Island North and Nanaimo. Nov 08.
44
Vancouver Island Health Authority. Accessed April 2009.
units, 60 are subsidized through the VIHA program. Residential care units have 90
subsidized under VIHA.45 Categorized as a “campus of care” development, the Comox
Valley Seniors Village offers different levels of care allowing seniors to move from one
part of the facility to another as their health needs change.
Table : Total Universe by For-Profit and Non-Profit Residences by Zone and Market Type, BC, 2008
PROFIT
Bachelor 1 Bedroom 1 Bedroom + Den 2 Bedrooms Totals
BC
3,721
6,017
548
1,218
11,528
Standard Units
2,498
5,555
532
1,192
9,781
Non-market rent or Subsidy Units
Vancouver Island
482
449
**
**
962
633
1,530
137
292
2,592
Standard Units
456
1,503
126
282
2,367
Non-market rent or Subsidy Units
105
**
**
n/u
141
NON-PROFIT
Bachelor 1 Bedroom 1 Bedroom + Den 2 Bedrooms Totals
BC
1,615
2,386
**
147
4,184
Standard Units
842
779
**
133
1,773
Non-market rent or Subsidy Unit
Vancouver Island
636
1,499
n/u
6
2,141
414
887
**
40
1,345
Standard Units
147
163
**
31
345
228
688
n/u
**
Non-market rent or Subsidy Unit
** Data suppressed to protect confidentiality or data is not statistically reliable.
n/u No units exist in universe for this category
920
Source: CMHC, Seniors’ Housing Report, British Columbia, 2008, p.7-8.
Other non-profit facilities providing some subsidized rents include:
· Centennial Place (Independent), Cumberland.
· Glacier View Lodge (Residential Care), Courtenay. Affiliated with VIHA.
· Laurel Lodge (Residential Care), Courtenay. Affiliated with VIHA.
· Quadra Gardens (Independent), Comox. Operated by the Comox Legion.
It should be noted that only 5.7% of BC’s seniors aged 65 and over lived in “collective
dwellings”, and of those, 94.4% lived in health care facilities like hospitals, nursing
homes and residences for senior citizens.46
45
Sue Bennett, Marketing Coordinator, Comox Valley Seniors Village. Conversation: May 2009.
46
BC Stats, Infoline, Issue 08-18, May 2, 2008, p. 4.
Supportive living is also provided for people with mental illness and/or addictions. Units
include Family Care Homes, housing subsidies, and the Washington Inn residential
rehabilitation program.47 Registered clients of the rehabilitation program at Mental
Health and Addictions Services receive psychosocial support and housing subsidies.48
2.7 Homelessness and Emergency Shelter Usage
According to a United Nations report presented in 2007, Canada is in the midst of a
national housing crisis. The Special Rapporteur was dismayed and shocked that a
country as wealthy and developed as Canada had such a devastating state of
homelessness and inadequate housing.
“Canada is one of the few countries in the world without a national
housing strategy. The federal, provincial, territorial and municipal
governments, along with civil society organizations (including the
charitable sector) have introduced a series of one-time, short-term
funding initiatives that have been described by housing experts in
Canada as a “fraying patchwork”.49
Because of this patchwork status, the Government of Canada was unable to provide the
Special Rapporteur with reliable statistics on homelessness. “While the National
Homelessness Secretariat has suggested that there might be 150,000 homeless people,
experts and academic institutions have suggested that the actual number of homeless
people may be at least double that amount.”50
In 2006, AHERO (Ad Hoc Emergency Resources Organization) conducted the first
Homeless and Housing Survey in the Comox Valley. Of the 173 people they surveyed,
42% were living in someone else’s place and 19% were absolutely homeless, living
outdoors.51 A Homeless “Needs Survey”, completed in January 2008 and then
presented to the City of Courtenay, revealed the following statistics:
47
VIHA, Residential Services. Available at http://www.viha.ca/mhas/locations/cv_cr/residential.htm.
48
VIHA, Rehabilitation Services. Available at http://www.viha.ca/mhas/locations/cv_cr/rehab.htm.
49
Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate
standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Miloon Kothari. Addendum.
MISSION TO CANADA (9 to 22 October 2007), pg. 7-8.
50
United Nations Press Release, p. 2.
51
Comox Valley Homeless and Housing Survey Results: “Moving into Action” November 2006.
· 250 people were defined as absolutely homeless
· 3,100 people were at risk of becoming homeless
· 46 children were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
· Over half of the respondents were female, some with children
· The average age for females was 39.5, and for males, 41.3
· 86 people had an average annual income of $10,848, about $900 per month
· 85% of the homeless reported they were from the Valley52
Further, the report suggested that low average household incomes in the Comox Valley,
rising housing costs, and inadequate assistance programs together created a sure path
to more homeless citizens.53 Estimated cost to the system for the average homeless
person in BC is $55,000 per year; however, cost to provide housing and supportive
services for a homeless person is estimated at $37,000 per year.54
“A number of homeless counts have been conducted across
BC. Homeless counts typically involve surveys sent to
emergency shelters and transition houses asking staff to
enumerate all clients during one evening, as well as a daytime component where volunteers visit locations frequented
by homeless people. In addition to the at-risk for
homelessness population, homeless counts typically exclude
people in detox facilities, recovery houses, correctional
facilities, and hospitals who do not have a place to go when
they leave. The majority of homeless counts have provided
estimates of the proportion of the homeless population
suffering from mental illness and addiction; however, it should
be noted that these estimates are based on observation by
untrained volunteers and self-report.” 55
52
Homeless! City of Courtenay Mayor’s Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness, Addictions
and Homelessness in the Comox Valley, March 2008.
53
Ibid.
54
Housing Matters. Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: Housing First with Supportive Services, BC
Housing, January 2009.
55
Housing and Support for Adults with Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illness in British Columbia,
February 2008, p.36.
In other words, these surveys are under-reporting the prevalence of the homeless and
those at risk of becoming homeless. Gathering data on the homeless is also hampered
by the generally mild weather of the Comox Valley. It allows more people to live
outdoors, and to move between the three major communities, thus making accurate
counts of absolute homelessness difficult.56
Table : Summary of Results of Homeless Counts in VIHA Communities.
Absolutely Homeless
Location
Campbell
River
Estimated
Number
30 (city)
300
(region)
250
Duncan
Parksville/
Qualicum
Courtenay
Port Alberni
Port Hardy
% Couch
Surfing
% with Mental
Illness and/or
Addictions
At-risk for Homlessness
Estimated
Number
80%
500 (substandard)
5,000 (low income)
50%
35% A & 25% MI
30% both
1,000
130
25%
95% A
60% both
100 (substandard)
4,000 (low income)
25
50%
90-100%
100-250
70-100%
30-40
80% A
50% MI
% with Mental
Illness and/or
Addictions
25-50%
5-30%
?
80-100
50%
+FASD*
* FASD is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Source: Section taken from Housing and Support for Adults with Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illness in British
Columbia, February 2008, p.40.
As the only OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development) country
without a national affordable housing policy,57 and without a national poverty reduction
strategy,58 vulnerable populations such as women and aboriginal peoples often become
trapped in poverty. “It is estimated that 41% of all Aboriginal peoples in BC are at risk of
homelessness and 23% are absolutely homeless.”59
All survey communities also reported a high prevalence of addictions and mental illness
among the surveyed population: from 60 – 100% of the absolutely homeless, and about
30% of the at-risk populations. Addiction was the most prevalent problem, followed by
56
February 2008, p.38-9.
57
Clark Brownlee, Canada’s Housing Crisis: Public Forum, November 2008.
58
United Nations Press Release, p. 3.
59
United Nations Press Release, p.9.
“concurrent disorders and, less frequently, mental illness alone”.60 One in five British
Columbians, about 882,000 people, will experience some form of mental health
disorder.61 Few of the 882,000 will end up homeless, but when they do, community
resources are few and ill equipped.
“Although many supported and social housing units currently exist
province-wide, they are designed for seniors, low-income families
and other vulnerable sub-groups. Also many housing units provide
rental subsidies but do not offer adequate support (i.e., case
management services, community living support, and on-going
follow-up).” 62
Of all the groups challenged by shortages of safe, affordable housing, people with
mental illness appear to have the fewest options.
In the Comox Valley, there are only 10 units for short-stay housing available to mental
health clients at the Washington Inn. In 2008, the new owners of the Inn applied to the
province for rental increases of 14 to 35% in order to “normalize” the cost across all
units.63 A judge ruled in favour of a 16% increase for the smaller units and an 18%
increase for the larger units.64 This incident highlights the true vulnerability of people
with housing challenges. Whatever affordable resources are available in the community;
those resources are not guaranteed to remain affordable.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information observes that a “housing first approach
and other community mental health programs can be effective in improving the housing
and health outcomes of homeless individuals with mental illness”.65
The Simon Fraser University report concludes:
60
61
BC Ministry of Health Services, Mental Health and Addictions. Visited May 2009.
62
Ibid, p. 43.
63
Marcel Tetrault, Comox Valley Echo, November 21, 2008.
64
Marcel Tetrault, Comox Valley Echo, February 17, 2009.
65
Canadian Institute for Health Information, Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and
Homelessness (Ottawa: CIHI, 2007), p. 50.
“An increase in the supply of affordable housing will be a key
strategy in addressing homelessness among people with SAMI
(Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illness). New construction is
needed to increase the availability of rental stock, as well as the
provision of rental subsidies to increase access to existing rental
accommodation.” 66
To extrapolate further, for all vulnerable sections of the population, an increase in the
supply of affordable housing will be a key strategy in addressing homelessness.
In addition to the homeless and near-homeless numbers, there are people who are not
counted in surveys that require emergency shelter for a variety of reasons. (See 5.6
Crisis Support Services on page 47 for additional details.)
From June to December 2007, 139 women and 66 children stayed at Lilli House seeking
safety from abusive partners. The Lilli House has 11 shelter beds: six for women and
five for children. Their stays ranged from 1 to 78 days. The Comox Valley Transition
Society considers all of their clients at the Lilli House as homeless. Many are forced to
leave the Valley to find safe and affordable housing. The Society also has one bed for
detox, the only one available to women needing this service in the Valley.
Other emergency shelters include:
· The Wachiay Friendship Centre provides emergency shelter for Aboriginal clients.
Most are at risk for homelessness. In their 2008/09 fiscal year, they had 600
contacts (points of service) and a base client list of 300 using the homeless
prevention/intervention project. The homeless outreach program had 180 points of
service and a base client list of 180.67
· The Salvation Army Shelter has 11 beds for men and 6 beds for women.
· The Comox Valley Recovery Centre has 20 residential treatment beds and five
detox beds for adult males only.68
66
67
68
Wachiay Friendship Centre, planning documents provided to CVSPS director, June 2009.
Homeless! City of Courtenay Mayor’s Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness, Addictions
and Homelessness in the Comox Valley. March 1, 2008.
Additional housing exists in the Valley; some are temporary, and others permanent.
They include:
· The Bee’s Nest: a recovery home for men – 4 units plus 2 under renovations.
· Comox Valley Understanding Men: transitional housing for men who are homeless
or at risk of homelessness – 5 units.
Recently, the Province awarded two grants totalling $31,360 from the Housing
Endowment Fund (HEF) to The Bee’s Nest recovery home and Comox Valley
Understanding Men housing project. The Hornby Island Elder Housing Society also
received funds from the Housing Endowment Fund to build four “green” seniors’ units.69
NB: The CVRD is planning a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), a process that will potentially have a big
impact on the way development happens in the Comox Valley. That will in turn affect the affordable
housing initiatives and where they will be located. In 2008, all four Comox Valley local governments
entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and hope to adopt the RGS in 2010. The RGS
mandate is “to provide a process for making choices for a sustainable future, which preserves the
70
region’s high quality of life”. Visit http://www.comoxstrathcona.ca/section_rgs/.
69
BC Housing news release, Housing Fund Grants of $31,360 for Courtenay, April 6th, 2009.
70
CVRD, Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy.
3. Transportation
3.1 Public Transit Usage
Currently there are 47 employees working for Watson and Ash Transportation Co.: the
operators of Comox Valley Transit.71 The bus service has increased all rides. Buses run
by the hour until 10 pm with rides now operating on Sundays.72
All public buses are low floor buses with the ability to get inches away from the sidewalk
making it easier to walk onto a bus. Each bus has spaces that can accommodate two
wheelchairs. As well, for commuters who enjoy biking, there are bike racks on the front
of every bus.
Number of Riders
Figure : Public Transit Usage - Comox Valley
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
1999
2000/1
2002/3
Year
2004
2007
Source: Watson and Ash Transportation Co.
The growth of the ridership on the Comox Valley Transit is the largest in the province at
22% in the past year.73 The April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 reporting period saw a
ridership increase of 68,000 over the previous reporting period.74 In Figure 15 below,
students are the largest users of the system (40%), followed by adults (27%) and
seniors (6%).
71
Profile Canada. Company Profile – Watson and Ash Transportation Co.
72
Comox Valley Transit System. Route 1 - Town Shuttle Loop.
73
CVRD, Comox Valley Transit Has Fastest-Growing Ridership in BC For Second Year In A Row.
74
Karen Sankey, Operation Manager, Comox Valley Transit. Telephone conversation July 2009.
Figure : Percentage Breakdown of Ridership for 2008/09
Passes
14%
Seniors
6%
Transfers
13%
Seniors
Students
Students
40%
Adults
Transfers
Passes
Adults
27%
Karen Sankey, Operation Manager, Comox Valley Transit. July 09.
3.2 Accessible Services
Accessible services provide an alternate system to patrons who have mobility
difficulties, or use wheelchairs or scooters. The Comox Valley offers two types of
accessible services: handiDART and the Community Bus service.
Fares for handyDART and the public transit system remain the same as in 2004.
3.3 HandiDART Usage
HandiDART is a direct pick-up and drop-off at desired locations, allowing people who
cannot find their way to other public transportation the ability to travel in the community.
They operate from Monday through Friday, 8 am until 4pm, and Saturdays from 10 am
until 4 pm. No service is available on Sundays.
HandyDART now operates five vehicles and has two spares: an increase of one vehicle
and one spare since 2004. Vehicle capacity limits the number of passengers to four. On
average the length of time for pick up/drop off is an hour. Each vehicle is equipped to
hold 4 wheelchairs or 2 scooters.75
3.4 Mobility Impairment Permit Holders
Mobility impairment permits grant special access privileges to people with disabilities.
These permits increase the comfort level of permit holders, and promote access to
community amenities.
75
Comox Valley Transit System. HandyDART.
The number of permit holders continues to increase throughout the province. The
Comox Valley increased to 1,101 permit holders in 2007 from 425 in 2004.
Figure : Mobility Impairment Permit Holders - Comox Valley
Permit Holders
600
450
300
150
0
Courtenay
Comox
Cumberland
Royston
Merville
Source: Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC).
Through SPARC’s (Social Planning and Research Council) new reporting system, we
are now able to view how many individuals in each town are Mobility Impairment Permit
holders. These are accurate numbers for people who have current up-to-date permits.
Although a few people may use expired permits, it is not possible to know how many
vehicles continue to display permits that have expired.
3.5 Comox Valley Airport Usage
The Comox Valley Airport, since the new terminal opened in 2004, has added flights and
airlines to their roster. Passenger volume through the airport continues to increase.
Figure : Comox Valley Airport Annual Passenger Volume
Passengers
400000
300000
238,612
310,175
304,069
0
209,668
100000
184,897
200000
2004
2005
2006
Year
2007
2008
Source: Comox Valley Airport Administration.
When the new terminal opened in 2004, 102 staff members were employed; in 2008 the
number has increased to 180 staff. The number of passengers has grown steadily from
44,558 in the first four months of 2003 to 238,612 in the first months of 2007. By 2008,
the total passenger volume was 304,069, and the first quarter of 2009 has the count at
61,000, down from the highest quarter 75,148 in 2008.76
In addition to the airlines available in 2004, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal
Airlines, and West Jet, there are now flights available on Air Canada, Sunwing
Vacations, and Transat Holidays.
76
Tourism British Columbia Research & Planning, Tourism Indicators – Data Tables, April 2009.
4. Food Security
Communities on an island or isolated by great distances have most of their food shipped
in from farms and distributors. Such communities have low food security, especially in
an emergency, such as an earthquake or a prolonged ferry strike. Food security is also
about food quality and accessibility. When relying on trucked-in sources, the cost of food
is higher, and that cost increases as fuel costs rise. High food costs make it difficult for
low wage earners and people on fixed incomes to feed themselves and their families.
4.1 Food Bank Usage
Food banks and soup kitchens are programs that began as temporary measures to
serve people in need. They are now permanent fixtures in the Comox Valley. There are
six main emergency food support programs: Comox Valley Food Bank, Courtenay
Foursquare Church, the Salvation Army, St. George’s Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul, and
AIDS Vancouver Island Cold Weather Outreach. The recent economic downturn has
increased the use of food banks and other food programs across the board, although
this reported increase is based on staff observations, and not statistical numbers. 77
From March 1, 2007, to February 28, 2008, the Comox Valley Food Bank distributed
7,711 bags of food at their depot.
Recipients are given one bag of groceries once a month that covers basic meals for
three days. Families of 2 also receive 1 bag per month. Families of 3-4 receive 2 bags,
and 5 or more in a family receive 3 bags of groceries. The approximate value of the bag
of groceries is $25.00: this is a $5.00 increase since the 2004 QOL Report. A typical bag
of groceries includes (new items since 2004 are marked):
77
1 litre of milk
1 large can of spaghetti sauce
16 individual bags of tea
1 can of fruit
1 500 gram package of butter
1 can of vegetables (new)
1 small bag of rice
1 package of Ichi-ban noodles
1 small bag of oatmeal (new)
2 cans of soup
1 can of baked beans
Verbal reports at the Inter-agency Brown Bag Meeting sponsored by the Comox Valley Social Planning
Society, April 7, 2009.
Additional items that may be added depending on availability, such as a package of
hamburger meat, or a package of dry cereal, or bread and baked goods (mostly day
old), or perishable fruit and vegetables. In addition to their monthly grocery allowance,
clients can return throughout the week and pick up items that have been donated by
stores within the community.
Staff at the Comox Valley Food Bank reports an increase in homeless individuals with
children, and an increase in "the working poor" with both full time and part time
employment. There are also more people reporting no source of income.78
Approximately 49% of the food bank clients were on social assistance in 2007 compared
to 62% in 2003. Although it appears that there are fewer people on assistance, the
decrease is actually due to a change in income assistance rules.79 Clients who would
normally be qualified for income assistance have had their benefits discontinued due to
a two year maximum on assistance.
The food bank participates in the "Plant a row, grow a row" (PAR-GAR) program where
gardeners grow a row of vegetables to donate to the food bank. This initiative is
sponsored by the Canadian Food Banks, the Canadian Composting Organization, and
the HGTV television network. In the 2008 growing season, more than 380 pounds of
produce was harvested from the gardens at the compost centres in the Valley and in
Campbell River. The Comox Valley Regional District plans to increase the garden beds
by 50% at both centres for the 2009 growing year.80
4.2 Community Meal Programs
The Comox Valley has a wide variety of community meal programs, some that remain
unknown to many citizens as the volunteers quietly fill the need in the community as
best they can.
The Sonshine Lunch Club operates out of St. George's United Church. They are open
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. They served 28,634 meals in 2007
and predicted that they would serve 35,360 meals in 2008: this would be a 6.3%
increase from 2001. Each day they were open in 2008, they served an average of 170
people. The average in 2007 was 138 people a day. On Tuesdays, Mental Health uses
78
Verbal reports at the Inter-agency Brown Bag Meeting sponsored by the Comox Valley Social Planning
Society, April 7, 2009.
79
Comox Valley Food Bank. Manager, Jeff Hampton. Interview May 23, 2008.
80
2008 Comox Valley Regional District Annual Report, p. 19.
the church to offer lunches to their clients. During their annual Christmas dinner for
2007, they served 230 people.81
Other food programs cater to specific groups. The Stone Soup Program provides a safe
neighbourhood place for young families to meet. Their program helps parents and
children build relationships and network with other families. They served lunch to an
average of 1,500 families during 2007. They also provide a safe indoor and outdoor play
area and give talks about nutrition, heath, and other parenting issues. Parents can also
meet with health nurses at the house for consultation and discussion. They are open
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.82
Four Square Gospel Church runs a soup and sandwich program that currently averages
over 100 people day and on some days has had 130 people in attendance:83 This has
grown from 20 people in the year 2000.84
The Salvation Army provided approximately 5,000 breakfasts and dinners at its co-ed
emergency homeless shelter in 2007: this is a 29.5% increase from 2003.85 They had
over 3,000 "stays" in 2007 consisting of 365 unique individuals. In 2005 they started a
Tuesday Bag Lunch program and have provided approximately 5,000 lunches to an
average of 200 unique individuals. The Salvation Army gives out food hampers four
times a year which consists of 1.5 bags of non perishable items. At Christmas they
distributed about 600 hampers. Coast Realty distributed another 600 hampers. Between
the two agencies, the hampers provided food for approximately 2400 people.86
LUSH Valley Food Action Society provided over 16,000 pounds of fresh fruit to the
community in their 2008 harvest year.87 LUSH Valley is the only food security
organization in the district with several programs to tackle food security issues. The Fruit
Tree Program (since 2002) is a harvest sharing partnership among fruit tree owners,
volunteer pickers and local food distribution agencies, such as food pantries and soup
81
Sonshine Lunch Program. President, Mac Wilson. Interview June 24, 2008.
82
Stone Soup Program. Co-ordinator, Rhonda Davis. Interview June 24, 2005.
83
Four Square Gospel Church. Judy Woods. Interview June 6, 2008.
84
Four Square Gospel Church. Helen Brown, Coordinator.
85
Salvation Army. Program staff. Interview February 20, 2004.
86
Salvation Army. Community Services Director, Shawn Wilson. Interview June 9, 2008.
87
LUSH Valley Food Action Society. Acting Executive Director and President, Betty-Anne Juba.
Interviewed July15, 2009.
kitchens. Planning for Plenty, a project with Vancouver Island Health Authority,
Community Health under the Community Food Action Initiative, fosters awareness about
food security, increases access to local healthy food, and boosts the community’s
capacity to achieve food self-sufficiency.
“The Hub”, at 1126 F Piercy Avenue in Courtenay, houses the LUSH administration
offices, a warehouse, a meeting room and a commercial kitchen where processing and
other learning initiatives, such as food preserving and fruit tree pruning occur. The
facility is accessible by ramp.88
A farming initiative that began June 2009, sponsored in part by a Provincial /Federal Job
Creation Program, farms two plots of land with the food destined for distribution to the
community.
LUSH is planning to start a Food Rescue program in September 2009. The program will
intercept food from Health Board approved sectors of the food industry before it goes to
the landfill. Food will be sorted, processed, and redistributed to the community where it
is most needed. Waste will be turned into animal feed or compost.89
The new LUSH web site, launched in 2009, distributes food security information to the
community at large. Visit www.foodcomoxvalley.org. Subscribers can receive emails of
the weekly newsletter.
Monthly meetings are every 2nd Thursday at 4:00 pm and are open to the community.
Related Indicators: Lone Parent Families – Employment and Economy
4.3 School Lunch Program
BC’s Ministry of Education CommunityLINK Nutrition Programs include either snack
and/or meal programs. Funding is directly allocated to schools in need: determined by
school request and vulnerability data. Wherever possible, funding is used to supplement
already existing initiatives within schools. Schools are encouraged to utilize as many
different sources as possible (Fruit and Vegetable program, school milk program, Dry
Foods, PAC support, community and school volunteers, in kind donations) to create
nutritional support programs most suited to their schools and students.
In 2002, seven schools offered various school lunch programs. In 2008, 14 of the 28
schools in School District 71 had programs funded by Community Links (CL). Some
88
LUSH Valley Food Action Society web site. Available at http://www.foodcomoxvalley.org/.
89
LUSH Valley Food Action Society Newsletter, Winter 2009, p.3.
schools have programs outside of CL funding. These schools have a breakfast program
of some sort available to all students. Regular recipients are children of single parents,
children of the working poor, and low income families.
Schools report that approximately 325 students use the meal programs on a regular
basis. The daily numbers fed vary from school to school. There may be two students or
50. The biggest challenge reported by the schools was meeting the healthy food
guidelines as food costs continued to rise.
A partnership between the School District and the Wachiay Friendship Centre formed in
2007 called the Dry Foods Program. The School District provides $8,000 to the
program, and the Wachiay Friendship Centre gives $14,000. The Centre purchases
non-perishable food items such as soup, crackers, and granola bars. All schools have
access to this supply to supplement their other meal programs.
Parent Advisory Councils informally contribute to meals in some schools, as do local
grocery stores. Four schools participate in the Fruits and Vegetable Program; five
schools participate in Dairy Program, and often use these to supplement their
CommunityLINK allocations. School representatives believe that children who
participate in the meal programs form stronger connections to the school community.
“They have a connection with the parent volunteers and with
others in the breakfast club. They select their own food and clean
up after themselves. They even, of their own accord, wanted to
start an anti-bullying club.”90
Anecdotal reports from classroom teachers indicate that students who participate in
breakfast/lunch programs are generally more alert and ready for instruction.91
Related Indicators: Lone Parent Families – Employment and Economy
4.4 Cost of Food for a Family of Four
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of healthy living. Optimal growth and development of
young children depend on having enough of the right foods. Along with active living,
healthy eating helps maintain weight, preventing many diseases in children and adults.92
90
School District 71. Allan Douglas, Director of Elementary Instruction. Summary of Community Links
June 2007 report.
91
School District 71. Allan Douglas, Director of Elementary Instruction. Phone and emails, June 2008.
The monthly cost to feed a family of four in British Columbia in 2007, as determined by
the Dieticians of Canada, was $715: up 10% from $648 in 2003. It cost, on average,
$715 a month to purchase a healthy “food basket” (see next paragraph) for a family of
four (two adults, two children) in BC. The highest cost is $796 in the Vancouver Coastal
Health region compared to $680 in the Interior Health region.
The food basket includes 66 basic foods that require food preparation skills. It does not
include take-out or restaurant meals, nor does it account for any special dietary needs,
differences in activity levels, or cultural food choices. It does not include any non-food
items such as personal care or household supplies. The reference family of 4 consists of
mother and father (ages 25-49) and two children (boy 13, girl 7).93
The support rate from income assistance for the reference family in 2007 is $401: the
rate has remained the same since 2001. The monthly rate for shelter for 2007 is $700:
this is only a $50 increase since 2001. For the years 2002-2006 the shelter allowance
decreased to $590.94
The high cost of food for a family of four exceeds a low income level and puts individuals
at risk of food insecurity in the Comox Valley and in BC.
4.5 Farmers’ Market Impact
In British Columbia there are about 100 known markets, up from 60 known markets in
2000. This growth reflects the increasing role of farmers’ markets in local food systems
and their contributions to British Columbia’s communities. Pat Bell, former Minister of
Agriculture and Lands, stated:
“One of the benefits of farmers’ markets that receives little
attention is what they do to bridge what I call the urban agricultural
divide. By speaking directly with the people who grow and produce
the food products, the consumer establishes connectivity with the
source, and that’s something we need more of in a world where
92
Dieticians of Canada. The Cost of Eating in BC 2007.
93
Dieticians of Canada. The Cost of Eating in BC 2007.
94
BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. Employment and Assistance Rate Tables.
many youngsters think what they’re eating comes from the
supermarket.”95
In January 1992, ten local farmers in the Comox Valley met under the guidance of the
District Agriculturist. By opening day on May 2, 1992, twelve producers were ready to
sell their wares. Baked goods, preserves, and seafood were soon introduced to
accommodate customers, adding diversity to the market. By the end of the first year,
thirty vendors had sold at the market. Some of the original farmers who still sell at the
market today are: Arden Farm, Kirby Road Farm, Ryegate Farm, and On-line Farms. All
products must be grown or produced in the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona. The
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market has a “food only” policy. 96
In 1994 the first newsletters were produced and live entertainment became a regular
part of the market scene. In 1997 a second market was started in downtown Courtenay
on Wednesday mornings. The market season was extended to include an indoor winter
market in 2001. The winter market is located at the Native Sons Hall and continues until
the last Saturday before Christmas.97 According to the minutes of September 10, 2007,
78 applications were approved as vendors. 98
New markets have started elsewhere. In 2007, the Miracle Beach Farmers’ Market
began. Located at the Miracle Beach Landing in Black Creek, it runs from June 26 –
August 28 every Thursday from 4-7pm. In order to participate in the Miracle Beach
market, vendors must be local farmers/growers or artisans. Currently, the vendors come
from as far north as Campbell River and as far south as Qualicum. In 2007 there were
30 vendors participating in the market.99
Customer Survey
A team of North Island College (NIC) students conducted a survey that included
interviews with 16 customers at the Saturday and Wednesday markets. While this small
sample did not allow them to draw conclusions about all Comox Valley Farmers’ Market
95
BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and School of Environmental Planning, University of Northern BC.
Economic and Community Impact Assessment Final Report November 22, 2006.
96
Ibid.
97
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market. History – Since 1992!
98
99
Miracle Beach Farmers Market. Karen Falk, Organiser. Interview June 11, 2008.
customers, it gave insight to some of them. The following results provide a profile of the
customer survey respondents.
Respondents said they planned to spend an average of $20.91 the day they were
surveyed. The composition of the respondents is listed below. 100
10 respondents were female, 6 were male.
The average (weighted) age of respondents was 54.6 years.
(For BC: 48.2 years).
The average (weighted) household income was $47,143.
The information collected in this assessment enabled the survey team to measure the
economic and community impact of the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market.
Economic Impact Assessment
Measuring the economic impact of the farmers’ markets is a way to measure the ripple
effect of people’s spending at the market. How does this spending benefit the local
economy? The ripple effect includes the revenues to the market vendors and the monies
vendors spend on inputs (seeds, feed, and ingredients, etc.) to get to the market.
Economic benefits, which include direct, indirect, and some induced effects, are
measured in terms of revenue ($), output ($), and employment (jobs). This study
measured only revenues that accounted for direct and indirect effects. NIC students
chose to calculate revenue benefits using a multiplier of 2.0, a commonly used number
in other studies of farmers’ markets. This multiplier means that for every dollar spent at
the market another dollar is spent in the local economy.
The annual economic impact is calculated by multiplying direct annual sales by the
multiplier. Direct annual sales are calculated as follows:
Average expenditure X Number of spending X Number of sessions
by customer customers per session
100
per year
For the Saturday Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, annual direct sales are:
$20.91 per customer visit X 1,181 spending customers X 37 sessions = $688,740
Using a multiplier of 2.0, the annual economic impact of this market is: $1.4 million. For
the Wednesday Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, annual direct sales are:
$13.14 per customer visit X 281 spending customers X 17 sessions = $52,780
Using a multiplier of 2.0, the annual economic impact of this market is $105,560.
Combined, these results mean that the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market has a total
economic impact of approximately $1.5 million per year; money that contributes to the
local economy each year. These monies benefit not only market vendors but also the
local businesses that supply these vendors. The total estimated annual economic impact
for all farmers’ markets in BC is $65.3 million.
Community Impacts
To measure the “spill over” effect of the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, the survey team
estimated the impact of market customers spending at local businesses on the day of
the market. 73% of market customers said they would do additional shopping at
neighbouring businesses while in that area of town. Using the same method as above,
the annual economic impact of additional spending is $984,700 for the Saturday market,
and $133,000 for the Wednesday market. Combined, these figures add over $1 million
of additional spending by market customers annually. The estimated annual economic
impact of farmers’ market customer spending on neighbouring businesses in all of BC is
$53.3 million.
The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market also contributes to the social development of the
area. 15 of 16 respondents to the customer survey said the farmers’ market was their
primary reason for being in town that day. In addition, six of 16 respondents spent over
an hour at the market and at least half that time talking with others. The Comox Valley
Farmers’ Market is not only a place to find seasonal food but also a place to come
together to build community. 101
101
Economic and Community Impact Assessment Final Report, November 22, 2006.
4.6 Organic Food
Certified organic farmers are committed to maintaining standards which protect the
health of land, air, water, animals, wildlife, and people. BC Certified Organic food is
grown and raised in ways that respect BC’s natural environment. Healthy soil, wise use
of water, and a balanced farm ecosystem are hallmarks of organic agriculture. That
means cleaner air, safer drinking water, and healthier food chains, here in BC and
around the world. Organic food is grown without synthetic herbicides, pesticides,
hormones, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).102
BC has emerged as a leader in organic farming in Canada, with the greatest number of
organic farms growing both fruit and vegetables. As of 2003, 21,735 acres of land in BC
were being managed organically, with another 5,686 acres in transition. Women are
particularly drawn to organic farming, with 40% of organic operators being female
(compared to 36% of conventional farm operators).
Table : Organic Farmers and Organic Processing & Handling
Farmers
Processing & Handling
Number Certified
482
Certified Processors
103
% of Total Farms in BC
2.8
Certified Handlers & Traders
57
% of Organic Farmers in Canada
13
% of Organic P & H in Canada
20
Number in Transition
108
Value of Production
29.1
Source: Certified Organic Associations of BC, Provincial Summaries Organic Statistics 2005 BC
Table : Certified Producers - BC & Comox Valley
BC
Comox Valley
Year
Number
Year
Number
1992
154
2007
11
2005
484
Over half of BC consumers are buying organic. The majority of organic shoppers
purchase their organic foods at mainstream grocery stores, although farmers’ markets
102
Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia web site, About Organic: Why Buy Organic?
Available at http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/aboutorganic/whybuy.php.
and other direct-to-consumer sales continue to be important sources for regular organic
consumers. 103
Figure : BC Areas in Production, Program, and Transition
300,000
200,000
Hectares
Acres
100,000
0
Acreage in
Additional Acreage
Transitional
Production:
in Program (Wild
Acreage
Lands & Range)
Source: Certified Organic Associations of BC, Provincial Summaries Organic Statistics 2005 BC.
The two figures below show the breakdown of organic livestock and crops in BC.
Chickens, both layers and broilers, make up the bulk of organic livestock (93%).
Figure : Organic Livestock in BC
All Other
Livestock
7%
Breakdown of All Other Livestock
Turkeys Ducks
4%
1% Beef Cattle
Deer
9%
2%
Layers
34%
Dairy Cattle
7%
Bison
11%
Dairy Goats
22%
Pigs
22%
Broilers
59%
Sheep
22%
Source: Certified Organic Associations of BC, Provincial Summaries Organic Statistics 2005 BC.
103
Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia web site, About Organic: Why Buy Organic?
Figure : Organic Crops in BC (minimum figures)
Potatoes
Pears Apricots Peaches Cherries
1%
1%
2%
1%
Apples
16%
Broccoli
Blueberries
2%
Green beans
Herbs
Misc. tree fruit
Misc. small fruit
Grapes
4%
Misc. small fruit
2%
Nut trees
4%
Misc. tree fruit
7%
Plums
less than 1%
Apples
Pears
Peaches
Herbs
9%
Cherries
Apricots
Plums
Grains and oilseeds
24%
Blueberries
Grapes
Green beans
12%
Nut trees
Grains and oilseeds
Broccoli
3%
Potatoes
12%
The farming industry generates $12 billion annually, employs over 230,000 British
Columbians, exports to over 50 countries, supplies more than half of BC’s food
requirements, and is a valuable contributor to social and cultural life.104
4.7 Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Land Use
The Agricultural Land Reserve creates habitats for wildlife and supports biodiversity.
ALR lands are “open, green spaces” that “provide scenic landscapes, recreation
opportunities, and contribute to our enjoyment of BC’s outdoors.”105
In 1973 the British Columbia provincial and local governments established a land use
zone for the purpose of protecting the decreasing amount of agricultural land. A total of
104
BC Agricultural Land Commission web site, Preserving Our Foodlands.
105
Smart Growth BC web site, Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
5% of BC’s land was incorporated into the Agricultural Land Reserve.106 2% of
Vancouver Island is designated as ALR.107
43,725 hectares (1 hectare=2.47 acres) of land was designated ALR at its inception in
1973. Since 1973, 4,778 hectares have been included in the ALR and 8,192 hectares
removed: leaving a net loss of 3,415. From 2004 to 2007, 356.4 hectares of land have
been added to the ALR and 217.8 hectares of private land excluded. The net change
over this four year period has seen an increase in ALR land by 138.6 hectares.
Figure: ALR Areas Included and Excluded by Regional District, Comox Valley
400
2004
300
2005
Hectares
2006
200
2007
100
0
-100
Inclusions
Gov't Exclusions Private Exclusions Total Exclusions
Net Change
Source: BC Agricultural Land Commission, ALR Maps by Regional District: Comox Valley.
106
BC Agricultural Land Commission, History of the ALR.
107
BC Agricultural Land Commission web site, Chart 1: Percentage of ALR by Region, January 1, 2008.
5. Health
According to a 2008 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI),
health care spending in Canada is $160 billion. This figure translates into a cost per
capita of $4,867. Public-sector spending has remained at around 70% of the total for
over a decade.108
“The remaining 30% of health care spending comes from the
private purse, mostly health insurance providers and individual
Canadians’ out-of-pocket payments. Total private-sector health
care spending was an estimated $47 billion in 2007.”109
The CIHI reports that hospital care takes up 28.4% of the total health care dollars, drug
spending accounts for 16.8%, and physician services for 13.4%. Canada has the
second-highest level of total drug expenditures per capita after the United States.
Spending on prescription drugs surpasses that of non-prescription drugs, accounting for
84% of total drug spending.110
The CIHI report also looks at the implications of Canada’s aging population, noting that
“population aging would add up to 1% a year to provincial and territorial government
health care spending between 2002 and 2026.”111 The report also examines the impact
of mental health, mental illness, homelessness, delinquency and criminal behaviour on
the health care system.
Health is influenced by many factors including access to health care professionals, to
health resources, and to educational information. Individual health and wellness is
strongly influenced by age, sex, location of residence, and socio-economic status.
5.1 Live Births to Teenage Mothers (15 – 19 years)
The focus on teenage fertility is due to the potentially disruptive effects of pregnancy and
birth on young women, and the possible adverse outcomes to their babies. Teenage
108
Canadian Institute for Health Information, Health Care in Canada 2008 (Ottawa, Ont.: CIHI, 2008).
109
Ibid, p 4.
110
Ibid.
111
Ibid, p 6.
pregnancy can pose a health and social concern as well as hamper the development
and life opportunities of both the mother and her baby.
In the Comox Valley from 2001-2005, there were157 live births to mothers aged 15 to19.
This resulted in an Age Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) of 14.27: the ASFR is calculated
as live births per 1,000 women in a specific age group of childbearing years. In 2006,
the Comox Valley ASFR dropped to 12.89.
Figure : Age Specific Fertility Rates - Comox Valley 2006
Percentage
100
75
50
25
0
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
Age Group
Source: BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency, Annual Report 2006.
In BC the fertility rate for 15 to 19 year-olds (10.6) in 2006 was less than the rate for the
years 2001 to 2005 (11.1). ASFR statistics for the teenage group from 2001 to 2005
show that, in general, more rural Local Health Authorities (LHAs) have higher ASFRs
than the urban LHAs; and LHAs that are more northerly tend to have higher ASFRs than
those LHAs that are more southerly.112
Among teenage girls across Canada, births have been declining steadily since the mid
1970s. By 2003, the rate of live births among girls between age 15 and 19 was only
about one-seventh of the rate for women between age 25 and 34.113 In 2001/2002,
about 4.5% of all births involved mothers under age 20; by 2005/2006 this proportion
had decreased to 3.3%.114
Related Indicators: Employment and Economy – Lone Parent Families
112
BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency. Annual Report 2006: Figure 29.
113
Ibid: Table 10.
114
Ibid: Figure 29.
5.2 Low Birth Weights
Birth weight for gestational age is the most widely accepted indicator of newborn health,
and an important predictor of their subsequent well being. In BC a baby is weighed (in
grams) immediately after birth, and weight is used as one of the diagnostic indicators of
fetal growth. Although birth weight alone is considered a valuable indicator of an infant’s
health status, gestational age can provide an indication of potential growth restriction
during pregnancy.
Figure : Percentage of Low Birth Weight Live Births to Total Live Births – LHA 71 Compared to BC
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
LHA 71
4.0
BC
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Source: BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency, Quarterly Digests – Volumes 11-16.
The 3.9% of low-birth-weight live births to total live births in 2006 in Local Health Area
71 consisted of a total of 18 babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams. This
percentage is a slight increase from 5.2% in 2005, but there is a steady and significant
decrease from 7.9% in 2001. The BC rate for 2006 (5.6%) consisted of 2,322 births
below 2,500 grams.115 Normal birth weight ranges from 2,500 to 4,499 grams.116
5.3 Infant Deaths
The infant mortality rate (number of deaths less than 1 year old per 1,000 live births) is
commonly used as an international indicator of a country’s general standard of living and
health status. A society’s infant mortality rate is associated with socio-economic
conditions, access to health care, and the health status of women of childbearing age.
115
116
BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency. Annual Report 2006: Table 16.
Statistics Canada, Births: Definitions. Available at
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/84f0210x/2002000/4153280-eng.htm
Figure : Infant Deaths/Infant Death Rates (IDR) - Local Health Authority 71
5
4
3
Infant
Deaths
IDR
2
1
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
Year
Source: BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency, Annual Report 2006.
The infant mortality ratio in each Local Health Authority (LHA) is the number of observed
deaths divided by the number that would be expected if the LHA had the provincial rate
per 1,000 live births. Data are collected for the number of deaths in three age ranges (0
to 6 days, 0 to 27 days, and 28 to 364 days), the total number of infant deaths (0 to 364
days), and the infant death rate per 1,000 live births.117 The most outstanding
characteristic of this data is that a very small increase or decrease in infant deaths in a
single year can result in a large shift in the rate per 1,000 live births.
BC had lower infant mortality rates than Canada as a whole from 1992 until 2004: the
most recent year for which information on Canadian infant mortality rates are available.
There were 166 infant deaths in BC in 2006, or four deaths per 1,000 live births. The
rate 20 years ago was just over eight per 1,000 live births, and that has progressively
decreased to the rates seen in the last few years.118
5.4 Breastfeeding Rates
Breastfeeding provides the essential nutrients for healthy infant development and
provides antibodies to protect against infection and allergies. Experts agree that human
breast milk contains the optimal balance of nutrients needed for brain and body growth.
In addition, it also allows emotional bonding between mother and child, fostering positive
child development.
117
BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency. Annual Report 2006: Table 26.
118
Ibid.
In 2003/04 Vancouver Island held the highest rates of breastfeeding at discharge 119 in
all of BC’s health authorities. Within VIHA, South Vancouver Island had the highest rates
from 2000-2004, and North Vancouver Island had the lowest.
Figure : Breastfeeding mothers at discharge on Vancouver Island by Health Service Delivery Area, 2000-2004
100%
2000/01
2001/02
2002/03
2003/04
50%
0
South
North
Central
Island Total
BC Total
Source: BC Reproductive Care Program, BC Perinatal Database Registry Annual Report 2005.
Table : Breastfeeding mothers at discharge on Vancouver Island by Health Service Delivery Area, 2000-2004
2000/01
Health Service Delivery Area
41 South Vancouver Island
42 Central Vancouver Island
43 North Vancouver Island
Total Vancouver Island
Total BC
Number
2,435
1,732
926
5,093
%
93.9
92.6
92.0
93.1
2001/02
Number
2,583
1,799
916
5,298
%
95.5
92.5
92.2
93.9
2002/03
Number
2,485
1,742
938
5,165
%
94.1
92.5
94.3
93.6
2003/04
Number
2,650
1,771
834
5,255
%
95.4
93.7
90.2
93.9
35,662 91.1 35,871 91.9 35,833 92.1 35,949 92.2
Source: BC Reproductive Care Program, BC Perinatal Database Registry Annual Report 2005.
About 70% of infants born in 2005/06 were exclusively fed breast milk while in the
hospital. The trend toward breastfeeding has remained strong and fairly constant.
5.5 Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates
In the BC Centre for Disease Control 2006 Annual Report, the Comox Valley is
considered part of Central Vancouver Island; therefore, the following statistics are for all
Central Vancouver Island. Rates given are calculated per 100,000 of the population.
119
“Breastfeeding at discharge” is defined as the number of mothers breastfeeding any amount of breast
milk with or without breast milk substitute (formula) at the time of discharge.
Figure : STD Rates for 2005-2007 - Central Island and BC
250
2005
2006
200
2007
Rate
150
100
50
0
Gonorrhea Central Island
Gonorrhea BC
Chlamydia Central Island
Chlamydia BC
Syphilis Central Island
Syphilis - BC
STD & Location
Source: BC Centre for Disease Control Stats – Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis. Cumulative Reports from
January to December on Selected Communicable Diseases by HSDA and Previous Year Comparison,
Dec07 by HSDA.
The gonorrhoea rate for the Central Island was 22.2 in 2007, up from 12.9 in 2006, and
up from 10.7 in 2005. Females between the ages of 20-24 years had the highest rate
(64.2) of all women for 2006. This is a decrease from 70.4 in 2005. The highest age
group for males (25-29 years) had a rate of 93.7, a reduction from the 2005 of 99.6.120
The rate of infectious syphilis increased in BC from 6.8 in 2005 to 7.7 in 2006: reflecting
an increase from 291 to 333 cases.121 The majority of cases occurred among men aged
30-59 and among men who have sex with men, and among sex workers. The rate of
infectious syphilis has shown an overall increasing trend since the current outbreak
began in 1997. The rate of syphilis in the Central Island for 2007 is up to 3.4 from 1.2 in
2006, and up from 0.4 in 2005.122
The chlamydia rate for Central Island was 239.6 for 2007, up from 207.8 for 2006, down
from the 2005 rate of 216.6.123
120
BC Centre for Disease Control. Cumulative Reports from January to December on Selected
Communicable Diseases by HSDA and Previous Year Comparison, Dec07 by HSDA.
121
BC Centre for Disease Control. Infectious syphilis case reports and rates in BC, 1998 to 2007.
122
123
Ibid.
The newly positive HIV rate decreased in 2006 to 8.4 from 9.4 in 2005, although this
decrease is not statistically significant. The greatest number of new positive infections
was reported among men who have sex with men. Aboriginals continued to be overrepresented in new HIV reports: especially Aboriginal females who accounted for 33.8%
of new positive HIV reports. The rate of people testing newly positive for HIV in the
Central Island for 2006 is 3.1, down from 4.7 in 2005.124
Due to the delays associated with AIDS reporting, this 2006 report includes data on
AIDS through 2005 only. In 2005, the AIDS rate in BC remained stable at 2.4 (102
cases), compared to 2.3 (97 cases) in 2004. The AIDS rate reported for the Central
Island was 1.9 compared to 0.0 in 2005 and 1.6 in 2004.125
Cumulative reports from January to December 2007 for Hepatitis A in the Central Island
region account for three out of 42 reported cases for BC. The cumulative reports of 2007
for Hepatitis B (acute) in the Central Island region account for one of the 43 for BC. The
Central Island has 10 of BC’s 1,255 cases of Hepatitis B (chronic) and 242 of BC’s
2,489 cases of Hepatitis C.126
2007 rates of infection for Chlamydia in the Central Island increased by 15% from 207.8
in 2006 to 239.6; this is above the 2007 BC rate of 228.0. Gonorrhoea infection rates
increased 72% in 2007 from 2006 but are below the BC rate of 29.2. Syphilis infection
rates increased 183% from 2006 to 2007 but are below the 2007 BC rate of 6.9. HIV
rates for the Central Island decreased while AIDS cases increased during the 2006
reporting period.
5.6 Crisis Support Services
Various programs in the Comox Valley, such as the Crossroads Crisis Centre, Lilli
House, Comox Valley Recovery Centre, and the John Howard Society of North Island
offer support and resources for crisis and addiction issues.
In February 2009, Dawn to Dawn launched their mobile CARE-A-VAN program that
takes healthcare to those who cannot or will not visit traditional healthcare services. This
124
BC Centre for Disease Control. STI/HIV Prevention and Control 2006 Annual Report.
125
Ibid.
126
is a new direction for the Society whose main focus is advocacy and housing for the
homeless.127
In 2007, the Crossroads Crisis Centre’s Crisis Line received 4,770 calls concerning
12,179 problem areas; whereas, in 2002 they received 2,045 calls concerning 3,772
problem areas. 128 Problem areas range from abuse, addiction, suicide attempts, and
financial problems, to mental health issues. The Centre’s volume of calls from January
2007 to 2008 has doubled since 2002, and the number of problem areas has tripled.
The Comox Valley Transition Society manages the Lilli House, providing support for
women and children who seek help with issues of abuse. Historically, over 1,500 women
use the Lilli House annually. The house also has one recovery/detox bed for women, the
only one in the Valley. The bed is used for either a 14-day detox program, or a 28-day
recovery program. Both programs require a referral. 129
The Comox Valley Recovery Centre aims to rehabilitate chemically dependant males 19
years and over. They have four stabilization beds and 20 support beds. A clinical reason
is necessary for access to the stabilization bed (for a period of up to 30 days). Support
beds have an occupancy rate of 28-42 days.130 Even though the Recovery Centre has
added two new recovery beds and four new support beds for men, waiting lists are often
encountered. There are now two detox beds for youths in the Comox Valley.
The John Howard Society of North Island is a non-profit organization that provides
prevention and addiction programs to youths. They have seen more alcohol related
problems from January 2007 to 2008 than in prior years. The facility in the Comox Valley
now has two detox beds and access to an extra bed in Campbell River. 131 There is also
a co-ed substance misuse program offered in East Vancouver at the Peak House that
accepts referrals.132
Related Indicators: Homelessness and Emergency Shelter Usage
127
Dawn to Dawn web site available at http://dawntodawn.org/. Visited May 2009.
128
Crossroads Crisis Centre.
129
Comox Valley Transition Society/Lilli House.
130
Comox Valley Recovery Centre.
131
The John Howard Society of North Island.
132
Peak House. Intake and Referral.
5.7 Mental Health Programs
Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Comox Valley are part of a continuum of
local health services in the North Island service delivery area. These services are
provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Mental illness is one of the largest
contributors to disability.
Mental Health provides two services, one for mental health issues, and one for
addictions. These services are housed in separate buildings. The Eureka Club and the
Alano Club offer services to approximately 150 members, with a daily drop in rate of
approximately 30, and usage rates of 60 or more members per month.
BC Mental Health Association (BCMHA) administers the New Horizons housing complex
(funding comes from BC Housing), as well as two supportive living apartments in the
Washington Heights area.
Vancouver Island Health Authority provides a job coach to help people get back into the
work force. People must book intake appointments to access services because Mental
Health no longer has funding or staff to provide walk-in services or counselling. They do
offer crisis intervention services through the local crisis line. They also offer one-to-one
short and long term services, geriatric adult teams for mental health issues, and
addictions teams for addictions.
Mental Health and Addiction Services clients can also access detox and supportive
recovery program resources and rehabilitation services that include supportive work and
housing components.
Related Indicators: Homelessness and Emergency Shelter Usage
5.8 Suicides
Suicides create a huge loss for the community, because they remind us that social
stigmas of mental illness, substance abuse, unemployment, low income, race, and
sexual orientation make it difficult for people to reach out when they are struggling or
troubled. Our youth and aboriginal peoples are most vulnerable.
1. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth aged 1024 after motor vehicle accidents.
2. Between 70% and 80% of Canadian youth consider suicide before graduation.
3. In Canada over 25,000 youth attempt suicide annually and over 250 complete.
4. Adolescent females are 4 to 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than
adolescent males.133
Suicide rates in the aboriginal population are significantly higher than the non-aboriginal
rates. Among First Nations youth, the rate is between five to six times higher. Canada
has one of the highest rates of youth suicide amongst western nations, and is one of the
few developed countries without a mental health or national suicide prevention
strategy.134
Table : Comparison of the Number of Suicides by Local Health Area, Health Authority, and all of BC
Year
LHA 71
VIHA
BC
2006
8
74
346
2007
7
72
337
2008
11
77
386
Source: BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency. Quarterly Digest: Vol. 16-4, Vol. 17-4, & Vol. 18-4. Available at
http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/stats/quarter/.
The “Potential Years of Life Lost” (1,000 population, avg. 2003-2007) due to suicides
and homicides in the Comox Valley is 3.7, compared to 3.8 for BC.135
5.9 Premature Mortality Rate
From 1992 to 2005, deaths in BC among those under the age of 75 accounted for just
over two in five deaths (41.6%); however, four in five deaths (80.1%) from external
causes were among those under the age of 75. The total number of deaths attributable
to external causes has fallen from 2,027 in 1992 to 1,654 in 2005, and among those
under the age of 75 the number of deaths has fallen from 1,629 to 1,457. The share of
premature deaths attributable to external causes has fallen from 14.2% in 1992 to
12.5% in 2005. Unintentional injuries account for the vast majority of deaths from
external causes: two in three externally caused deaths among those under the age of 75
arose from unintentional injuries.136
133
Youth Suicide Prevention Web Site, Canadian Statistics.
134
Turtle Island Native Network Monthly News Briefs Sept. 2006. Visited June 2009.
135
BC Statistics, Local Health Area 71 - Courtenay 2008 Statistical Profile.
136
BC Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency. Annual Report 2006.
Life expectancy for Local Health Authority (LHA) 71 between 2002 and 2006 was 77.8
for males and 83.1 for females. In 2006 in the LHA 71, there were 22 deaths under 75
years of age. The Potential Years of Life Lost Index for the Comox Valley is 1.19
compared to the provincial total of 1,163 deaths representing a Potential Years of Life
Lost Index of 1.00.
5.10 Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular
diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. The increasing rate of obesity in
children ages 12 to 17 has many parents and health officials concerned that this
generation of kids, for the first time, may have a lower life expectancy than that of their
parents. Obesity in children can also cause poor self esteem and social isolation.
Childhood obesity often leads to obesity in adulthood, and to a shorter life span.137
According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, four million
people aged 18 and over were obese in 2007, while another eight
million were overweight. Combined, this represented about 40% of
the adult population.
Saskatchewan, Alberta and Atlantic Canada had the highest rates
of obesity in 2007, ranging from 18% in Alberta to a high of 22% in
Newfoundland and Labrador. The lowest rate was in British
Columbia, where only 11% of adults were obese.
A Statistics Canada study found that men and women who spend
at least 21 hours a week watching television are almost twice as
likely to be obese as those who watch five hours or less each
week.138
Although the body mass index (BMI) is not an ideal measure for all ethnic groups, it
helps track obesity rates. Using the BMI, a survey of adolescents in BC (grades 7 to 12)
revealed that 78% of youth were considered to be a healthy weight, while 5% were
137
British Columbia Pediatric Society, Childhood Obesity. Visited June 2009.
138
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Research About Obesity.
underweight, 13% overweight, and 4% obese. Males were more likely to be overweight
or obese than females.139
Figure : Body Mass Index in BC Adolescents, grades 7-12.
Source: McCreary Centre Society (2009). A Picture of Health: Highlights from the 2008 BC Adolescent Health Survey. p.23.
Proportion of overweight and obese youth varied across regions with the Northern
Region having the highest rate (22%), and the Vancouver Coastal Region having the
lowest rate (12%).140 The rate of obesity in First Nations children and youth is higher
than the overall Canadian rates for the same age groups. (See Figure 28 below.)
The increase in our children’s weights is directly proportional to the decrease in physical
activities. Our children spend more time in front of televisions and computers.
Only 13% of Canadian children and youth (aged 5 to 19) meet the
recommended guidelines in Canada's Physical Activity Guides for
Children and Youth.
The overweight/obesity rate of adolescents aged 12 to 17 more
than doubled from 14% to 29%, and their obesity rate tripled from
3% to 9% over the past three decades.
139
Smith, A., Stewart D., Peled, M., Poon, C., Saewyc, E. and the McCreary Centre Society (2009). A
Picture of Health: Highlights from the 2008 BC Adolescent Health Survey. p.23, Vancouver, BC: McCreary
Centre Society.
140
Ibid.
Total screen time among Canadian youth in grades 6 to 10 is 7 hr
25 min/day on weekends and 5 hr 56 min/day on weekdays.
Sport participation rates in Canadian youth aged 15-18 declined
from 77% to 59% between 1992 and 2005.141
Figure : Overweight & obesity rates in Canadian & First Nations Children & Youth
Source: Lori Sellars First Nations Health Council, “A First Nations Perspective On Childhood & Adolescent Obesity”.
5.11 Number of Health Professionals
The Comox Valley has the following available doctors: 45 general practitioners; 2
paediatricians; 23 specialists, 10 psychiatrists, and 8 emergency doctors. Of these
doctors, 33 work out of St. Joseph's Hospital only (no clinic of their own).
The Valley has the following available dentists: 17 in Courtenay, 11 in Comox, 1 in
Cumberland, 1 on Hornby Island, 2 Dental Surgeons (Orthomolecular); 1 maxillofacial
surgeon, 1 paediatric dentist, 1 peridontist, 3 denturists, and 2 orthodontists.
The Comox Valley has four midwives, 30 Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and 413
nurses employed at St. Joseph's Hospital: including Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Student Nurses. Approximately 200
141
School District 71, Teacher’s Zone, Daily Physical Activity in the Comox Valley. Visited June 2009.
BSN, RN, LPN work as permanent part-time and full-time, or as casual, part-time
throughout the Valley.
5.12 Number of Doctors Accepting New Patients
There are 78 doctors and specialists in the Valley; 55 are general practitioners, and the
remaining 33 are specialists with hospital privileges.142 At this time there are no doctors
accepting new patients. There is one doctor who is taking applications and screening for
acceptance into his practice, and one doctor who will take family referrals that are not of
a chronic condition or are maternity: and only for the duration of the pregnancy. Another
doctor said he would consider taking names for a waitlist. Residents who cannot find a
doctor have no alternative but to visit emergency wards or drop-in clinics.
5.13 Number of Walk-In Clinics
The convenience of extended hours and ease of access to doctors at walk-in clinics
decreases the stress associated with medical treatments and the number of
unnecessary emergency room visits. No appointments are necessary and patients are
seen on a first come first served basis. They are not guaranteed to see a specific doctor,
but they are able see the next available doctor in the queue. Medical services at these
clinics may be limited and a follow-up visit with the patient’s family doctor is usually
recommended.
There are still two 'walk-in' clinics in the Comox Valley. Both clinics are located in
Courtenay; one in the Washington Plaza over the Superstore, and the other on Cliffe
Avenue in the Safeway Plaza. Although the walk-in clinics add to the overall availability
of medical services, it is not clear how many of their clients use their services because
they are not able to find a GP.
Of the 10 regular medical clinics in the Valley, four offer after hours 'walk-in' services to
their own clients.
5.14 Hospital Use
St. Joseph's General Hospital is autonomous and is owned by the Bishop of Victoria.
The hospital is affiliated with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and provides
community and regional acute care services, complex care and significant day and
142
St. Joseph's General Hospital and College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
outreach programs. St. Joseph’s serves an estimated 2008 population of 65,000.143
Accredited in 2007, it has an open Emergency Department with eight emergency
doctors. Specialized equipment includes Diagnostic Imaging including ultrasound,
radiography, diagnostic and screening mammography, CT Scanning, fluoroscopy,
nuclear medicine and dental panels.144
St. Joseph’s has 235 beds, 110 in acute care and 125 in complex or residential care.
Average daily admissions are 16, and annual admissions are 5,782. The average length
of stay is 4.7 days. Day surgeries per year are 5,334. Clinic visits per year are 10,625
and Day Care visits per year total 5,900. Diagnostic/Lab visits per year are 884,067.
Table 16 below is a sample of St. Joseph’s activities statistics.
Table : St. Joseph’s General Hospital Statistics
Inpatient Activity
04/05
Inpatient Days Acute
40,021 36,805 34,094 35,806
45,249 45,457 45,341 45,599
85,270 82,302 79,435 81,405
6,440 6,343 6,214 6,266
580
560
562
666
Residential
Total
Admissions Total
Births Newborn
Ambulatory Activity 04/05
ER 24/7 Visits
Visits/Day
05/06
05/06
06/07
06/07
07/08
07/08
22,790 21,984 22,990 24,018
62
60
63
66
08/09 (projected)
35,727
45,406
81,133 *
5,920
650
08/09 (projected)
23,946
66
St. Joseph’s General Hospital Profile, 2009.
There are 53 general practitioners, 4 midwives, and 68 specialists (6 are shared with the
Campbell River Hospital, and 18 are from the Regional Program). The total number of
staff equals 1,103 made up of 334 nurses (BCNU), 165 Paramedical Staff (HSA), 573 Support
Staff (HEU), and 31 Non Contract Staff.145 The number of volunteers is 600, and they
contributed over 61,000 volunteer hours in 2007/08.146 The annual 2007/08 budget was
$65,376,000, the largest in the hospital’s history.147
143
St. Joseph’s General Hospital Profile, 2009.
144
Ibid.
145
Ibid.
146
St. Joseph’s General Hospital Chairman’s Report.
147
St. Joseph’s General Hospital Finance Committee Report 2009.
5.15 Community Care
Community Care is part of the Health Protection Division of the Ministry of Health, and is
responsible for the development and implementation of legislation, policy, and
guidelines to protect the health and safety of people being cared for in licensed facilities.
Community Care includes the following areas:
· chronic disease management
· health promotion
· provision of health information, including a lending library and Internet terminal
· community development and community empowerment
Community Care in the Comox Valley currently operates under the same mandate as
Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). Services include: long term care,
rehabilitation services, home nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social
work. At this time they operate on referral only because of limited space and therefore
do not offer walk-in services. They hope to offer this service in the future if they are able
to move into larger facilities. Most of the nurses working in this department are out in the
community as case management personnel. They have on occasion had clients come to
their office for inoculations, but this is a rare occurrence as they are not set up for this
type of service.148
Staff includes the following personnel: 50 to 60 professional staff including nurses,
physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, 5 clerical personnel,
120 unlicensed care aides, and 1 social worker.
5.16 Loss of Work Hours Due to Injury
Work related injury and death statistics help to determine the causes and patterns of
injuries and help initiate prevention strategies. Loss of work hours due to injury
negatively impacts the quality of a person’s social, health, and economic standing. In
2007 the number of claims in the Comox-Strathcona Regional District was 1,620. The
amount paid for all short-term disability, long-term disability and fatal claims was
$30,020,000.149
148
149
Adele Einerson, Community Service Coordinator of Comox Valley Community Care.
Work Safe BC, The Ripple Effect Statistics 2007.
6. Education
Education, values, and personal experiences contribute to people's involvement and
understanding of their communities. Learning and personal development are life-long
pursuits that enhance quality of life and physical health. People with limited education
often have fewer opportunities for employment and financial security.
6.1 Student/Educator Ratios
Student/educator ratios have an impact on the quality of education offered and received.
The Comox Valley School District #71 is responsible for the majority of students in the
Comox Valley, and also includes a vibrant French Immersion program, alternate
schools, and the North Island Distance Education School (NIDES). There are 27
reported public schools within School District #71 in 2008.150 The following table depicts
the student/educator ratios, or the number of students per educator: an educator is
defined as a teacher, principal, or vice principal.
Table : Student/Educator Ratios – BC and Comox Valley School District #71
School Year
BC
School District #71
2002-2003
17.12
17.37
2003-2004
17.26
17.63
2004-2005
17.34
18.71
2005-2006
16.96
18.22
2006-2007
16.42
17.60
2007-2008
n/a
18.05
Source: BC Ministry of Education, School and District Data Summary Reports: Enrolment & Educators.
The Comox Valley has experienced declining student enrolment numbers since 2002
that has caused a complete reconfiguration of the school district, which has included
school closures and reassessment of grade/class configurations. The reconfiguration
changes that occurred in School District #71 over the last 4 years have had little impact
on student/educator ratios. The student population forecasts until 2013 anticipate a
further 15% decline in the Comox Valley student population.151
150
BC Ministry of Education. School and District Data Summary Reports: Schools List.
151
BC Ministry of Education. School and District Data Summary Reports: Enrolment.
6.2 High School Graduation Rates
A graduate is a student who has completed provincially prescribed graduation
requirements as stated in Ministerial Orders. The percentages do not include Adult
Secondary Program students, or those students completing graduation through
correspondence who are not registered in a public school.
The graduation rate, or six year Dogwood completion rate, is calculated by using the
percentage of students who graduate within six years from the time they enrol in grade 8
and is adjusted for migration in and out of BC.
Figure : Dogwood Completion Rates for BC and Comox Valley School District #71
85
80
75
SD #71
70
BC
65
60
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
Source: BC Ministry of Education, District Reports 71 – District Data Summary 2002/03 – 2006/07, Graduation: Grade
12 Graduation Rates, and Student Statistics 2003/04 – 2007/08.
The Dogwood completion rate for School District #71 continues to decline, from 76% in
2002 to 71% in 2006, while the provincial average has risen from 78% in 2002 to 80% in
2006. The gap between the proportion of females and males graduating in the Comox
Valley School District #71 has narrowed with 70% males graduating in 2006 compared
to 72% females: both were still below the provincial average.
Figure : Percentage of Grade 12 Graduates Compared to Students Entering Grade 12
85
80
75
SD #71
BC
70
65
60
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
Source: BC Ministry of Education, District Reports 71 – District Data Summary 2002/03 – 2006/07, Graduation:
Grade 12 Graduation Rates, and Student Statistics 2003/04 – 2007/08.
The number of students graduating from grade 12 and those entering Grade 12 declined
from 71% in 2002 to 65% in 2005, well below the provincial average of 77%. However,
in 2006 the rate significantly increased to 80% and is now above the provincial average
of 78%.
6.3 Cost of Postsecondary Education
In 2005, Canada placed 22 nd of 26 reporting countries in the share of public
expenditures on post secondary education. At 55.1%, Canada’s share was well
below the OECD average of 73.1% and the EU average of 82.5%. 152
Undergraduate tuition fees increased 36.4% between 2000/01 and 2008/09. Since
1996/97, the rise in post secondary tuitions has exceeded the rise in the Consumer
Price Index every academic year except 2005/06. Rates of increase vary across
provinces because of their different tuition policies. The greatest increase has been
in BC (93.8%).153 Average graduate university tuition fees for full-time students in BC
over the 2006/07 and 2007/08 periods increased by 17.4%. Other compulsory fees
have also increased, up 14% in 2008 from 2006.154
Students today are graduating with more debt. Under the Canada Student Loans
Program, the total value of negotiated student loans in BC increased by 44.6% from
1996/97 to 2004/05.155 Students with high levels of debt are less likely to complete
their postsecondary education. Students with under $1,000 of debt had a completion
rate of 71%, while students with over $10,000 of debt had a completion rate of only
34%.156
152
Canadian Council on Learning, Post-secondary Education in Canada: Meeting our needs? (Ottawa:
February 2009), Key Finding from the Report.
153
Canadian Council on Learning, Post-secondary Education in Canada: Meeting our needs? (Ottawa:
February 2009), p.73.
154
Ibid, p.74.
155
Ibid, p.77.
156
Lori McElroy, Student Aid and University Persistence — Does Debt Matter?, p.15. (The Canada
Millennium Scholarship Foundation, 2005).
Figure : Percentage of students and amount of debt on graduation, all sources.
Source: Statistics Canada, Graduating in Canada: Profile, Labour Market Outcomes and Student Debt of the Class of
2005. Available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-595-m/2009074/c-g/c-g3.2-eng.htm.
Between one-quarter and one-third of students with debt default during repayment.157 In
a 2005 report, UBC researcher Lori McElroy found that the average debt of graduates
was $17,135, considered a reasonable loan, even with interest added. However,
graduates with the highest debts were not able to repay without undue hardship.158
Figure : Status in September 2003 of Canada Student Loans Consolidated in 1994–95
Source: The Price of Knowledge: Access and Student Finance in Canada – Third Edition (The Canada Millennium
Scholarship Foundation, 2007), p.135.
157
Joseph Berger, Anne Motte and Andrew Parkin, The Price of Knowledge: Access and Student Finance
in Canada – Third Edition (The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, 2007), p.127.
158
Ibid, p.v.
About 45% of graduates with debts over $25,000 had more difficulties repaying their
loans. Over a quarter of graduates with medium sized debts reported difficulties.
Difficulties are attributed to high debt service ratios: a crude monetary measure of
financial burden expressed in percentages. Calculated as the ratio of debt payments to
earned income, some graduates had higher ratios for different reasons, such as
involuntary low income or voluntary high payments. A quarter of bachelor graduates with
large government debt loads had debt-servicing ratios at or above 15%, followed by
college graduates at 14%, masters at 13%, and doctorate graduates at 11%.159
6.4 Education Levels Attained
Research indicates a direct relationship between educational attainment, socioeconomic status and health. People with less than a grade 9 education tend to be
dependent upon services provided by society, and often have a greater utilization of
health services.
For most levels of schooling, the Comox Valley is keeping pace with provincial
averages, and has remained relatively consistent since 2001.
Figure : Education Levels Attained as a Percentage of Total Population Over 19 Years.
20%
Comox Valley
BC
15%
10%
5%
0%
Less than
Grade 9
Grades 9-13
with Certificate
Grades 9-13
w/o Certificate
Trade
Certificate or
Diploma
Non-University
w/o
Cert/Diploma
Non-University
with
Cert/Diploma
University with
Degree
Source: Invest Comox Valley, Comox Valley Statistical Profile: Infrastructure.
Census data shows that the number of University degree holders in the Comox Valley is
relatively steady at 12% in 2001 and 11% in 2006, but falls significantly below the BC
average of 17%.
Related Indicators: Early Development Instrument – Employment and Economy – Health
159
Statistics Canada, 2009. Graduating in Canada: Profile, Labour Market Outcomes and Student Debt of
the Class of 2005, Catalogue no. 81-595-M — No. 074.
6.5 Literacy 160
Fundamental literacy skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics, are essential for
active learning, active citizenship, and active labour force participation. Increased
literacy skills improve employment prospects and income, reduce dependence on social
assistance, promote health, and reduce criminal offending.161 Literacy skills raise
productivity, and are crucial for capturing and sustaining the knowledge advantage as
the economy and labour market evolve. A one percent rise in adult literacy scores is
associated with an eventual 2.5 % relative rise in labour productivity and 1.5% rise in
GDP per head ($18 billion).162
But around 40% of adults in BC – and over 35% of working age people – do not have
the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals, to function and thrive in the modern
economy, and to develop their knowledge and potential.163 Most vulnerable are senior
citizens, immigrants, and Aboriginal Canadians.164
Life long learning is a continuous process by which we all acquire the basic literacies
necessary to better perform our roles as active citizens, effective parents and family
members, productive workers, informed consumers and creative learners.165 Literacy
and learning begins in utero and extends through a person’s life. Investments in the prenatal to pre-school period of infants’ lives is crucial to their development as healthier,
more intelligent and productive youth and adults. Additionally, investments in parent
education directly affect a child’s success in school.166 Intergenerational family literacy is
where the cycle of learning begins, where the attitudes of elders about learning become
the learning values of their children.
The Comox Valley Literacy Now Committee has written a Community Literacy Plan (July
2008) that highlights the strengths and challenges in the area of learning and literacy
within the Comox Valley. Literacy Now is a community-based planning process
160
Thanks to Danielle Hoogland, Comox Valley Literacy Now Coordinator, for writing this section.
161
Literacy BC. For more information see www.literacybc.ca
162
C.D. Howe Institute, Coulobe & Tremblay, 2005.
163
Literacy BC. more information see www.literacybc.ca
164
Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, Maxwell & Tremblay, 2007.
165
Ron Faris, 2010 Legacies Now Community Literacy Planning Guide, pg. Vi – Appendix, 2007.
166
Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, Maxwell & Tremblay, 2007, p.22.
designed to address local literacy needs. Throughout this process community members
and organizations collaborate to build on existing literacy work and address important
gaps167.
Comox Valley Literacy Now Committee Objectives as outlined in the Comox Valley
Literacy Plan (July 2008):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Build a collaborative learning community
Generate awareness and promote learning and literacy in the Comox Valley
Support new and existing community based workplace literacy initiatives
Continue to support and build the capacity of Family and Cultural Literacy
services and initiatives
5. Identify the means to implement our action plan
The School District, the Aboriginal Education Council, North Island College, CALLS
Adult Learning Centre, and the Vancouver Island Regional Library are organizations
whose mandates include raising the literacy abilities of Comox Valley citizens.
The Comox Valley Adult Literacy and Learning Society offers four programs: Family
Literacy (34 students 2008/09), English as a Second Language (26 students 2008/09),
Adult Tutoring (75 students 2008/09), and Immigrant Settlement Services.
North Island College (NIC) Upgrading services offers Adult Basic Education, English as
a Second Language (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and College Preparatory), and
the BC Adult Graduation Diploma program. Additionally, NIC Access Services supports
students by making accommodations for learning or physical disabilities. Enrolment at
NIC in Adult Basic Education was 534 students (2008/9). Enrolment for the English
Language Services for the Adults (ELSA) program was 46 students (2008/9).
In addition, the Comox Valley International College offers several configurations of ESL
courses and attracts students from all over the world. Vancouver Island Regional Library
services are continually expanded and include story time programs, author readings,
summer reading programs, literacy kits, children's literacy stations, and e-audio and ebooks.
6.6 Public Library Usage
The Comox Valley has five Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches:
Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Union Bay and Hornby Island. The library provides the
167
For more information and to download the community literacy plan go to www.cvliteracy.ca.
community with access to a wide variety of informational, recreational, and independent
learning materials, and services for people of all ages.
As of 2006, the Vancouver Island Regional Library collection system contains 1,394,347
catalogued items, over 3000 magazine, newspaper and database subscriptions, and
uncatalogued items estimated at 338,750. Vancouver Island residents have access to all
Vancouver Public Library holdings through interlibrary loans.
Table : Comox Valley Public Library Branches’ Items
Year
2002
2004
2006
Circulation
684,780
470,548
697,395
Reference
32,936
24,837
22,932
Program
Attendance
Catalogued &
Uncatalogued
Items
2,953
2,608
4,356
Newspaper/
Magazine
Subscriptions
1,315,592
1,286,799
1,394,397
3,621
3,676
3,879
Registered
Borrowers
185,790
208,201
217,927
Source: Annual Report 2006 Vancouver Island Regional Library, Table II.
Table : Comox Valley Public Library Branches' Collections
Year
2000
2002
2004
2006
Courtenay
62,533
97,502
103,324
107,297
Comox
34,290
32,963
30,637
29,788
Cumberland
Hornby Island
22,406
22,952
24,039
24,173
12,001
12,379
11,888
11,528
Union Bay
6,462
7,322
7,965
7,314
Totals
137,692
173,118
177,853
180,100
Source: Annual Report 2006 Vancouver Island Regional Library, Table IV.
Library circulation, items, and registered borrowers show an increase at most branches.
Services are continually expanding and include story times, author readings, summer
readings, literacy kits and shut-in services. Newer programs are AskAway Virtual
Reference, Every Student a Library Card, and BC One Card. Visit the VIRL web site at
http://www.virl.bc.ca/ and look under “Library Resources” at the end of the sidebar.
North Island College announced the launch of its community borrower program in
January 2009. Residents 16 years of age or older can get a free Community Library
Card. Patrons can borrow up to five items in person from any of NIC’s four libraries,
located at the Campbell River, Courtenay, Port Alberni and Port Hardy campuses.
Access does not include NIC’s online databases and journals, and NIC’s video/DVD
collection because of licensing restrictions. Visit any campus library for additional
information, or phone 1-800-715-0914, and ask for the Library. Visit the NIC library
online at http://library.nic.bc.ca.
6.7 Francophone Programs
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants all Canadian citizens and landed
immigrants residing in BC the right to educate their children in a francophone program, if
they meet one of these following conditions: the first language learned and still
understood is French, they received their primary school instruction in Canada in French
(excluding French Immersion), or they have a child who has received or is receiving
primary or secondary school instruction in Canada in French (excludes French
Immersion).
Created in 1995, Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique offers
educational programs and services aimed at fostering the growth and cultural identity of
the province's francophone learners. An active partner in the development of BC's
francophone community, the Conseil has presently in its system, and distributed across
78 communities in the province, over 4,000 students and 39 schools, of which 21 are
homogeneous schools.
Francophone education in Comox-Courtenay and across the province of British
Columbia is expanding. The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique
School District 93, is one of the few school districts in BC benefiting from a constant
growth in its enrolments. The usual growth rate exceeds 4.5 to 5% a year. This growth is
linked to the migration or immigration of francophone citizens (from Canada and around
the world) to the Comox area and across the province.
Figure : Growth of Francophone Program Students in School District 93
Number of Students
120
100
K-Grade 6
80
Grades 6-9
60
Grades10-12
40
20
0
2003
2004
2007/08
Source: Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique School District 93.
In 1996, 87 students were in the francophone program in Comox. In only ten years, the
program has doubled: the francophone programs in Comox had 163 students in
September 2007.168 Growth and expansion of francophone education in Comox and BC
is expected to continue.
6.8 Early Development Instrument
The Early Development Instrument (EDI) is a province-wide assessment that measures
the developmental health of five-year olds as they enter kindergarten. Research on early
child development confirms that children with little or no access to environments that
nurture their development will face more lifelong challenges in their health and wellbeing.169 The EDI measures a child’s development in five areas, or domains:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Physical health and well-being
Social competence
Emotional maturity
Language and cognitive development
Communication skills and general knowledge
A summary of the EDI results for School District #71, comparing the two waves of
research from 2001 to 2004 (Wave 1) and 2005 to 2007 (Wave 2), list the following
concerns170:
168
·
The Comox Valley is among the more vulnerable districts in the province and overall
vulnerability has increased between Wave 1 and Wave 2.
·
All domains of development had an increase in vulnerability.
·
All but one area, Glacierview/Vanier, had increases in their vulnerability between
Wave 1 and Wave 2.
·
Four areas had more than 35% of children vulnerable on at least one domain of
their development.
·
South Courtenay had 60% of children within the vulnerable range.
·
There were no neighbourhoods that had less than 20% of children vulnerable.
Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique, School District 93.
169
Schroeder, J., Harvey, J., Razaz-Rahmati, N., Corless, G., Negreiros, J., Ford, L., Kershaw, P.,
Anderson, L., Wiens, M., Vaghri, Z., Stefanowicz, A., Irwin, L.G., Hertzman, C. (2009). Creating
communities for young children. A toolkit for change, p 2. Vancouver, BC: Human Early Learning
Partnership.
170
Joanne Schroeder, Community Liaison Manager. Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley
(SCHOOL DISTRICT #71) Community Summary, Fall 2007, p 6.
·
Both the largest increase and the highest proportion of vulnerability were found in
the Social Competence domain.
·
The lowest proportion of children vulnerable was in the Communication Skills and
General Knowledge domain and the smallest increase between samples was in the
Language and Cognitive Development domain.
·
The results do indicate large disparity or difference between neighbourhoods,
reflecting that children within the district have had disparate qualities of experience
before school entry.
Social and economic disparities and socio-economic inequity affect children’s
developmental outcomes, also. The SES (Socio-Economic Status) Mapping Package for
School District 71 reveals other factors in children’s environment that may contribute to
development vulnerability, such as family income, parental education, neighbourhood
socio-economic differences, and access to quality child care.171
The 2001 and 2007 maps make it easy to see how neighbourhoods have changed in the
Valley. For example, Figures 35 and 36 illustrate the distribution in lone parent families.
Figure : Lone Parent Families in School District 71, 2001.
Source: Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley (SCHOOL DISTRICT #71) Community Summary, Fall
2007, p.15.
171
Emilia Ristaniemi, April 2009. Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley Community Summary,
p 4. Vancouver, BC: Human Early Learning Partnership.
In the 2001 period, most lone-parent families lived in Cumberland, Courtenay and
Comox West. The lowest numbers of lone-parent families were in Comox and the
Valleyview area. The rest of the Valley had an average distribution of lone-parent
families. By 2006, that all changed dramatically.
In the map below, the bulk of lone-parent families shifted to West and South Courtenay,
close to the downtown core. Comox West’s proportion remained high, and the
Glacierview/Vanier area dropped from the highest to a high ratio. Cumberland and area
now have an average distribution, but all the other areas have joined Comox in the
lowest range.
Figure : Lone Parent Families in School District 71, 2007.
Source: Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley (SCHOOL DISTRICT #71) Community Summary, Fall
2007, p.16.
There are many reasons why lone-parent families choose to live in particular
neighbourhoods: affordability, access to schools, access to daycare, access to work.
Why there was a mass exodus could be attributed to lack of or a sudden loss of
affordability, schools, daycare, and/or work. In essence, children’s mental health and
well being are more compromised than ever, particularly in lone-parent families. That is
disturbing news in a community as resourceful as ours.
7. Arts, Culture, and Recreation
Arts and culture in a community provide indoor and outdoor events and activities that
enhance our quality of life; they encourage diversity and attract tourists that help support
the local economy. Recreational opportunities promote healthy lifestyles with the options
to relax, play, and socialize.
7.1 Arts and Culture
British Columbia has the largest percentage of its labour force in arts occupations
(1.08%). There are 25,9000 artists in the province. Ontario follows at 0.77% or 56,900
artists.172 The number of artists increased in Canada by 38% from 1991 to 2006, with
the greatest increase occurring in BC (58%).173
Table : Number of artists and average earnings by occupation in BC, 2006 census
Source: Artists in Canada’s Provinces and Territories, p.17.
172
Hill Strategies Research, Arts Research Monitor, March 2009 ( v7:10 ), “Artists in Canada’s Provinces
and Territories”, p.6.
173
Ibid, p.10.
There are more than 1,000 painters, sculptors, ceramic and fibre, wood, graphic and
media artists and crafts persons working and living in the Comox Valley.174
Culture, heritage and history come alive in the Valley at our many venues. There are five
museums: Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre, Comox Air Force
Museum and Heritage Airpark, Cumberland Museum & Archives, Comox Archives &
Museum, and the Nim-Nim Interpretive Centre.
The Comox Valley Community Arts Council promotes and supports arts, culture and
education in the Valley, hosting exhibitions and juried art shows. They operate the Muir
Gallery where there are additional literary events, workshops and presentations. The
Muir Gallery workshops and open houses had an attendance of over 2,500 people in
2007.
The Comox Valley Centre for the Arts opened in 2005 after restoration to the former
Courtenay fire hall. It is a multi-use community arts facility with meeting spaces, a
workshop, public art gallery, craft gallery, gallery shop, plaza, and office space for a
number of community arts organizations. Currently, there are 5 resident organizations at
the facility. They hold 20 to 25 events each year, and report an average of 10,000
visitors to the Centre.175
There are also performing art groups in the Comox Valley such as Theatre Works,
Rainbow Youth, Courtenay Little Theatre, Gemini Dance Studio, Laurie Tinkler School of
Dance, Valley Dance Centre, Light Fantastic Productions, Nova Voce Choral, North
Island Choirs, Cantiamo Chambers, and Co-Val. Performances are featured in the
community theatres: Old Church Theatre, Sid Williams Theatre, and the Komoux Hall at
North Island College. The largest of the community theatres, Sid Williams Theatre, has
approximately 10 events a month.
Along with the live theatre venues in town, the Comox Valley has a movie theatre called
the Rialto where one can choose from four different films at various times during the
day. In 2004 there were 3 movie cinemas in the Valley, but one closed down to make
room for a pharmacy, and the other was demolished after a fire.
Cultural events in the Comox Valley range from the Local Colours Festival, The Studio
Tours, Artists and Youth Mentorship, The Taiwanese Lantern Festival, Showcase
Theatre Festival, Filberg Festival, World Community Film Festival, Big Time Out, and the
174
175
Comox Valley Tourism web site, Artists and Artisans, 2008. Visited May 2009.
Centre of Expertise on Culture and Communities, Cultural Facility Profiles: Comox Valley Centre for the
Arts. Visited May 2009.
popular Vancouver Island Music Fest. There will be a new festival added to the roster of
events called the Urban Arts Festival which will take place in September of 2008. There
is also an annual Heritage Fair, Comox Valley Fall Fair, Nautical Days, Cumberland
Empire Days, and the National Aboriginal Day where many different tribes from the
Valley meet.
There are numerous dance halls in the Comox Valley that are available to the public for
rental, such as the Royston Hall, Fallen Alders, Cumberland Cultural Centre, and the
Filberg.
The reality for many arts and culture groups is that funding from all levels of government
has shrunk. For arts and culture in the Comox Valley, there was local government
funding of 27% in 2003 and 0% in 2005.176 In 2007, there was 0% funding from local
government and 90% funding through the provincial government.
In March 2009, the BC Arts Council awarded more than $95,000 in grants to groups in
the Comox Valley: the Courtenay and District Historical Society, the Comox Valley Art
Gallery, the Comox Valley Community Arts Council, Hornby Island Arts Council, and
Arts Denman. Funding was also given to the Comox Valley Folk Society and the Hornby
Festival Society to assist with the Vancouver Island Music Festival and the Hornby
Festival of the Performing Arts.177
Despite financial obstacles, arts and culture receive enthusiastic public support and
continue to thrive. The Comox Valley was awarded the 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada
designation through the Department of Canadian Heritage.178
7.2 Parks and Public Spaces
Since the Comox Strathcona Regional District was split into the Comox Valley Regional
District, and the Strathcona Regional District, regional park counts have changed. The
Comox Valley Regional District now manages and protects 26 regional parks.179 There
are 3 provincial parks on Hornby Island, 3 on Denman Island, and 4 in the rest of the
176
Comox Valley Social Planning Society. 2004 Quality of Life Report, insert on p.58.
177
Comox Valley Record, “Arts Council Grants Help Valley”, March 5, 2009.
178
Comox Valley Tourism Vancouver Island, Courtenay Tourism BC. Cultural Capital of Canada 2007.
179
Comox Valley Regional District web site, Community Parks. Visited June 2009.
Comox Valley.180 The Comox Valley is the gateway to Strathcona Provincial Park,
Vancouver Island’s largest, and British Columbia’s oldest provincial park.181
The City of Courtenay has 34 active municipal parks182, the Town of Comox has 25
parks183 and playing fields, and the Village of Cumberland has 8184, for a grand total of
67 municipal parks.
7.3 Recreational Usage
In the 2004 QOL Report, statistics reported for recreation usage by the many facilities in
the Valley varied in collection methods and measurements. This practice continues.
Comox Recreation collects no usage statistics; however, they offers an “average of 130
different recreation programs each quarter along with some 40 special events each year
featuring sports, recreation, arts and culture”.185
19 Wing Comox Fitness and Community Centre reported the following usage 186:
·
Arena: 2000 people per week.
·
19 Wing Clubs (6 Clubs): 624 members.
·
Recreation Passes: 842 Military, Regular, Ordinary, Associate, Non-Associate (12).
·
Teen Centre Memberships and Drop In Guests: 21 Memberships and approx 20
guests per week.
·
Pre-Teen Memberships and Activities: 40.
180
BC Parks web site. Visited June 2009.
181
Comox Valley Tourism web site, Parks and Gardens. Visited May 2009.
182
Courtenay Parks at a Glance, City of Courtenay.
183
Parks and Playing Fields, Town of Comox.
184
Parks and Greenways Master Plan: Second Draft, February 2009, Village of Cumberland, p.14.
185
Comox Recreation web site.
186
Andy Moorhead, FS&R Director, Email and phone conversations. July 2009.
8. Public Safety
High crime rates affect property values and influence perceptions of community safety.
Although crime rates for Courtenay Municipal area still exceed the provincial average
(while Comox Municipal and Comox Provincial are well below the provincial average), it
is recognized that crime statistics provide a limited snap-shot and require more detailed
analysis than can be provided in this report.
8.1 Police Call Volume
Police call volume reflects public involvement in identifying and reporting criminal activity
and their confidence in the ability of the police to control that activity.
The Comox Valley Detachment is comprised of 62 active regular RCMP members, 21
support staff, jail guards, casual employees, reservists, and numerous volunteers. This
is an increase since the 2004 report when there were 56 RCMP members and 16
support staff. Case load in the CVRD continues to remain higher than the provincial
case load. Member workload was 107 Criminal Code offences, 8% higher than the
previous year (99), and higher than the provincial case load of 72.187
The Comox Valley 2007 call volume was slightly lower than previous years at
approximately 22,000 files. Some files are generated that don’t require police
investigation, and those requiring police investigation become investigative files or
cases.
The call volume for the Comox Valley continues to be one of the highest in the province.
One of the reasons the Valley is so busy is because it is a desirable place to live, and
attracts many visitors throughout the year. The two islands within the policing
jurisdiction, Hornby and Denman, are popular seasonal destinations: this contributes to
increased policing needs.
In 2007, there were 5,977 recorded Criminal Code offences in the Comox Valley
Regional District. This was a 10% increase over the 2006 number of 5,453.188
In Table 15 below, the crime rate is defined as the number of Criminal Code offences
(excluding traffic offences) per 1,000 of the population. BC’s overall crime rate has been
187
Comox Valley Regional District, Regional Profile 2007.
188
Ibid.
declining since 2004. Although there has been a similar decline in the Comox Valley
rates, 2007 saw an increase in parts of the policing districts.
Table : Crime Rate Comparison
Location
2002
2004
2006
2007
Comox Municipal
85
65
44
63
Comox Valley Provincial
71
80
53
53
Courtenay Municipal
233
208
152
155
British Columbia
117
125
114
104
Source: BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, BC Policing Jurisdiction Crime Trends 1998-2007.
8.2 Crime Prevention Programs
Many communities have crime prevention programs through which citizens may help
reduce crime and the fear of crime in a proactive and positive way.
Education of school aged children is one strategy for preventing crime. Auxiliary and
regular RCMP members visit schools to familiarize students with safety, drug and
alcohol abuse resistance awareness, and other community policing programs. The
school visits occur from kindergarten to grade 12: with age appropriate themes.
The Comox Valley Detachment was named as a pilot site for Crime Reduction Strategy
in 2005. All programs were reviewed with a goal of providing the best police coverage
for the service communities at peak times. A community response unit was created to
operate during these peak times. A call manager position received all incoming nonurgent calls, thereby reducing the burden on the policing members. Crime prevention
strategies included targeting prolific offenders who commit a large percentage of the
crime. The Comox Valley Detachment reduced their crime rate in the majority of
categories by 30% in 2007 as a result of the initiative.
Block Watch, formerly called Neighbourhood Watch, is a community-based program that
encourages neighbours to alert each other to potential crime and to look out for one
another. According to the latest Block Watch News, 2008 crime statistics show that
property crime rates dropped by 33% since 2004. The RCMP reported a 26% per cent
drop in business break and enters in the Comox Valley in 2008.189
Citizens on Patrol Society (COPS) is a group of community volunteers who assist the
police by patrolling the streets. They carry database instruments (Stolen Auto Recovery
189
Block Watch News, April 2009.
System) to help recover stolen vehicles. In 2008, 66 volunteer members worked 15,109
hours and drove 61,670 kilometres.190
Comox Valley Crime Stoppers is a program that encourages people to submit an
anonymous tip about a specific crime or about other criminal activities. Cash rewards of
up to $2,000 are available for tips that lead to an arrest or conviction.
RCMP Victim Services helps individuals of all ages who have been victims of assault,
abuse or other violent crimes. There are two office staff and 8 volunteers who provide
support and referrals to other agencies where needed. The number of young clients
served annually is about 12.191
Specialized Victim Assistance Program provides similar support and services but
focuses on victims and witnesses of sexual abuse. It has a staff of two, one volunteer,
and helps about 40 clients each year.192
8.3 Violent Crime
Police continue to implement new strategies such as the Crime Reduction Strategy
which focuses on prolific and priority offenders, crime hotspots, and the causes of crime
utilizing intelligence based policing. Criminal Code offences are divided into three major
categories: crimes against persons (violent crimes), crimes against property, and other
crimes.
Violent crime includes homicide, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault, robbery,
and abduction. Violent crime causes long-term damage to the physical and emotional
health of the victims, their families, and society in general.
Violent crime accounted for 11% of all Criminal Code offences in BC in 2006, up slightly
from the 2002 level of 10%. In the Comox Valley, the number of sexual and non-sexual
assaults has been steadily decreasing, although there were more reported sexual
assaults in 2007 than the low of 2006.193
190
Citizens On Patrol Comox Valley. Community Resource Database, Record Details.
191
Department of Justice, Policy Centre for Victim Issues, Comox Valley RCMP Victim Service Program.
192
Department of Justice, Policy Centre for Victim Issues, Specialized Victim Assistance Program, Comox
Valley Family Services.
193
BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, BC Policing Jurisdiction Crime Trends 1997-2007.
Figure : Violent Crimes – Sexual/Non-sexual Offences - Comox Valley
700
Offences
600
500
Total Violent Crimes
400
Sexual Offences
300
Non-Sexual Assaults
200
100
0
2002
2004
2006
Year
Although violent crime in BC has increased slightly (4%) since 2004, there has been a
decline in the Comox Valley since 2004 of over 15%. For the Comox Valley a
considerable decrease was noted in sexual assault offences: from 70 in 2004 to 33 in
2006. The number of sexual assaults in BC in 2006 was the lowest recorded number in
over 20 years.
8.4 Property Crime
Property crime includes motor vehicle theft, break and enter, fraud, and possession of
stolen property.
Property crime in BC has been decreasing for the last decade; in the Comox Valley it
has been decreasing since 2002. The clearance rate (the actual rate where identification
of a suspect is made) for property crime province-wide is about 15%.
Figure : Property Crimes - Comox Valley 2002 - 2006
4,000
3,000
2002
2,000
2004
2006
1,000
0
Break &
Enters
Residential
B&E
Motor
Vehicle
Thefts
Thefts
Thefts from Other Crimes Vandalism
Motor Veh.
Offences
The Comox Valley has shown a slight increase in the theft of motor vehicles up by
approximately 10%, while the rest of BC has shown a decrease by 16%. Bait car
programs in the province are credited with declining thefts of vehicles, and the Comox
Valley is now participating in this program. The newly implemented Crime Reduction
Strategy that targets prolific offenders is expected to impact future results in a positive
manner.
8.5 Youth Crime (12 to 17 years)
Serious crime by youth ages 12 to 17 is decreasing in the Comox Valley. The chart
below is based on the former Comox Strathcona Regional District profile from BC Stats.
The district rates remain below the BC rates.
Table : Serious Youth (Age 12-17) Crime Rate – Avg 2004/06, Comox Valley Regional District
(Offences per 1,000 population.)
Violent Crime Property Crime
CSRD
1.5
1.9
BC
2.5
2.0
Total
3.4
4.5
Source: BC Statistics, CSRD 25 Regional Profile, 2008.
Overall, BC continues to have the lowest rate of youth incarceration in Canada and very
few Comox Valley youth are in custody on any given day. Community probation
caseloads remain stable and manageable, although the profile of such youth is complex
and multi-problem (e.g. significant substance abuse and mental health challenges).
There are a number of community services for youth who are in conflict with the law.
Programs are delivered by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and
contracted agencies like the John Howard Society of North Island. The Comox Valley
Community Justice Centre also helps people to find mutually agreeable resolutions to
harm caused by youth crime. This is a voluntary process.194
8.6 Restorative Justice
Comox Valley Community Justice Centre Society, located at 450 8th St., Suite E, has
been in operation since 1998. The program reports a volunteer group of almost 100
serving the Comox Valley. The centre facilitates restorative conferences involving
offenders (youth and adult) and those harmed by offending behaviour, along with
community volunteers.
194
Youth Justice Programs, Vancouver Island, The John Howard Society of North Island.
The Community Justice Centre reported a drop in their case load referrals by almost
35% in 2008 from their historical average. They attribute this in part to “an increased
policing focus on high incidence offenders who are not eligible for referral to the Centre;
police officers exercising other discretionary options in their encounters with young
offenders; general downward trends in the crime statistics; a preference for prosecution
of some public mischief incidents (e.g. graffiti)”. 195 However, in the period of February to
May 2009, they had 75 cases referred and held an unprecedented number of resolution
conferences.196
Following a workshop for Loss Prevention Officers (LPO’s) at the
large chain stores, the Centre responded to renewed interest in the
restorative option by permitting direct referrals of cases, with the
co-operation of the RCMP. Another change that has apparently
had great effect is a change to our reporting of the final disposition
of cases. At the suggestion of one of our Court Liaison Officers, we
now include a letter to the referring RCMP officer to advise them of
the positive outcome. We have had numerous officers reporting
that they appreciate knowing how things turn out as a result of
exercising their discretion to refer the case to us.197
Table : Community Justice Centre Annual Statistical Report by Results
2005/06
#
%
10 11.8
2006/07
#
%
12 14.6
2007/08
#
%
11 15.7
5
5.8
1
1.2
1
1.4
Number of files partially successful
6
7.0
3
3.7
11
15.7
Number of files successfully completed
35
41.2
64
78.0
43
61.4
Number of cases carrying forward to following year
29
34.1
2
2.4
4
5.7
Total
85
Results
Number of files returned (incomplete Resolution Conferences, no
agreement,
one party withdrawal)
Number of unsuccessful
resolutions conferences
82
70
Source: Comox Valley Community Justice Centre Society, Tenth Annual Report, November 27, 2008, p.9.
Other agencies and businesses are referring cases to the Centre as word gets out about
their service. Municipal and regional district bylaw officers and insurance companies
195
Comox Valley Community Justice Centre Society, Tenth Annual Report, November 27, 2008, p.5.
196
Volunteer Newsletter of the Community Justice Centre, Vol.3, No.3, May 2009, p.3.
197
Comox Valley Community Justice Centre Society, Tenth Annual Report, November 27, 2008, p.5.
have had success with the process. Large retail businesses are now using the Centre
for some shoplifting cases.
The Community Justice Centre has also completed a 3 year project to address racism,
homophobia and hate crime, culminating in the adoption of a community response
protocol signed by over 35 local governments and community organizations in May,
2009. The Centre also trained volunteers as short-term transformative dialogue
facilitators to be available in response to critical incidents, and will compile an annual
Incident Report for the community.198
8.7 Sexual Assaults
Because of a change in reporting systems in BC, information pertaining to the Comox
Valley from previous years is not comparable to the current year. The numbers reported
in Table 24 below are for information only.
Table : Number of Sexual Offences in the Comox Valley, 2004 – 2007
2004
2005
2006
2007
Comox Municipal
18
3
2
4
Comox Valley Provincial
25
13
17
3
Courtenay Municipal
27
31
14
23
Total
70
47
33
30
Policing Jurisdiction
Source: British Columbia Policing Jurisdiction Crime Trends 1998 – 2007.
8.8 Spousal Assaults
In the Comox Valley, Spousal Assault is recorded under three categories: Domestic
Dispute-Male offender, Domestic Dispute-female offender, and Domestic Dispute-no
assault.
A change of systems in British Columbia means that data from previous years is not
comparable to the current figures. However compared to the BC average, the average
for spousal assault in the Comox Valley is higher, as well as higher than a major city
such as Vancouver.
198
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Victim Services and Crime Prevention: Restorative
Justice Funding, April 1, 2009.
Table : Spousal Assault Crime Rates
District
Per 100,000
Comox Valley
2.5
Campbell River
3.3
Vancouver
1.7
BC
2.3
Source: BC Stats, Other Indicators of Crime, Crime Rate – Average 2003-2005.
Related Indicators: Crisis Support Services
8.9 Drug Trends
There were 478 drug crimes reported in the Comox Valley Regional District in 2007, a
13% decrease from the 552 reported in 2006. The drug crime rate (per 1,000
population) in 2006 was 8.8. That dropped by 15% in 2007 to 7.5 offences per 1,000,
but was higher than the provincial rate of 6.5 offences per 1,000.199
Youth (12-17) non-cannabis drug charges (Charges per 100,000, Avg. 2004/06) were
34.1. BC’s non-cannabis drug charges have changed little: 46.8 in 2001/03 to 47.0 in
2004/06.200
Table : Indicators of Serious Drug Crime - Average 2003-2005
Comox Valley
BC
Non-Cannabis Drug Offences (per 100,000 pop.)
169.4
201.5
Juvenile Non-Cannabis Charges (per 100,000 pop age 12-17)
32.6
46.8
0
3.8
Illicit Drug Deaths - 2005 (per 100,000 pop age 19-64)
Source: Statistics Canada, E-Stat Crime Statistics by Detailed Offences and BC Stats, Regional District 25 - ComoxStrathcona Statistical Profile, Indicators of Crime: Serious Drug Crime.
199
Police Services Division, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, British Columbia, September
12, 2008. Regional Profile 2007, Comox Valley Regional District, p.2.
200
BC Statistics, CSRD 25 Regional Profile, 2008 (http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/rd/rd_main.asp), and
Director’s Practice Audit Report – Vancouver Island, June 2007, Courtenay Youth Services Team- KKB, p.5.
9. Environment
Quality of life is not merely about our physical, emotional, social, or financial well being.
We know that our built environment impacts the natural one, and visa versa. The longterm effects of our influence on the environment are not always clear, nor as immediate
as a natural disaster. However, we now know that our actions and decisions have
consequences. Anthropogenic or human-made environmental disasters like Bhopal,
Love Canal, Exxon Valdez, and Chernobyl, to name a few, are familiar to most people in
the modern world. “Green” and “sustainable” are becoming tired adjectives added to any
product or hype. The truth is, whatever you call it; we have choices on how we impact
the environment – for better or worse.
The Comox Valley Conservation Strategy (CVCS) is an ongoing initiative by the CVCS
Steering Committee and Community Partnership to create a region-wide strategy for
land conservation. They are working together with regional and municipal planners,
engineers and politicians with an aim to provide reliable and accessible conservation
information to the community. As a long-term approach to regional conservation, the
CVCS hopes to protect the lands that are essential for ecosystem function, human
health and well-being, economic sustainability, and civic pride. Further information on
the strategy, and links to reports are available on the Comox Valley Land Trust web site
at http://www.cvlandtrust.org/rcs-project.htm.
9.1 Water Use
Two factors affect our long term water planning: growth of population and potential
changes in weather and water supply. Four areas of concern are included when
evaluating water management:
1. A healthy respect for the water we use.
2. Active conservation of water: especially during dry seasons.
3. Protection of our watersheds and main water sources.
4. The need to extend the life of infrastructure.
The Comox Valley Regional District's role is to provide a reliable source of safe, highquality drinking water to homes and businesses within some of its member
municipalities and electoral areas. This includes acquiring and maintaining the water
supply, treating it to ensure quality, and delivering it. The Comox Valley Water System
serves the largest number of users in the region. Water for this system is taken out of
the Puntledge River by the regional district, downstream of Comox Lake, through a
water license agreement with BC Hydro and the government of BC.201
The current water system in the Valley supplies water to approximately 40,406
people.202 Most receive their water from the local water supply systems. The exceptions
are parts of Denman Island, Hornby Island, Merville, Dove Creek, Point Holmes, and
Plateau Road where water is provided independent of water operators.203
Table : Water Operators of the Comox Valley
Source: Comox Valley’s Drinking Water Reference Guide, June 2007, p 79, Table 7.
201
202
203
Comox Valley Regional District. Water Conservation and Metering.
Comox Valley Regional District Water Efficiency Plan, p. 2.
Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition, Comox Valley’s Drinking Water Reference Guide, June 2007, p
79, Table 7. Prepared by Sonya Jenssen.
With a growing population, water management is an issue that leads to heated debate.
The Comox Valley Regional District has held a number of public forums on water use
that highlighted the challenges and options facing the community. A draft report on
water management, released June 2009, outlines the Comox Valley Regional District
“water efficiency plan”. 204
Although the annual water consumption in the Comox Valley varies, depending on the
annual rainfall, the overall trend (the linear scale in the graph below) is for increasing
use. In fact, some years have exceeded the allowable annual withdrawal limit. There are
predictable peak variations within each year, due largely to lawn and garden watering
from the months of May to October.
Figure : Comox Valley Annual Water Consumption, 1995 to 2008.
Source: Comox Valley Regional District Water Efficiency Plan, Graph 1, p5.
BC is thought to have more rain than other parts of Canada, but in fact, monthly rainfall
plummets between May and September, when demand for water is highest. Our
summer rainfall averages 201 mm, compared to Calgary’s average of 300 mm during
the same months.205 The Valley’s per capita consumption continues to be the highest in
BC and in Canada.
204
Comox Valley Regional District Water Efficiency Plan.
205
Comox Valley Regional District, Top 10 Most Popular Water Myths.
Figure : Daily Per Capita Water Use Comparison between the Comox Valley, BC & Canada
Source: Comox Valley Regional District Water Efficiency Plan, Graph 4, p8.
Current water use in the Comox Valley is about 675 litres per person per day. In
comparison, average water use in the City of Nanaimo (which has a universal water
meter system) is about 450 litres per person per day.206
A $2.6 million investment from the federal and provincial governments will go toward
“twinning the East Courtenay Reservoir in order to double the region’s available water
supply. The project will also install new water level monitoring equipment”.207 However,
more water will not mitigate water use unless people voluntarily choose to modify their
attitudes and habits. This can be achieved through conservations practices, or through
the installation of water meters.
Although controversial because of the expense, statistically, meters prove to change
people’s water use very quickly. A universal metering system generally reduces
consumption by 20% and reduces peak demand during summer by 30%.208 The Village
of Cumberland has already decided to install meters at a cost of about $800 per
household.209
206
Comox Valley Regional District. Water Usage by Province/Territory Including the Comox Valley.
207
2008 Comox Valley Regional District Annual Report, p. 16.
208
Comox Valley Regional District. CV Water Metering, Koers & Associates Engineering Inc, Nov, 2007, p.22.
209
“Valley residents thirsty for information on water”,Comox Valley Echo, June 16, 2009.
Another benefit of meters is that they could effectively defer the need to expand existing
pipes, pumps, reservoirs, etc. by 10 years. An engineering consultant has calculated
that these deferred upgrades will save $4.27 million over the next 20 years.210
9.2 Water Quality
The main water source for the Comox Valley - Comox Lake - is an unprotected
watershed. Further, the Vancouver Island Health Authority “has previously advised the
Comox Valley water supply commission of their treatment standards policy for surface
water supplies. Currently the regional district is not compliant with these water quality
standards”211. Although the Comox Valley Regional District meets the provincial
legislated standards, the VIHA 4-3-2-1 standards require the following to be met by the
district: log inactivation of viruses; log removal or inactivation of Giardia cysts and
Cryptosporidium oocysts; treatment process; and NTU maximum turbidity in finished
water.212
In response, the CVRD began a watershed assessment for Comox Lake in 2006. A
report generated by CH2M HILL revealed that “most human activities associated with
risk occur in the summer, when lake processes are limited, and near the lake outlet
where the water source is most vulnerable.”213
The CVRD has also budgeted for an ultraviolet disinfecting (UV) system that will help
them meet the 4-3-2-1 standards, but additional measures will be needed to meet the
standards fully. These measures include increased watershed protection, the Comox
Lake intake project, and/or a water filtration facility.214 In general, the public is more
supportive of steps that will improve water quality rather than those that reduce water
quantity, such as water metering. Although universal metering is not always greeted by
210
“Valley residents thirsty for information on water”,Comox Valley Echo, June 16, 2009.
211
Comox Valley Regional District, Staff Report: Comox Lake Intake Project, February 27, 2009, p.2. File
Number: 5260-01.
212
Ibid, pp.2-3.
213
Technical Memorandum 4, Comox Lake Watershed Assessment: Characterize Risk, June 2006, p.20.
214
Number: 5260-01.
the public favourably, the water demand reductions from metering and other water
efficiency measures will reduce the size and cost of the intake project.215
For more information on the Comox Valley Regional District Water Systems, visit
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/section_propserv/content.asp?id=4122&parent=81&sub_collection=92.
9.3 Air Quality
Air quality remains an unknown in the Comox Valley, as no data is collected to evaluate
its condition. There are many models that the Comox Valley can look to regarding the
usual changes a community experiences over time: population growth means more
automobiles, more garbage, more greenhouse gas emissions, and more pollution.
Higher levels of air pollutants are associated with higher levels of health problems, like
respiratory and cardiac diseases, and with increasing damage to vegetation, agricultural
land, and forest.
Citizens of numerous communities are taking action. They use public transit more often,
walk or bicycle to where they need to go, or they car-share.
On Clean Air Day, June 4, 2008, the BC government announced their Air Action Plan.
This plan sets out 28 actions to reduce pollution and allocates $28.5 million over a three
year period to improve BC’s air quality. All initiatives will be underway by 2009.216
One program initiated and approved in the Comox Valley to improve air quality is the
“Idle-Free Zone” campaign launched in 2008. However, this is a voluntary program, and
no data is collected on the results of the campaign in reducing engine emissions.
The Canadian government released a report Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Understanding the Trends, 1990-2006 that analyzes the underlying trends that have
shaped Canada’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions since 1990. There are
detailed reviews of the primary economic, technological and other societal drivers that
contribute to emissions, and comparisons from1990 to 2006 with the 1980 to1990
period.
“In 2006, Canada’s GHG emissions amounted to 721 megatonnes
of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq), which is 22% over 1990
215
Number: 5260-01.
216
BC Ministry of the Environment. Environmental Protection Division. BC Air Action Plan.
emission levels and 29% above our Kyoto target. Although this
represents a significant increase over the past 16 years, Canada
has recently been experiencing a declining trend since 2003; 2006
emissions are 2.8% below 2003 levels...Canada’s economic GHG
intensity—the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of economic
activity—was 11% lower in 2006 than in 2003.” 217
In the annual national inventory of GHG emissions, 2007 saw an increase of 4.0% from
the 2006 levels.218 This was due in part by the increased emissions from fossil fuel
extraction and production, mining extraction, and electricity and heat generation.
Additional factors affecting emissions were the colder winter of 2007 that increased
heating use by almost 10% over 2006 on a national basis, and the growing popularity of
sport utility vehicles that increased emissions in the transportation sub-sector.219
Table : Provincial and Territorial GHG Emissions, 1990 and 2006.
Source: Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Understanding the Trends, 1990-2006, p.25.
Table 28 above is a summary of GHG emissions by province. The largest provincial
contributor to the nation’s increased GHG emissions was Alberta (50%), followed by
217
Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Understanding the Trends, 1990-2006, p.1. Her Majesty the
Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment, 2008.
218
Information on Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks: Canada’s 2007 Greenhouse Gas Inventory – A
Summary of Trends, p.1. Environment Canada.
219
Ibid, p. 2 and 4.
Saskatchewan (22%), Ontario (13%) and BC (10%). The rest of the provinces and
territories contribute 3% of the increase.220
9.4 Recycling
The Comox Valley Waste Management Centre (formerly Pidgeon Lake Landfill) was
expected to reach capacity by 2029 (changed from 2032)221, but with the boom in
population and the additional waste generated, the landfill is likely to be full in 7 or 8
years.
Comox Valley citizens now generate 72,000 tonnes of waste annually.222 In 2000, that
figure was 35,508 tonnes.223 Over the last five years, this represents more than a 50%
increase in waste.224
Although there is a new landfill planned on property next to the current landfill, the fact is
that waste management facilities are expensive to run, and add to the tax burden of
residents.225
“The process of collection itself is fossil fuel intensive; garbage
trucks and other heavy machinery used at landfills emit large
amounts of carbon dioxide and other environmentally harmful
emissions. Gases, such as methane, emitted from landfills
contribute to global warming, and in the Comox Valley account for
19% of the region’s total Green House Gas emissions. Leachacte
from poorly designed and ageing landfills can enter the water table
and cause additional environmental harm. This can be especially
220
Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Understanding the Trends, 1990-2006, p.25. Her Majesty the
Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment, 2008.
221
Comox Valley Social Planning Society, 2004 Quality of Life Report, p.69.
222
Comox Valley Echo, “Cumberland eyed for huge new garbage dump,” October 3, 2008.
223
Comox Valley Social Planning Society, 2004 Quality of Life Report, p.70.
224
2008 Comox Valley Regional District Annual Report, p.12.
225
Understanding Our Choices: Comprehensive Background Paper – June 2009, Regional Services,
Chapter 7, p.153. Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy.
dangerous where hazardous wastes find their way into the general
refuse stream.” 226
The scenario would be far worse if the Comox Valley Regional District did not have its
extensive re-cycling programs in place. “At present, 32% of solid waste generated in the
district is diverted through these programs.” 227 However, over 80% of the materials
going into our landfills can be recycled.228
Figure : Garbage Pie. The makeup of house hold waste.
Comox Strathcona Regional District. Available at http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/garbage/pie.html.
226
Understanding Our Choices: Comprehensive Background Paper – June 2009, Regional Services.
227
Solid Waste Services. CVRD web site. Visited May 2009.
228
Comox Valley Regional District. Garbage Pie.
There is always room for improvement. One option in waste management is to turn
waste into a renewable resource. A very successful example of this is the regional
district’s Skyrocket compost initiative. Another option is using technology to capture and
burn landfill gases to generate electricity. Plans for such technology have been
incorporated into the new landfill facility. The CVRD is considering other programs to
add to the existing ones, and is eyeing the adoption of a “zero waste” strategy.229
Another successful initiative of the Comox Valley Regional District is the school and
youth group programs that encourage and teach the value and importance of recycling:
based on the three 'Rs' – reduce, reuse, and recycle. These programs follow the Ministry
of Education Social And Science programs.
The Little Island that Does
“In 2008 the Hornby Island Recycling Depot carted 113,120 kg of construction waste off the island and
115,690 kg of household waste. Eight forty yard bins of recyclable materials where shipped to the
recyclers. 28 tons of scrap metal was picked up by Walkers Scrap Metal providing a revenue of $883.
That includes 120 fridges and freezers that had their Freon removed prior to crushing and disposal.
We shipped 20 pallets of computers, monitors, TV’s and peripherals to the electronics recycler. We
shipped approximately 20,470 refundable containers off island generating $13,446. We increased the
glass pile by approximately another 11 yards. We transported close to 10,000 bottles of milk off the
island. We shipped roughly a hundred large bags of clothing to the Salvation Army in Courtenay. 220
propane tanks where collected and shipped to Viper Fuels to have them recycled. 2,000 litres of used
oil where picked up by the oil recycler New-Alta.”
March 2009 Notes from the Depot, Hornby Island Recycles. http://www.hirra.ca/Recycle/notes.htm
On Saturday, May 23, 2009, the CVRD and HAZCO Environmental Service held a
hazardous waste amnesty in the Home Deport parking lot. Response was so
overwhelming that people lined up for more than an hour to dispose of old paints, oil,
gas, chemicals, pesticides, and unknown substances of unknown toxicity. The event
collected 117 large barrels of hazardous materials, 70 large totes of paint, solvents and
pesticides, dozens of propane cylinders, and nearly four pick-up trucks of car and
household batteries. A similar event the previous year collected 37 barrels of
materials.230
229
Understanding Our Choices: Comprehensive Background Paper – June 2009, Regional Services,
Chapter 7, p.155. Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy.
230
Comox Valley Echo, “Record response Saturday to hazardous waste amnesty”, Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
The CVRD provides 18 drop-off sites for recyclable materials. Blue Boxes are available
for curb-side pickup of recyclable waste in selected locations. They have a compost
education centre at 4795 Headquarters Road in Courtenay. Residents can pick up
brochures on recycling and all kinds of other information at the CVRD office, 600 Comox
Road in Courtenay.
Table : LOCAL WASTE GENERATION STATS - 2008
COMOX
BLUE BOX
Tonnage (Metric Tonnes)
Percentage of Waste Collected
YARD WASTE
TONNAGE (Metric Tonnes)
GARBAGE
Tonnage (Metric Tonnes) Municipal Collection Only
COURTENAY
569
9.2%
1030
17.0%
1540
24.8%
1894
31.3%
4101
66.0%
3122
51.6%
Source: WASTE DIVERSION 2008 UPDATE , Comox Valley Regional District Staff Report, p.2. File Number 5360-01.
The multi and single compartment bins in the Comox Valley collected 2,615 metric
tonnes of recyclable materials. The popular backyard composting program sold 524
“earth machines” (compostors) in 2008, and another 354 units sold during a promotion
in March 2009. The diversion of yard waste and organics is growing.231
Other organizations and businesses are taking up the recycling, reuse, reduce banner.
In February 2009, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce held the “Grab Your Bag”
campaign as a way to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic bags, and
encourage the use of re-usable cloth bags. 85,000 bags were distributed to 90 % of
retailers in the Valley. The success of the campaign encouraged others to do their own
thing. As of July 22, 2009, Thrifty Foods will no longer carry plastic bags, although they
will continue to provide paper bags for customers who forget their cloth bags.232
9.5 E-Waste Recycling
As of August 1, 2007, a province-wide electronics recycling program for consumers and
businesses was launched. People can drop off end-of-life electronics at designated
231
WASTE DIVERSION – 2008 UPDATE , Comox Valley Regional District Staff Report, pp.2,3. File
Number 5360-01.
232
Comox Valley Record, “No more plastic at grocery”, April 23, 2009.
collection locations. The program is overseen by the Electronic Stewardship Association
of BC (ESABC), and managed by Encorp Pacific. Designated depots were assigned to
communities, usually recycling facilities that were already in place, like the bottle depots.
Although Compucycle had been recycling e-waste in the Comox Valley, the local depot
accepted the responsibility of collecting e-waste. Compucycle closed its doors in 2007.
An environmental handling fee (EHF) is now included in the price of new electronic
products. The EHF is used for the administration, collection, transportation, and
recycling of electronic waste. Currently, the program recycles desktop computers,
laptops, monitors, printers, fax machines, and televisions.233 There are plans to expand
the program in 2009 by including telephones, computer scanners, audio/video recording
and playback systems.234
Table : Current Methods of Recycling E-waste in the ESABC
Material/Component
Leaded Glass
Glass
Plastic
Plastic
Metal (non-ferrous)
Metal (ferrous)
Other Metals (Brass,
Bronze & Fine particles)
Cables and Wires
High Grade Printed Wire
Boards (Circuit Boards)
Low Grade Printed Wire
Boards (Circuit Boards)
Mercury Bulb
Process
Hand Dismantle /
Crushed / Smelted
Grind
Regrind / Smelted
Bailed / Ground
Ground / Smelted
Ground / Smelted
Result
Process Location
Metal Recovery
Canada
Material Recovery
Plastic / Energy Recovery
Plastic Commodity
Metal Recovery
Metal Recovery
Canada
Canada
US
Canada / US
Canada / US
Smelter
Metal Recovery
Canada
Regrind
Metal Recovery
Canada
Smelted
Metal Recovery
Canada / Belgium
Smelted
Metal Recovery
Canada / Belgium
Distilled
Mercury
Phosphorus Recovery (Powder
Reuse)
US
Mercury Bulb
Distilled
US
Batteries (non
rechargeable)
Smelted
Metal Recovery
Canada
Batteries (rechargeable)
Smelted
Metal Recovery (Lithium, Nickel,
Cadmium)
Canada / US
Source: Where Do the Recovered Materials Go? Electronic Stewardship Association of BC.
233
234
Electronics Recycling FAQ's for Consumers, Encorp Pacific web site. Visited May 2009.
Program Expansion, Electronics Stewardship Association of British Columbia (ESABC) web site.
Visited May 2009.
The Electronic Stewardship Association of BC (ESABC) has diverted 11,000 metric
tonnes of electronics from landfills as of September 30, 2008, averaging 900 to 1,000
metric tonnes of diversion per month. Based on per capita weight the ESABC has
become the second largest e-waste recycler in North America.235 Statistics by region
were not available.
9.6 Invasive Species
Next to habitat destruction, alien species are the leading cause of extinction of
indigenous species. Despite our best intentions, our actions can have unforeseen
consequences. This has been particularly illustrated by the introduction of non-native
plant and animal species to BC. Many problem plants start in backyard gardens and
spread to the wild. Others were unwittingly introduced by “beautification” programs.
Some people illegally import non-native species for commercial gain. The proportions of
introduced species in BC are: vascular plants – 21%; freshwater fish – 15%; mammals –
8%; reptiles – 27%; and amphibians – 10%.236
Early examples of invasive species introduced on Vancouver Island, probably brought
on the first sailing ships and by non-native settlers, are various rats and house mice.
Historically, people continued to bring non-native species to the Island, such as various
fish, clams, oysters, frogs, slugs, pheasants, quails, doves, house sparrows, and most
infamous of all, the European starling.237
Recently, the bullfrog and largemouth bass have become a concern on Vancouver
Island. Both species are highly predatory and voracious. Their effect on local fish and
frog populations is not clear: are they eating everything, or are they spreading diseases
they are invulnerable to? Or are other factors responsible for the decline of indigenous
species? Climate change? Ecosystem disturbances? Direct habitat loss, or a
combination of any of the above?238
235
Electronic Stewardship Association of BC. Presentation to the Coast Waste Management Association
Conference, by Joyce Thayer, October 30, 2008.
236
Green, David. Lecture. “Invasive species: the worst case?” Simon Fraser University.
237
Klinkenberg, Brian (Editor). 2009. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia
[www.efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British
Columbia, Vancouver.
238
Ibid.
Once non-native species become well established, they are generally impossible to
eradicate, and controlling further spread is expensive. Weeds are a prime example.
“Weeds are responsible for reductions in crop yield and quality and
they lead to environmental degradation through destruction of
native plant and animal habitat. Weeds also harbour insects and
diseases of crops, create unsafe conditions, reduce property
values and the aesthetics of an enjoyable landscape and many
can poison humans, livestock and wildlife.” 239
According to the BC Ministry of Agriculture,240 Food and Fisheries the most noxious
weeds for all regions in BC are:
Annual Sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus)
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)**
Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)
Crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
Scentless Chamomile (Matricaria maritima)
Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)**
Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)**
Dodder (Cuscuta spp.)
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)**
Wild Oats (Avena fatua)
Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)
Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)**
Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Perennial Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis)
**Indicates species of particular concern on Vancouver Island.
Additionally, the following plants are considered aggressive and undesirable241:
Baby's-breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)
239
Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Fisheries,
240
BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries web site. Visited May 2009.
241
Ibid.
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
Policeman's helmet (Impatiens glandulifera)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)**
Field scabious (Knautia arvensis)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparia)**
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)**
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)**
Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
St. John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense)**
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
**Indicates species of particular concern on Vancouver Island.
For a complete list of invasive, alien and noxious plants in BC, visit the E-Flora BC web
site at http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/Invasive_species_list.htm.
On Vancouver Island, the Coastal Invasive Plant Committee (CIPC) lists the following
invasive plants as a priority because they are “perceived to present the greatest
environmental, health and economic threats to the region”.242
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Carpet Burweed (Soliva sessilis)**
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)**
Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparia)**
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Spurge laurel.(Daphne laureola)
NB
Giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense) **
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)**
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
NB
Yellow flag iris.(Iris psuedacorus)**
**Not included in the two prior lists by BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
NB: The CIPC distinguishes between Giant Knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense) and Japanese
Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum); whereas, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries gives the
genus of Japanese Knotweed as Polygonum sachalinense. In any case, it is safe to say that any of the
Polygonum knotweeds are undesirable.
9.7 Endangered Species
Since the 2004 Quality of Life Report, there have been changes in how endangered
species are listed.
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) became fully operational on June 1, 2004, and is
administered by three organizations: Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans
242
Regional Priority Species of Concern, Coastal Invasive Plant Committee. Visited June 2009.
Canada, and Parks Canada. SARA was formed to help in the preservation and recovery
of species at risk of extinction.
“The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC) is the committee of experts that identifies and
assesses wild species at risk in Canada. The Committee assesses
the conservation status of a species using the best available
scientific, Aboriginal and community knowledge. The assessment
process is independent and transparent. COSEWIC provides
assessments and supporting evidence annually to the Minister of
the Environment. It assesses species as extinct, extirpated,
endangered, threatened, special concern, data deficient, or not at
risk. An extirpated species no longer exists in the wild in Canada,
but exists elsewhere in the world. An endangered species faces
imminent extirpation or extinction. A threatened species is likely to
become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors
leading to its extirpation or extinction. A species of special concern
may become threatened or endangered because of a combination
of biological characteristics and identified threats.243
Species at Risk Public Registry allows the public to view details of vulnerable species in
Schedule 1 for any region of interest. SARA’s web mapping application is limited to
species belonging to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.244
Mountain Avian Rescue Society (MARS) is a local organization that helps ill, injured, or
orphaned wildlife (primarily birds). MARS annually handles more than 3,000 phone calls
and over 500 cases on Vancouver Island.245 Since the fall of 2008, the following animals
have been returned to the wild or to a facility that will release them.246
25 Bald Eagles
3 King Fishers
5 Deer
3 Cedar Waxwings
1 Golden Eagle
2 Great Blue Herons (listed as threatened)
4 Ruffed Grouse
13 Seals
243
Species at Risk Act: Annual Report for 2006 and 2007. Government of Canada.
244
Species at Risk Act. Available at http://www.sis.ec.gc.ca/ec_species/ec_species_e.phtml.
245
MARS 2008 brochure.
246
MARS Fall Newsletter, 2008.
6 Merlins
4 Northern Flickers
2 Saw Whet Owls
14 Crows
6 Pine Siskins
10 Racoons
8 Robins
3 Humming Birds
1 Screech Owl
MARS is a non-profit, charitable organization that is volunteer run. Part of their fund
raising initiatives is giving the gift of either sponsoring the rehabilitation of an injured
animal, or sponsoring the release of a rehabilitated bird. The second option includes
being there at the release of the bird.
For more information on MARS and their sponsorship gifts visit their web site at
http://www.wingtips.org/.
10. Community Involvement
Community involvement looks at the number or percentage of residents who vote, and
at how citizens support charitable and nonprofit organizations. Few organizations keep
detailed track of their volunteers, or the hours volunteered. Nor is there an easy way to
measure charitable donations for the whole Valley. There are, however, statistics for all
of BC that can be extrapolated to our community for rough estimates. We’ve included
local information whenever possible.
10.1 Voting
In the 2005 general provincial election, Comox Valley had 69.8%247 voter participation
increased by 1.7% from 2001.248 In contrast, only 58.2% of eligible voters in BC voted:
an increase of 2.8% from 2001.249 Voting turnout for 2009 in the dropped to 58.77%.250
Figure 42 below shows the relationship between age and voting.
Figure : Percentage of Eligible Voters that Voted in the 2005 General Election
Number of Eligible Voters
700,000
Number of Registered Voters
Registered Voters Who Voted
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
18-24
years
25-34
years
35-44
years
45-54
years
55-64
years
65-74
years
75+ years
Source: Elections BC and BC Stats. Voter Participation by Age Group – May 17, 2005 Provincial General Election.
Although municipal elections provide a way for residents to participate in decisionmaking within their community, the level of voter turnout remains lower than the 1999
247
Elections BC. Comox Valley Electoral District Final Results and Registered Voters per Electoral District.
248
Elections BC. CMX – Comox Valley Voter Participation Counts – May 16, 2001.
249
Elections BC and BC Stats. BC Voter Participation: 1983 to 2005.
250
Elections BC, Voting Turnout, 2009 General Election.
rate. Comox voter turnout increased in 2009 to 42.63% over the 2005 rate of 39.7%, but
is still lower than the 45% in 1999. Courtenay voter turnout was 31.75% in 2008, 24.3%
in 2005, and 43% in 1999. Cumberland usually has the highest voter participation rate,
but it too has decreased to 52.68%, down from 58.3% in 2005, and 61% in 1999.251
10.2 Charitable Donations
According to the 2007 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 79% of
BC residents aged 15 and over gave donations to charitable and nonprofit
organizations, an increase of 2% since 2004.252 Total annual donations were $1,462.6
million.253
The average annual donation in BC was $506, an increase over the 2004 average of
$467. The median annual donation was $125, meaning that half the donors gave more
than $125, and half gave less.254
“The top 25% of donors – those who gave $364 or more – tended
to be older, to have higher household incomes and to possess
higher levels of formal education. Those who are employed,
widowed, or attend religious services on a weekly basis, also
tended to be in the top group of donors.”255
Collectively, organizations in BC had total annual revenues of $11 billion. When
hospitals, universities and colleges were excluded, that figure was $9 billion. Again,
excluding hospitals, universities and colleges, organizations received 46% of their
revenues from the government, 34% from earned income, 16% from gifts and donations,
and 5% from other sources.256
251
Civic Info BC, Local Government Election Reporting System 2008.
252
Minister of Industry, 2009, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey
of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, p.28. Catalogue no. 71-542-X.
253
Ibid, p.88.
254
Ibid.
255
Statistics Canada, The Daily, June 8, 2009, p.2. Catalogue 11-001-XIE.
256
Imagine Canada, The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector in British Columbia, p.1.
Below, in Figure 42, donation rates are divided into organization types, with health,
social services, and religious organizations being the clear favourites in Canada.
Figure : Donor rate, by selected organization type, population aged 15 and older, Canada, 2004 and 2007
Source: Minister of Industry, 2009, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey of
Giving, Volunteering and Participating, p.16, Chart 1.4.
The affect of the recent recession on charitable donations has organizations worried. A
recent study by Ipsos Reid, a market research company, said that people used to give to
an average of six charities a year, but now they give only to four. More people are
basing their donations on how much they make (44% versus 33% in 2002). Fewer
people are leaving gifts in their wills; about half of what it was seven years ago.257
Other notable changes: people prefer “arms-length appeals through mainstream media”
(70 %). Telephone solicitations at home were seen as intrusive and the least acceptable
257
Recession, Donor Fatigue Hammer B.C. Charities, Grania Litwin, Times Colonist, May 6, 2009.
method. Personalized letters, dinner benefits and special events are still acceptable.
However, on a positive note, the company noted that online donations have soared from
six to 32 per cent.258
10.3 Volunteerism
Just under half of Canadians volunteered with charities and nonprofit organizations in
2007. Contributions encompass a range of tasks including: “serving on boards and
committees, canvassing for funds, providing counselling services or making friendly
visits to seniors, delivering food, helping build facilities, serving as volunteer drivers,
helping to protect the environment and wildlife, advocating for social causes and
coaching children and youth.”259 The average number of volunteer hours in British
Columbia was 172 hours, a decrease of 14% from 199 hours in 2004.260 The volunteer
rate in BC is 46.6%.261
“Now, more than ever, the federal government needs to recognize
volunteerism as part of the social and economic infrastructure of
this country. To do so requires shedding the common perception
that volunteerism just happens, when in fact promoting, recruiting,
training, engaging and recognizing the efforts of volunteers
requires support and expertise that is often unrecognized or
overlooked and definitely under-resourced. An investment in
volunteerism will ensure that the efforts and skills of Canada’s
volunteers will be invested right back into our communities. And
this will also help our government with its goals, such as creating
an efficient healthcare and education system, environmentally
sustainable communities, safe neighbourhoods, and providing
skills training for Canadians.”262
– Ruth MacKenzie, President of Volunteer Canada.
258
Recession, Donor Fatigue Hammer B.C. Charities, Grania Litwin, Times Colonist, May 6, 2009.
259
Minister of Industry, 2009, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey
of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, p.35. Catalogue no. 71-542-X.
260
Ibid.p35-36.
261
Ibid, p.69.
262
Volunteer Canada 08/09 Annual Report, p.6. Available at
http://volunteer.ca/en/about/aboutVolCan/annual_reports.
Organizations in BC reported a volunteer complement of 1.5 million, who collectively
contributed 114 million hours of volunteer time, an equivalent of approximately 60,000
full-time jobs. They also report a total membership of 14 million, meaning that the
average British Columbian is a member of three organizations.263
In 2004, Valleylinks launched a new community volunteer centre, Volunteer Comox
Valley (VCV). The centre supports volunteers and voluntary sector organizations in the
Valley by providing community information resources, services and programs. Member
organizations can post their volunteer opportunities at VCV where people can access
and connect with agencies in need of their skills and talents. In addition, volunteers can
meet with staff and receive support in finding a compatible volunteer opportunity.
VCV supports 184 member organizations within the voluntary sector. An annual
membership fee of $36 helps support programs and services including: Volunteer
Referral Program, no cost Police Record Checks (PRC), promotion of members’ special
events, fundraisers, services, programs and volunteer needs. VCV also holds annual
volunteer recognition events and provides professional development opportunities.
Administration of police record checks is a service unique to the Valley. In their first year
of operation, VCV processed 700 police record checks. They now process 2,000 to
2,500 checks annually.264
Staff professionals are dedicated to excellence in the voluntary sector and participate in
ongoing professional development through the Council for Certification in Volunteer
Administration. A toolkit for voluntary sector organizations is being developed to provide
an easy-to-use guide that will encourage formalizing of volunteer programs and using
“best” practices in managing volunteer resources.265 Visit http://www.valleylinks.net.
10.4 Non-Profit Organisations
There were over 161,000 registered charities and nonprofit organizations in Canada in
2003, the most current year for which data are available. About 20,000 are in BC,
accounting for about 13% of the Canadian total.266
263
264
Conversations with Adda Vallevand, Volunteer Coordinator, and Bev Moquin, Executive Director,.
Valleylinks, May 2009.
265
Conversations with Adda Vallevand, Volunteer Coordinator, and Bev Moquin, Executive Director,.
Valleylinks, May 2009.
266
The most common types of charitable and nonprofit organizations in BC were religious
organizations accounting for 19% of all organizations, followed by Sports and
Recreation (17%), Arts and Culture (10%), and Social Services organizations (9%).
Although hospitals, universities and colleges represent only 1% of the organizations,
they account for almost a fifth (18%) of total revenues.267
A survey of nonprofits and voluntary organizations reported the following key findings268:
·
Canada’s nonprofit and voluntary sector is the 2nd largest in the world after the
Netherlands.
·
2 million people are employed by these organizations, representing 11.1% of the
economically active population.
·
The sector represents $79.1 billion or 7.8% of the GDP (larger than the automotive
or manufacturing industries).
The majority of BC-based organizations (60%) are completely volunteer run, having no
paid staff. They have about 1.5 million volunteers, of which 168,000 are board members
and 1.3 million are non-board volunteers.269
Subsectors most dependent on government funding were health (77%), education and
research (66%), and social services (59%). Subsectors receiving most of their income
from donations and grants were religion (67%), international aid (61%), and environment
(44%).270
In BC, smaller organizations engaged the most volunteers, especially those in the
environment, religion, and sports and recreation. For example, environment
organizations make up 4% of the sector in BC, but, have 19% of the volunteers. “This
discrepancy is far larger than any observed in other parts of Canada.”271
British Columbia’s nonprofit and voluntary organizations employed
147,000 people and, even though 23% of them worked in the
Hospitals, Universities and Colleges sub-sector, the remainder still
made up a workforce larger than the total employment in the
267
268
Imagine Canada web site, Charities & Nonprofit Organizations.
269
270
Vic Murray, The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector in British Columbia: Regional Highlights from the
National Survey of Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations, 2006, p.vi.
271
Ibid, p.vii.
forestry, fishing, and mining, oil and gas extraction industries
combined. NB However, 42% of that workforce was parttime and
36% worked in temporary positions. Levels of paid staff remained
the same between 2001 and 2003 for 63% of British Columbia’s
organizations; 30% reported an increase and 7% reported a
decrease. These percentage distributions were quite similar to the
national numbers. (Source: see footnote 271.)
NB: Figures in the survey and those from Statistics Canada are not strictly comparable because of
differences in data collection methods.
The groups most served by nonprofit and voluntary organizations were the general
public (46%), children and youth (25%), and the elderly (15%).272 The top ten largest
charities in BC,273 based on their 2006 revenues, were:
Vancouver Foundation
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
BC Cancer Foundation
Power to Change
Hope International Development Agency
The Terry Fox Foundation
Rick Hansen Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society
Victoria Foundation
Heart & Stroke Foundation
272
Vic Murray, The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector in British Columbia: Regional Highlights from the
National Survey of Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations, 2006, p.v.
273
BC’s Ten Largest Charities, Chad Skelton, Vancouver Sun, April 5, 2008.
11. Employment and Economy
The vitality of a community is dependent on a strong economy and the ability to offer
desirable employment opportunities. A shortage of stable employment conditions
generates tension and affects all aspects of people's lives from domestic relations to
recreation, food security, transportation, and volunteer work. The structure of the
Canadian economy has changed from a focus on primary (resource extraction) and
secondary (manufacturing) parts of the economy to the service sector; this is evident in
the Comox Valley. Measures of employment and the economy include, but are not
limited to: unemployment and employment rates, average income, Low Income Cut-off
Rates (LICO), business start-up and bankruptcy rates. Quality of life is highly dependent
on job security and economic activity.
11.1 Employment by Sector
Employment that can sustain a reasonable standard of living is essential to the quality of
life for most people. Temporal changes in employment by sector provide a strong
indicator of shifts in the economic circumstances of a community affecting the quality of
life of residents and the viability of the community itself.
Trends reported in 2004 274 continue with the weakening of the primary sector of the
economy with its accompanying loss of highly-paid workers and the growth of the
service sector and its lower average wages. BC Stats, using Statistics Canada data,
report in the first quarter of 2008 that 9.7% of firms in the Comox-Strathcona Regional
District are in agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining, and oil and gas extraction.
Construction and retail businesses together make up 27.6% of local firms.275
Statistics Canada has been collecting data on the labour market status covering offreserve First Nations and Métis populations in BC since 2004. The top three
occupational groups for Aboriginal people in BC are sales and service occupations
(28%), trades, transport and equipment operators (21%), and business, finance and
administration (11%).276
274
Comox Valley Social Planning Society. 2004 Quality of Life Report, p77.
275
BC Stats. Quarterly Regional Statistics – First Quarter 2008.
276
BC Stats, Business Indicators, The Aboriginal Population in BC and Recent Trends in Off Reserve
Aboriginal Labour Force Participation, February 2008. Available at http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/.
A problem with counting firms is that the number of people employed in the public sector
is not considered. The following table shows that the largest employers in the Comox
Valley are public sector employers.
Table : Comox Valley Major Employers
Employer
CFB 19 Wing Comox
School District 71
Mt. Washington Resort
St. Joseph's Hospital
Superstore
Wal-Mart
Home Depot
Crown Isle Golf Resort
North Island College
RCMP
Kingfisher Resort & Spa
City of Courtenay
Zellers
Number of Employees
1430
900
850
840
300
218
200
150
138
125
120
110
103
Source: Comox Valley Economic Development Society 2007.
Annual payroll may be a better indicator of how various employers contribute to the local
economy. For example, the yearly payroll for the Canadian Forces Base Comox (CFB
19 Wing) is approximately $65,000,000: substantially higher than the North Island
College yearly budget of approximately $28,000,000.
Another consideration is the mix of part-time, temporary and full-time staff. CFB Comox
reports that there are approximately 1,000 Regular force, 120 Reserves, and 250
civilians (full and part-time) on the base. 277 These data are not available for the other
employers listed in Table 31 above.
11.2 Unemployment Rates
The numbers of people receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits fluctuate
seasonally, by industry and according to the ebbs and flows of the economy. In March
2009, there were 3,260 individuals receiving benefits without reporting earnings. This
277
National Defence and the Canadian Forces. 19 Wing – Comox.
was up 63.8 % from the previous month.278 It is also higher than at any time since the
first Quality of Life report was released in 2002.
Figure : EI Beneficiaries, Comox-Strathcona.
Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM Table 276-0006.
Figure 44 above shows the number of employment recipients from 2002 to January
2008. It clearly depicts how employment varies in our region because of the seasonal
nature of employment in tourism, forestry, fishing, etc. Peaks occur in January of each
year and lows in the summer. The unemployment experiences of men and women
parallel each other to a large extent. The current number of EI recipients is 10.3% of
adults in the population between the ages of 19 and 64. When Statistics Canada begins
to collect data on the Comox Valley Regional District separately from the Strathcona
Regional District, finer evaluations will be possible of unemployment in the Comox
Valley itself. Nonetheless, there is little doubt that unemployment is up in the Comox
Valley, rising sharply in November 2008 from a low in September.
Although the unemployment rate in BC has declined, with an average of 4.2% in 2007,
the Aboriginal unemployment rate still remains more than double that of the nonAboriginal population—9.7%. First Nations people have the highest incidence of
278
BC Stats, Employment Insurance Beneficiaries Receiving regular Benefits Without Reporting Earnings.
(retrieved June 4th , 2009 from: http:// www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/lss/iaui/ei-rd.pdf)
unemployment at 11.4%. However, between 2005 and 2007, the First Nations
unemployment rate dropped 8.2%.279
11.3 Income Levels
High incomes permit home ownership, travel and other sought-after values in life.
Consistent and relatively good incomes permit communities to thrive, local businesses
to flourish and public amenities to better serve the people.
There are various ways of assessing and comparing incomes. Statisticians use
averages (means), median and modes to describe the distribution of incomes in a
population. There is also a number of geographical units used. For instance BC Stats
reports incomes by electoral, regional, college and hospital districts as well as by
community. Furthermore, incomes are reported by tax-filer, individuals, households and
economic family units (couple and single-parent families). Caution is therefore advised
in making comparisons, especially for small geographical units. We can begin by
considering averages.
Income levels have risen steadily in the Comox Valley over the past 20 years.
Significantly, however, they have not kept pace with inflation here and in the rest of
Canada since the first QOL report released in 2002. From 1950 until 1980 real wages
doubled on average. Since then there has been no progress at all for average wages.280
BC Stats reports that the average economic family income in the Comox Valley in 1995
was $49,740, lower than the BC average at $56,527.281 By 2000 income levels
increased on average for census families to $57,347 compared to $64,821 for BC as a
whole.282 Average family income for the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona in 2006
was $68,840 as compared to the provincial average of $80,511.283 This all seems fairly
279
BC Stats, Business Indicators, February 2008, The Aboriginal Population in BC and Recent Trends in
Off Reserve Aboriginal Labour Force Participation. Available at http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/.
280
CAW 20th Anniversary Collective Bargaining Convention Document, Chapter 6: Historical Overview: A
Shrinking Slice of the Pie. 2005. (http://www.caw.ca/assets/pdf/Chapter6.pdf)
281
Comox Valley Social Planning Society, 2002 Quality of Life Report, page 18.
282
BC Stats, Regional District 25 – Comox-Strathcona Statistical Profile, 2006.
283
BC Stats, Provincial Electoral District Profile for Comox Valley Based on the 2006 Census. Released
2009. (http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/peds/Comox%20Valley_BC.pdf)
encouraging. However, the median284 incomes for 2006 according to the same report
were $48,548 for the Comox Valley electoral district, while the figure was $52,709 for
the whole of BC. So, in terms of average and median incomes, the Comox Valley sits
significantly below the rest of BC (but higher than, say, Campbell River and Port
Alberni).
As noted above, BC Stats reports on incomes in a variety of ways (always using Stats
Can data as the basis of their reports). One interesting and telling way is by looking at
tax-filers. In 2007, there were 47,880 tax-filers in the areas listed in Table 32 below
(80,410 for the whole of the Comox-Strathcona Regional District).
285
Table : Comox Valley Median Incomes as Reported by Tax Filers, 2007.
Comox Valley Median Total Income ($)
Canada
BC
Males
35,629
36,348
Females
22,777
23,005
Total
28,497
28,692
Comox
Courtenay
Cumberland
Area A
Area K
Area C
Average Median Income for the Comox Valley
42,880
36,542
33,147
33,490
23,472
36,573
34,351
25,489
22,212
18,745
22,944
19,331
20,754
21,579
32,882
28,027
24,568
27,533
20,622
28,136
26,961
Note: Because of the way data are collected, Area B numbers are incorporated in the numbers for the other
communities above.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency, prepared by BC Stats May 2009. 2007 Neighbourhood Income and
Demographics.
Their median incomes as reported by BC Statistics286 are represented in the table
above. As you can see, Comox is above average and Cumberland, below average.
284
median (meaning middle) income of a specific group (e.g., Comox Valley) is that income which sits at
the mid-point in the distribution of all incomes with half of them above and half below the median. Average
income is obtained by adding all income for a group then dividing that number by the number of
individuals in the group.
285
This table is derived from Canada Revenue Agency data prepared by BC Stats and is available at:
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/lss/labour.asp
286
Source: Canada Revenue Agency, prepared by BC Stats, May 2009. 2007 Neighbourhood Income and
Demographics for Canada, BC, Development Regions, Regional Districts and Municipalities/Sub-Areas
(2006 Census geography).
Females, on average, earn 62% of what males earn. Interestingly, the greatest equity
between males and females is on Hornby and Denman Islands (former area K) where
females earn on average 82% of what males earn. The greatest inequity is in
Cumberland where females earn 56% of what males earn.
287
Table : Median Income Index for Canada, BC and the Comox Valley, 2007
Median Total Income Provincial Index
Males
CANADA TOTAL
0.98
BC TOTAL
1
Comox
Courtenay
Cumberland
Comox-Strathcona A
Comox-Strathcona K
Comox-Strathcona C
Average for the CV
Campbell River
Comox-Strathcona RD
1.18
1.01
0.91
0.92
0.65
1.01
0.95
1.13
1.06
Females
0.99
1
Total
0.99
1
1.11
0.97
0.81
1
0.84
0.9
0.94
0.92
0.95
1.15
0.98
0.86
0.96
0.72
0.98
0.94
1.02
1
Source: Canada Revenue Agency, prepared by BC Stats May 2009. 2007 Neighbourhood Income and
Demographics.
Parts of the Comox Valley are closer to the Canadian average than others. For instance,
Comox’s index number is 1.15. That means incomes in Comox are 115% of incomes in
BC as a whole, indicated by the index number 1. Area K (Hornby and Denman Islands)
is at 72% of the provincial average. At .94, Comox Valley incomes are 94% of what they
are in the rest of the province on average. Residents of Hornby and Denman Islands
undoubtedly feel that there are quality of life factors for them that outweigh the fact that
they are lower income earners than anywhere else in the Valley.
In terms of modal incomes (those incomes that appear most predominantly in a
distribution), the Comox Valley was somewhat unevenly distributed in 2005, but 35% of
families earned between $30,000 and $60,000 per year. Just over 29% earned between
$60,000 and $100,000 and 24.9% earned over $100,000. Just 15.9% earned less than
287
Table 33 is derived from Canada Revenue Agency data prepared by BC Stats and is available at:
$30,000.288 These are the latest available numbers. They will surely have changed in a
downward trend since the fall of 2008.
11.4 Income Security
There will always be people who need social assistance and community support.
However, if the number of people needing assistance increases or drops dramatically
over a fairly short period of time, there is cause for concern not only for them as
individuals, but also for the community as a whole. The proliferation of soup kitchens,
food banks and services to the homeless may be indicators that social assistance
benefits are inadequate to provide for even a modicum of quality of life.
In 2001, 7.6% of people living in the Comox Valley were on income assistance.289 In
2003, approximately 8.4% of the population in Cumberland, 5.1% of the population of
Comox and just over 9% of the Courtenay population were receiving social assistance
and employment insurance benefits.290
Figure : Population Aged 19-64 Receiving Basic Income Assistance or Employment Insurance - 2006
6
Age Group
5
< 19
4
19-24
3
25-54
2
55-64
19-64
1
0
Courtenay - Courtenay - Comox - IA Comox - EI CumberlandCumberland
IA
EI
- IA
- EI
BC
Source: BC Stats, Community Facts Sheets – 2006.
Figure 45 above includes 2006 census data for those specific age groups on temporary
assistance only. The number of individuals receiving income assistance is lower now
than it was in 2003.291 In Courtenay in 2003, 9% of the population between 19-64 years
288
BC Stats British Columbia Provincial Electoral District Profile for the Comox Valley based on the 2006
Canadian Census. Available at: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca.
289
Comox Valley Social Planning Society. 2002 Quality of Life Report, p.19.
290
291
of age was on income assistance while the figure in 2006 was 5.2%. However, the drop
in recipients needs to be considered in the context of changing government rules,
requirements and benefit levels over the past few years.
A report issued by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in 2002 suggested that
there would be severe consequences for people, especially women, arising from the
government's changes to social assistance programs. The persistence of this issue is
captured in the following quote:
"In 2002, the provincial government cut welfare rates and
introduced arbitrary barriers that keep people in need from getting
help. Since then, homelessness has at least doubled and BC has
more people living below the poverty line than any other province
in Canada. The recent small welfare increases included in the
February 2007 Budget will make little difference to people's
lives."292
Statistics are collected monthly on the numbers of people receiving income assistance
and employment insurance benefits. BC Stats reported that, as of March 2008, 4% of
children (0-18) receive income assistance and 3.2% are in single parent families: these
numbers exclude long-term recipients and First Nations people living on reserves.
Related Indicators: Vacancy Rates and Rents – Lone Parent Families – Food Security
11.5 Low Income Cut Off (LICO)
As the 2004 QOL report noted, Low Income Cut Off is a measure used by Statistics
Canada to mark the poverty line in Canada. LICOs are based on the proportion of
annual household income spent on the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. The LICOs
are set using complex parameters that include 35-low income thresholds, including size
of family household and community size. The 2004 QOL report used household data in
its calculation of poverty in the Comox Valley using LICO. The data in this report are
from other sources.
To begin, however, it’s instructive to know where Statistics Canada sets the low-income
cut-off for individuals and families in smaller urban areas. Although Figure 46 below
does not present exact data, Statistics Canada determines that an individual living in an
urban area of less than 30,000 people and earning less than approximately $16,000 in
292
Raise the Rates web site. Accessed June 2, 2008. Available at http://www.raisetherates.org.
2006 lived below the poverty line. A family of 7 needs at least $43,000 to avoid poverty.
A person making minimum wage can earn just over half of $16,000. A person earning
$10 per hour earns $9,800 per year before taxes. That’s nowhere near the poverty line.
Figure : Low-Income Cut-Off
293
Source: Statistics Canada
Table 34 below uses data with a variety of categories including families and single
individuals. It illustrates how many people live in poverty in the Comox Valley. Female
single families fare the worse with 27% of them falling below the poverty line after taxes.
It’s over 40% using pre-tax data. Ten point eight percent of all families live below the
poverty line in the Comox Valley.
294
Table : After Tax Low Income Cut Off in Courtenay
Category
All families
Couples
Male Single Family
Female Single Family
Individual 15+ and not in a Family
Children under 6 years of age
Individual 65+ and not in a Family
Number of Families
14,545
12,255
400
1660
7850
2755
8850
%
10.8
4.2
16.2
27.7
25.5
14.3
4
Source: BC Stats.
293
Table compiled using Statistics Canada data, Low Income Cut Off for Urban Areas. Available at:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?lang=eng&catno=75F0002M2008004. Downloaded June 11, 2009.
294
BC Stats. These data are from Courtenay, CA 2006 Census Profile - Summary Version. Available at:
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/. (Downloaded June 11, 2009). Courtenay, CA here
includes Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Comox, Comox-Strathcona Regional District Areas A, K, B as
well as Comox 1 and Puntlegdge 2.
11.6 Bankruptcy and Incorporation Rates
Bankruptcies and incorporation rates are useful only as a general indication of trends.
They are not a good measure of business failures or successes. These numbers also do
not reflect the effect of the recent recession. It should also be remembered that the
regional district split will also influence the numbers when new data is available.
Table : Business Start Ups, 2001 to 2006
Table from Invest Comox Valley, Comox Valley Statistical Profile.
Table 35 above shows a steady increase in the number of business start ups,
particularly in Comox and Courtenay, which mirrors the trend across BC. The
bankruptcy rates in Table 36 below, however, are figures based on per 1,000
population. The rates for the Valley do not vary widely from the BC rates.
Table : Business Failure Rates, 2000 to 2005
Table from Invest Comox Valley, Comox Valley Statistical Profile
Table 37 lists the number of business bankruptcies in the Valley and BC.
Table : Business Failures, 2001 to 2006
Table from Invest Comox Valley, Comox Valley Statistical Profile
Appendices
List of Figures
Figure 1: Comox-Strathcona Regional District (Island part) 2006 ..................................................iv
Figure 2: Comox Valley Regional District.......................................................................................iv
Figure 3: Comox Valley Regional District – Electoral Areas ........................................................... v
Figure 4: North Vancouver Island (43) Health Service Area and Local Health Areas ..................... v
Figure 5: Comparison of Male & Female Lone Parent Families in the Comox Valley 2006 ............ 2
Figure 6: Comox Valley Population by Gender & Age ................................................................... 6
Figure 7: Comox Valley Seniors by Area ....................................................................................... 6
Figure 8: Predominate Aboriginal Identities 2006 - BC/Comox Valley............................................ 7
Figure 9: Ethnic Origins - BC & Comox-Strathcona Regional District............................................. 8
Figure 10: Visible Minorities Population Characteristics - 2006 - Comox-Strathcona ..................... 9
Figure 11: Top Ethnic Ancestry Origins - BC & Comox-Strathcona................................................ 9
Figure 12: Non-official Languages Spoken (English & French excluded) - Comox-Strathcona ...... 9
Figure 13: Median Value of a Single-Detached House, Canada’s Top 25, 2006 .......................... 11
Figure 14: Public Transit Usage - Comox Valley.......................................................................... 24
Figure 15: Percentage Breakdown of Ridership for 2008/09 ........................................................ 25
Figure 16: Mobility Impairment Permit Holders - Comox Valley ................................................... 26
Figure 17: Comox Valley Airport Annual Passenger Volume ....................................................... 26
Figure 18: BC Areas in Production, Program, and Transition ...................................................... 38
Figure 19: Organic Livestock in BC ............................................................................................. 38
Figure 20: Organic Crops in BC (minimum figures) ..................................................................... 39
Figure21: ALR Areas Included and Excluded by Regional District, Comox Valley ....................... 40
Figure 22: Age Specific Fertility Rates - Comox Valley 2006 ....................................................... 42
Figure 23: Percentage of Low Birth Weight Live Births to Total Live Births – LHA 71 Compared
to BC........................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 24: Infant Deaths/Infant Death Rates (IDR) - Local Health Authority 71 ............................ 44
Figure 25: Breastfeeding mothers at discharge on Vancouver Island by Health Service Delivery
Area, 2000-2004 ......................................................................................................... 45
Figure 26: STD Rates for 2005-2007 - Central Island and BC ..................................................... 46
Figure 27: Body Mass Index in BC Adolescents, grades 7-12. .................................................... 52
Figure 28: Overweight & obesity rates in Canadian & First Nations Children & Youth ................. 53
Figure 29: Dogwood Completion Rates for BC and Comox Valley School District #71 ................ 58
Figure 30: Percentage of Grade 12 Graduates Compared to Students Entering Grade 12 .......... 58
Figure 31: Percentage of students and amount of debt on graduation, all sources. ..................... 60
Figure 32: Status in September 2003 of Canada Student Loans Consolidated in 1994–95 ......... 60
Figure 33: Education Levels Attained as a Percentage of Total Population Over 19 Years. ........ 61
Figure 34: Growth of Francophone Program Students in School District 93 ................................ 65
Figure 35: Lone Parent Families in School District 71, 2001. ....................................................... 67
Figure 36: Lone Parent Families in School District 71, 2007. ....................................................... 68
Figure 37: Violent Crimes – Sexual/Non-sexual Offences - Comox Valley................................... 76
Figure 38: Property Crimes - Comox Valley 2002 - 2006 ............................................................. 76
Figure 39: Comox Valley Annual Water Consumption, 1995 to 2008........................................... 83
Figure 40: Daily Per Capita Water Use Comparison between the Comox Valley, BC & Canada . 84
Figure 41: Garbage Pie. The makeup of house hold waste. ........................................................ 89
Figure 42: Percentage of Eligible Voters that Voted in the 2005 General Election ....................... 98
Figure 43: Donor rate, by selected organization type, population aged 15 and older, Canada,
2004 and 2007 .......................................................................................................... 100
Figure 44: EI Beneficiaries, Comox-Strathcona. ........................................................................ 107
Figure 45: Population Aged 19-64 Receiving Basic Income Assistance or Employment Insurance
- 2006 ....................................................................................................................... 111
Figure 46: Low-Income Cut-Off ................................................................................................. 113
List of Tables
Table 1: Population Growth of Comox Valley ................................................................................ 1
Table 2: Number of Families and Children at Home in the Comox Valley – 2006 Census ............. 3
Table 3: Number of Families and Children at Home in the Comox Valley and BC - 1996-2006
Comparison .................................................................................................................. 4
Table 4: Comox Valley Marital Statuses - 2006 ............................................................................. 4
Table 5: Comox Valley and BC Population 65 and Over, including Projections ............................. 5
Table 6: Housing Starts for the Courtenay Area, 2000 to 2008 (Peak years marked in grey.) ..... 12
Table 7: Vacancy Rates (%) in the Comox Valley by Dwelling Type and Number of Bedrooms .. 12
Table 8: Average Rents in the Comox Valley by Dwelling Type and Number or Bedrooms ......... 13
Table 9: Non-market Housing Units for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, Comox Valley ..... 16
Table 10: Total Universe by For-Profit and Non-Profit Residences by Zone and Market Type,
BC, 2008 ..................................................................................................................... 17
Table 11: Summary of Results of Homeless Counts in VIHA Communities. ................................ 20
Table 12: Organic Farmers and Organic Processing & Handling ................................................. 37
Table 13: Certified Producers - BC & Comox Valley .................................................................... 37
Table 14: Breastfeeding mothers at discharge on Vancouver Island by Health Service Delivery
Area, 2000-2004 ........................................................................................................ 45
Table 15: Comparison of the Number of Suicides by Local Health Area, Health Authority, and all
of BC........................................................................................................................... 50
Table 16: St. Joseph’s General Hospital Statistics....................................................................... 55
Table 17: Student/Educator Ratios – BC and Comox Valley School District #71 ......................... 57
Table 18: Comox Valley Public Library Branches’ Items .............................................................. 64
Table 19: Comox Valley Public Library Branches' Collections ..................................................... 64
Table 20: Number of artists and average earnings by occupation in BC, 2006 census ................ 69
Table 21: Crime Rate Comparison .............................................................................................. 74
Table 22: Serious Juvenile (Age 12-17) Crime Rate – Avg 2004/06, Comox Valley Regional
District ......................................................................................................................... 77
Table 23: Community Justice Centre Annual Statistical Report by Results .................................. 78
Table 24: Number of Sexual Offences in the Comox Valley, 2004 – 2007 ................................... 79
Table 25: Spousal Assault Crime Rates ...................................................................................... 80
Table 26: Indicators of Serious Drug Crime - Average 2003-2005 ............................................... 80
Table 27: Water Operators of the Comox Valley.......................................................................... 82
Table 28: Provincial and Territorial GHG Emissions, 1990 and 2006........................................... 87
Table 29: LOCAL WASTE GENERATION STATS - 2008 ........................................................... 91
Table 30: Current Methods of Recycling E-waste in the ESABC ................................................. 92
Table 31: Comox Valley Major Employers ................................................................................. 106
Table 32: Comox Valley Median Incomes as Reported by Taxfilers, 2007................................. 109
Table 33: Median Income Index for Canada, BC and the Comox Valley, 2007 .......................... 110
Table 34: After Tax Low Income Cut Off in Courtenay ............................................................... 113
Table 35: Business Start Ups, 2001 to 2006.............................................................................. 114
Table 36: Business Failure Rates, 2000 to 2005 ....................................................................... 114
Table 37: Business Failures, 2001 to 2006 ................................................................................ 114
References
1. POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS
BC Progress Board
Strategic Considerations for BC’s Future: Issues and Trends 2007 Report
http://www.bcprogressboard.com/2007Report/IssuesReport/Issues_exec_summ_final.pdf
BC St atistics
2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen01/facts/cff0108.pdf
2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population, Family Status & Living Arrangements.
2001 Census Fast Facts: BC Aboriginal Identity Population, Age Distribution.
2001 Census Profile of British Columbia's Regions, Comox-Strathcona Regional District
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen01/profiles/59025000.pdf
2006 Census of Canada, Census Profiles
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/detailed/ch_alpha.asp
2006 Census Profile, Summary Version: Comox-Strathcona, CD.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/detailed/59025000.pdf
Business Indicators, February 2008: The Aboriginal Population in BC and Recent Trends in Off
Reserve Aboriginal Labour Force Participation.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/bcbi/bcbi0802.pdf
Business Indicators, 2007: Children in BC Families
Sub-Provincial Population Estimates, Health District 71.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/dynamic/PopulationStatistics/SelectRegionType.asp?category=Health
Ministry of Att orney General, Multiculturalism & Immigration Branch
Profile of Diversity of British Columbia
http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/PubDocs/bcdocs/438975/British_Columbia.pdf
Profile of Diversity in BC Communities, 2001: Comox-Strathcona
http://www.bcmulticulturalprofiles.gov.bc.ca/2001/ profiles/ diversity%20profiles/comox-strathcona%20rd.pdf.
Profile of Diversity in BC Communities, 2006: Comox-Strathcona
http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/PubDocs/bcdocs/442074/diversity_profiles_Comox_Strathcona.pdf
Statistics Canada
Canada Social Trends: Census Snapshots of Canada – Families, Catalogue No. 11-008.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2007006/article/10380-eng.pdf
Community Profiles: Comox-Strathcona Regional District
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Index.cfm?Lang=E
Marriages by Province and Territory
http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/famil04.htm
Median total income, by family type, by province and territory: Couple Families
http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/famil108b.htm
Median total income, by family type, by province and territory: Lone Parent Families
http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/famil108c.htm
The Daily, Friday, October 20, 2006. Study: Earnings Instability.
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/061020/d061020b.htm
2. HOUSING
BC Agricultural Land Commission
ALR Maps by Regional District: Comox Valley
ftp://slkftp.env.gov.bc.ca/alc/outgoing/ALR_Maps_by_Regional_District/Comox_Valley/Index_Map_Comox_Valley.pdf
Chart 1: Percentage of ALR by Region, January 1, 2008.
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alr/stats/Perc_ALR_by_Region.htm
History of the ALR
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/Alr_history.htm
Preserving Our Foodlands
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/preserve/preserve-print.htm
BC Housi ng
Housing Fund Grants of $31,360 for Courtenay, April 6th, 2009.
http://www.bchousing.name/programs/HEF/news/2009/04/03/5590_0904031541-652?pageNumber=
Housing Matters. Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: Housing First with Supportive Services
http:// www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle/
Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative
http://bchousing.org/ programs/SRH
The Link: Choices for Families, Zone 9 - Vancouver Island North and Nanaimo
http://www.bchousing.org/applicants/housing_listing/
BC Ministry of Heal th Services, Mental Health and Addictions
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/mhd/
BC St atistics
2006 Census Fast Facts: Housing Affordability in British Columbia
British Columbia Housing Starts for Urban Areas and Communities
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/handout/HSTART.pdf
Business Indicators: Housing Affordability in British Columbia
Infoline, Issue 08-18, May 2, 2008
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/releases/info2008/in0818.pdf
Statistical Profile, 2007: Local Health Area 71
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/lha/lha_71.pdf
Brow nlee, Clark
Canada’s Housing Crisis: Public Forum, November 2008.
http://righttohousing.ca/?p=248
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness (Ottawa: CIHI, 2007).
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/products/mental_health_report_aug22_2007_e.pdf
Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction Faculty of Health Sciences
February 2008. Simon Fraser University.
http://www.carmha.ca/publications/resources/pub_hsami/Housing_SAMI_BC_FINAL(PD).pdf
Cit y of Courtena y
Affordable Housing Policy
http://www.city.courtenay.bc.ca/news/affordable-housing-policy.aspx
Homeless! City of Courtenay Mayor’s Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness,
Addictions and Homelessness in the Comox Valley, March 2008.
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/uploadedFiles/Notices/Homelessness.pdf
Comox Valley Echo
1. Low income residents face big rent hikes in New Year, Marcel Tetrault, Nov 21,2008.
2. Washington Inn tenants get 'partial victory' on rent, Marcel Tetrault, Feb 17, 2009.
3. United to help the homeless: District agreement on plan to buy land for supportive
housing, shelter projects. Philip Round, May 15, 2009.
Comox Valley Economic Development
Comox Valley Population Soars
http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/newsataglance/documents/2006CensusSummaryPressRelease.pdf
Comox Valley Regi onal District
Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy
http://www.comoxstrathcona.ca/section_rgs/content.asp?id=3211&collection=71
Comox Valley Seni ors Village
Sue Bennett, Marketing Coordinator. Conversation: May 2009.
Comox Valley Social Pla nning Societ y
The Comox Valley 2004 Quality of Life Report
http://cvsocialplanning.ca/documents/
Comox Valley Transition Soci et y
Comox Valley Homeless and Housing Survey Results: “Moving into Action” November 2006.
http://www.cvts.ca/assets/templates/cvts_main/files/HH_survey.pdf
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Housing Now – British Columbia, 64151, First Quarter 2009.
https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/b2c/catalog/updateItems.do;z_ProductID=[object%20NodeList];
jsessionid=ID1253371108DB0.16541033765508095End#
Rental Market Report: British Columbia, Highlights, Fall 2008.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-12-11-0815.cfm
National Rental Vacancy Rate Decreases in 2008, News Release, December 11, 2008.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-12-11-0815.cfm
Seniors’ Housing Report, British Columbia, 2008.
https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/b2c/catalog/product.do?next=cross#
Smart Grow th BC
Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
http://www.smartgrowth.bc.ca/AboutUs/Issues/AgriculturalLandReserveALR/tabid/111/Default.aspx
Tow n of Comox
Housing Affordability Strategy
http://comox.ca/town-hall/other-documents/planning-documents/HOUSING%20AFFORDABILITY%20STRATEGY.pdf
Vancouver Island Health Aut horit y
http://www.viha.ca/
Vancouver Island North, Habitat for Humanities
http://www.habitatnorthisland.com/builds.php
Vancouver Island Real Estate Board
http://www.vireb.com/
White, Margaret
Poverty and Education Report. Students are not to blame: Understanding the structural causes
of family poverty, March 2009.
bctf.ca/publications.aspx?id=5630
United Nations
United Nations Press Release
http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/0/90995D69CE8153C3C1257387004F40B5?opendocument
Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an
adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Miloon Kothari.
Addendum. MISSION TO CANADA (9-22 Oct 2007), A/HRC/10/7/Add.3, Feb 17, 2009.
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/115/02/PDF/G0911502.pdf?OpenElement
3. TRANSPORTATION
Comox Valley Airport
Flight information: Airline Schedules
http://www.comoxairport.com/fi_schedule.asp
Comox Valley Transit Has Fastest-Growing Ridership In BC For Second Year In A Row.
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/section_news/content.asp?id=2085&collection=36
Comox Valley Transit System
handy DART
http://www.bctransit.com/regions/com/accessible/handydart.cfm
Route 1 - Town Shuttle Loop
http://www.busonline.ca/regions/com/schedules/schedule.cfm?p=day.text&route=1%3A0&day=2&
Karen Sankey, Operation Manager, Comox Valley Transit. Conversation: July 2009.
Profile Canada
Company Profile – Watson and Ash Transportation Co.
http://www.profilecanada.com/companydetail.cfm?company=108530_Watson_Ash_Transportation_Co_Comox_BC
The Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC)
http://www.sparc.bc.ca/
Tourism Briti sh Col umbia Research & Planning
Tourism Indicators – Data Tables, April 2009.
http://www.tourismbc.com/Libraries/Research_Tourism_Indicators/Data_Supplement_Tables_April_2009.sflb.ashx
4. FOOD SECURITY
BC Agricultural Land Commission
Chart 1: Percentage of ALR by Region, Jan. 2008.
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alr/stats/Perc_ALR_by_Region.htm
Preserving Our Foodlands, and History of the ALR
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/publications.htm
BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and School of Environmental Planning
Economic and Community Impact Assessment Final Report November 22, 2006. University of Northern BC.
http://www.unbc.ca/assets/planning/localfood/reports/ unbc_final_report_comox.doc
BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assist ance
BC Employment and Assistance Rate Tables
http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/mhr/ia.htm
Certified Organic Associations of Briti sh Columbia
About Organic: Why Buy Organic?
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/aboutorganic/organicwhy.htm
Provincial Summaries Organic Statistics 2005 BC
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/pdf/StatsBC2005.pdf
Comox Valley Farmers Market
History – Since 1992!
http://www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com/history.htm
Comox Valley Food Bank
Jeff Hampton, Manager. Interview May 23, 2008.
2008 Comox Valley Regional District Annual Report
http://www.comoxstrathcona.ca/uploadedFiles/Public_Affairs/Annual_Reports/2008AnnualReport.pdf
Comox Valley School District 71
Allan Douglas, Director of Elementary Instruction. Summary of Community Links June 2007
report, phone calls, and emails, June 2008.
Comox Valley Social Planning Societ y
Inter-agency Brown Bag Meeting sponsored by the CVSPS, April 7, 2009.
Dieticians of Canada
The Cost of Eating in BC 2007
http://www.dietitians.ca/news/frm_resource/imageserver.asp?id=1009&document_type=document&popup
=true&contentid=1944
Four Square Gospel Church
Judy Woods. Interview June 6, 2008.
LUSH Valle y Food Action Societ y
http://www.foodcomoxvalley.org/
LUSH Valley Food Action Society Newsletter, Winter 2009
http://www.foodcomoxvalley.org/show7s/LUSH_Valley_HUB_
Sue Moen, Executive Director. Interview June 2, 2008.
Betty-Anne Juba, Acting Executive Director and President. Interviewed July15, 2009.
Sal vation Army
Shawn Wilson, Community Services Director. Interview June 9, 2008.
Sonshine Lunch Program
Mac Wilson, President. Interview June 24, 2008.
Stone Soup Program
Rhonda Davis, Co-ordinator. Interview June 24, 2005.
Miracle Beach Farmers Market
Karen Falk, Organiser. Interview June 11, 2008.
Smart Grow th BC
Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
http://www.smartgrowth.bc.ca/AboutUs/Issues/AgriculturalLand/tabid/111/Default.aspx
5. HEALTH
BC Centre for Disease Control
Chlamydia case reports and rates in BC, 1998 to 2007.
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/std/reports/Chlamydia%202007.pdf
Cumulative Reports from January to December on Selected Communicable Diseases by HSDA
and Previous Year Comparison, Dec07 by HSDA.
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/epid/reports/Dec07%20by%20HSDA.pdf
Gonorrhea case reports and rates in BC, 1998 to 2007.
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/std/reports/Gonorrhea%202007.pdf
HIV/AIDS Annual Report 2006
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/std/reports/HIV-AIDS%20Update%20Report_2006.pdf
Infectious syphilis case reports and rates in BC, 1998 to 2007.
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/std/reports/Syphilis%202007.pdf
STI/HIV Prevention and Control 2006 Annual Report.
http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/std/sti%20annual%20report%20v8.pdf
BC Ministry of Heal th
http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/maternal/facts/index.html
BC Ministry of Heal th, Vital Statistics Agency
Selected Vital Statistics and Health Status Indicators One Hundred Thirty-Fifth Annual Report 2006.
http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/stats/annual/2006/index.html
Quarterly Digests – Volume 11 Numbers 3 &4, Volume 12 Number 4, Volume 13 Number 4,
Volume 14 Number 4, Volume 15 Number 4, and Volume 16 Number 4.
http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/stats/quarter/index.html
British Columbia Reproductive Care Program, British Columbia Perinatal Database Registry
Annual Report 2005.
http://www.bcphp.ca/sites/bcrcp/files/Annual%20Report%202005.pdf
British Columbia Pediatric Societ y
Childhood Obesity
http://www.bcpeds.ca/families/childhood-obesity/
BC St atistics
2006 Census Profile: British Columbia
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/detail_b/59000000.pdf
2006 Census of Canada: Census Profiles
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/detailed/ch_alpha.asp
2008 Statistical Profile: Local Health Area 71 – Courtenay.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/lha/lha_71.pdf
British Columbia Population Forecast - 07/07 Table 3: Selected Age Groups.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/project/bctab3.asp
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Health Care in Canada, 2008 (Ottawa, ON)
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=AR_43_E&cw_topic=43
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research About Obesity
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/37724.html
College of Physicians and Surg eons of British Columbi a
Physician Search
https://www.cpsbc.ca/cps/physician_directory/search/
Comox Seniors Association
http://www.comoxseniors.ca/
Comox Valley Recovery Centre
http://www.comoxvalleyrecoverycentre.com/
Comox Valley Transition Soci et y / Li lli House
http://www.cvts.ca/
Crossroads Crisis Centre
http://www.crossroadscrisis.ca/
Evergreen Seni ors Club
http://www.evergreenseniorsclub.org/
Invest Comox Valley
Comox Valley Statistical Profile: Demographics
http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/businessresources/documents/Demographics_000.pdf
John How ard Societ y of North Island
http://www.jhsni.bc.ca/
McCrear y Centre Societ y
A Picture of Health: Highlights from the 2008 BC Adolescent Health Survey. Smith, A., Stewart
D., Peled, M., Poon, C., Saewyc, E. and the McCreary Centre Society (2009), Vancouver, BC.
http://www.mcs.bc.ca/pdf/AHS%20IV%20March%2030%20Final.pdf
Peak House
http://peakhouse.ca/intake_and_referral.htm
St. Joseph’s General Hospital
http://www.sjghcomox.ca/
School District 71
Teacher’s Zone, Daily Physical Activity in the Comox Valley.
http://web.sd71.bc.ca/dpa/?q=node/3
Turtle Island Nati ve Netw ork
Monthly News Briefs Sept. 2006
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4915
Worksafe BC
The Ripple Effect: 2007 Statistics
http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/reports/statistics_reports/assets/pdf/stats2007.pdf
Youth Suicide Prevention
Canadian Statistics
http://www.youthsuicide.ca/misc/stats_ad.htm
6. EDUCATION
Adult Learning Centre
http://www.a-l-c.ca/
BC Ministry of Education
District Data Summary 2002/03 - 2006/07
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reports/pdfs/sd_perf/071.pdf
District Reports – Comox Valley (71) – District Data Summary 2002/03 – 2006/07, Graduation:
Grade 12 Graduation Rates, and Student Statistics 2003/04 – 2007/08.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reporting/levels/sd-bas.php
School and District Data Summary Reports: Enrolment, Educators, Schools List.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reporting/levels/perf-bas.php
Canadian Council on Learni ng
Post-secondary Education in Canada: Meeting our needs? (Ottawa: February 2009)
http://www.ccl-cca.ca/pdfs/PSE/2009/PSE2008_English.pdf
Canada Millennium Schol arship Foundation
1. Student Aid and University Persistence — Does Debt Matter? Lori McElroy, 2005.
2. The Price of Knowledge: Access and Student Finance in Canada – Third Edition. Joseph
Berger, Anne Motte and Andrew Parkin, 2007.
http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca/en/research/AllPublications.asp
Comox Valley Literacy Now
Danielle Hoogland, Coordinator. Phone and email correspondences, 2009.
http://www.cvliteracy.ca/
1. C.D. Howe Institute, Coulobe & Tremblay, 2005.
2. 2010 Legacies Now Community Literacy Planning Guide, Ron Faris, 2007.
3. Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, Maxwell & Tremblay, 2007.
Comox Valley International College
http://www.cvic.ca/
Comox Valley School District 71
http://sd71.bc.ca/
Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique School District 93
http://www.csf.bc.ca/
Human Earl y Lea rni ng Partnershi p
The BC Atlas of Child Development. British Columbia ECD Mapping Portal.
http://ecdportal.help.ubc.ca/atlas/Atlas_Exec_Summary_2005.pdf
Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley (SCHOOL DISTRICT #71) Community
Summary, Fall 2007. Joanne Schroeder, Community Liaison Manager.
ECD Mapping Portal: http://ecdportal.help.ubc.ca
Mapping Early Child Development: Comox Valley Community Summary, April 2009. Emilia
Ristaniemi. Vancouver, BC: Human Early Learning Partnership.
http://www.earlylearning.ubc.ca
Creating communities for young children. A toolkit for change. Schroeder, J., Harvey, J., RazazRahmati, N., Corless, G., Negreiros, J., Ford, L., Kershaw, P., Anderson, L., Wiens, M., Vaghri,
Z., Stefanowicz, A., Irwin, L.G., Hertzman, C. (2009). Vancouver, BC.
Invest Comox Valley
Comox Valley Statistical Profile: Infrastructure
http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/businessresources/documents/Infrastructure.pdf
Literacy BC
www.literacybc.ca
North Island College
http://www.nic.bc.ca/
Vancouver Island Regional Li brary
Annual Report 2006
http://www.virl.bc.ca/images/stories/BoardDocs/Annualreports/2006%20annual%20report%20layout.pdf
Statistics Canada
Graduating in Canada: Profile, Labour Market Outcomes and Student Debt of the Class of 2005.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-595-m/2009074/c-g/c-g3.2-eng.htm
7. ARTS, CULTURE, AND RECREATION
BC Parks
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/regions.html
Centre of Expertise on Culture and Communities
Cultural Facility Profiles: Comox Valley Centre for the Arts
http://www.cultureandcommunities.ca/resources/cultural-facility-profiles/cultural-spaces-communityimpacts/comox.html
Cit y of Courtena y
http://www.city.courtenay.bc.ca/
Courtenay Parks at a Glance
http://www.city.courtenay.bc.ca/recreation/parks.aspx
Comox Recreation
http://comoxrecreation.com/
Comox Valley Record
Arts Council Grants Help Valley, March 5, 2009.
Community Parks
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/section_comserv/content.asp?id=64&collection=80
The Comox Valley 2004 Quality of Life Report
http://www.cvsocialplanning.ca/documents/
Comox Valley Touri sm
Cultural Capital of Canada 2007
http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com/culture/cultural-capital.htm
Artists and Artisans, 2008
http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com/culture/artists-and-artisans.htm
Parks and Gardens
http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com/things-to-do/parks-and-gardens.htm
Famil y Services and Recreation, 19 Wing, CFB Comox
Andy Moorhead, FS&R Director, Email and phone conversations. July 2009.
Hills Strategies Research
Artists in Canada’s Provinces and Territories. Arts Research Monitor, March 2009 (v7:10).
http://www.hillstrategies.com/resources_details.php?resUID=1000304
Rialto Theatre
http://www.cinemaclock.com/aw/ctha.aw/bri/Courtenay/e/Rialto.html
Sid Williams Theatre
http://www.sidwilliamstheatre.com/
Tow n of Comox
Parks and Playing Fields
http://comox.ca/discover-comox/parks-fields/
Village of Cumberland
Parks and Greenways Master Plan: Second Draft, February 2009.
http://www.cumberlandbc.net/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=179&bhcp=1
8. PUBLIC SAFETY
BC Ministry of Publ ic Safet y and Solici tor General
Crime Statistics in British Columbia 2006, and BC Policing Jurisdiction Crime Trends 1997-2007.
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/publications/statistics/
Regional Profile 2007, CVRD, September 12, 2008. Police Services Division.
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/regionalprofiles/
Victim Services and Crime Prevention: Restorative Justice Funding, April 1, 2009.
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth_justice/publications.htm
BC St atistics
CSRD 25 Regional Profile, 2008
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/rd/rd_main.asp
Regional District 25 - Comox- Strathcona Statistical Profile, Indicators of Crime: Serious Drug Crime.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/rd/rd_main.asp
Serious Crime in BC, Average 2003-2005
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/sep/lha/lcrmser.pdf
Block Watch
Block Watch News, April 2009.
http://www.blockwatch.com/UserFiles/File/April%202009.pdf
Comox Valley Communit y Justice Centre Societ y
Tenth Annual Report, November 27, 2008.
http://www.cjc-comoxvalley.com/annualreports.htm
Volunteer Newsletter of the Community Justice Centre, Vol.3, No.3, May 2009.
http://www.cjc-comoxvalley.com/newsletters.htm.
Citizens On Patrol Comox Valley
Community Resource Database, Record Details
http://clbc.cioc.ca/record/CLB1246/
Courtenay Yout h Services Team - KKB
Director’s Practice Audit Report – Vancouver Island, June 2007.
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/ directors_case/2007/kkb_courtenay_07.pdf
Department of Justice, Policy Centre for Victim Issues
Comox Valley RCMP Victim Service Program
http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/pub/dir-rep/bc-cb/bc-cb22.html
Specialized Victim Assistance Program, Comox Valley Family Services
http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/pub/dir-rep/bc-cb/bc-cb24.html
The John How ard Societ y of N orth Island
Youth Justice Programs, Vancouver Island
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth_justice/publications.htm
Statistics Canada
E-Stat Crime Statistics by Detailed Offences
http://arbutus.nic.bc.ca:2058/cgi-win/CNSMCGI.EXE
9. ENVIRONMENT
BC Ministry of Agri culture, Food and Fisheries
Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid/weedguid.htm
BC Ministry of the Environment , Environmental Protection Di vision
BC Air Action Plan
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/
Coastal Invasi ve Pl an t Committee
Regional Priority Species of Concern
http://www.coastalinvasiveplants.com/invasive_plants.php
Coast Waste Management Association
Electronic Stewardship Association of BC Presentation to the CWMA Conference. Joyce Thayer,
October 30, 2008.
http://www.cwma.bc.ca/events/2008/presentations_files/Joyce%20Thayer%20EASBC.pdf
Comox Valley Echo
1. Cumberland eyed for huge new garbage dump, October 3, 2008.
2. Valley residents thirsty for information on water, Marcel Tetrault, June 16, 2009.
3. Record response Saturday to hazardous waste amnesty, Philip Round, May 26, 2009.
Comox Valley Land Trust
Regional Conservation Strategy
http://www.cvlandtrust.org/rcs-project.htm
Comox Valley Record
No more plastic at grocery, April 23, 2009.
Comox Valley Regi onal Distr ict
2008 CVRD Annual Report
http://www.comoxstrathcona.ca/uploadedFiles/Public_Affairs/Annual_Reports/2008AnnualReport.pdf
CV Water Metering
http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/notices.asp?id=2927
Garbage Pie
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/section_recycling/content.asp?id=2252&collection=46
Solid Waste Services
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/search_results.asp?id=90&fragment=0&SearchType=&terms=waste%20statistics
Staff Report: Comox Lake Intake Project, February 27, 2009. File Number: 5260-01.
Technical Memorandum 4, Comox Lake Watershed Assessment: Characterize Risk, June 2006.
Top 10 Most Popular Water Myths.
http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/uploadedFiles/Operational_Services/WaterWorks/WaterMythsTop10.pdf
WASTE DIVERSION – 2008 UPDATE, Staff Report. File Number 5360-01.
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/Agenda_minutes/CVRDBoard/BRD/14-May-09/e1-20090428_Hadfield_RSWMAC_
Staff_Report_Waste_Diversion_2008.pdf
Water Conservation and Metering
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/uploadedFiles/Operational_Services/WaterWorks/WaterConservationandMetering.pdf
Water Efficiency Plan
http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/notices.asp?id=4289
Water Usage by Province/Territory Including the Comox Valley
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/uploadedFiles/Operational_Services/WaterWorks/WaterUsageGraph.pdf
Comox Valley Regi onal Grow th Strategy
Understanding Our Choices: Comprehensive Background Paper – June 2009.
http://www.rdcs.bc.ca/section_rgs/content.asp?id=4283&parent=71&sub_collection=73
The Comox Valley 2004 Quality of Life Report.
Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition
Comox Valley’s Drinking Water Reference Guide, June 2007. Prepared by Sonya Jenssen,
http://vancouverislandwaterwatchcoalition.ca/
Electroni c Stew ardship Associ ation of BC .
Where Do the Recovered Materials Go?
http://www.esabc.ca./cfm/index.cfm?It=100&Id=49
Encorp Pacific.
Electronics Recycling FAQ's for Consumers
http://www.encorp.ca/cfm/index.cfm?It=913&Se=40,53
Green, Davi d
Invasive species: the worst case? Lecture by David Green. Simon Fraser University.
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/courses/bisc309/Lectures/1091-Lec16(Inv).pdf
Government of Canada
Species at Risk Act: Annual Report for 2006 and 2007
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/dspDocument_e.cfm?documentID=1755
Species at Risk Act Web Site
http://www.sis.ec.gc.ca/ec_species/ec_species_e.phtml
Hornby Island Recycles
March 2009 Notes from the Depot
http://www.hirra.ca/Recycle/notes.htm
Klinkenberg, Brian
Klinkenberg, Brian (Editor). 2009. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia. Lab
for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
http://www.efauna.bc.ca/
Minister of the Envi ronment
Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Understanding the Trends, 1990-2006.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/GHG/inventory_report/2008_trends/trends_eng.cfm#toc_3
Information on Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks: Canada’s 2007 Greenhouse Gas Inventory
– A Summary of Trends.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/ghg/inventory_report/2007/som-sum_eng.cfm
Mountain Avi an Rescue Societ y (M AR S)
http://www.wingtips.org/
10. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Ci vic Info BC
Local Government Election Reporting System 2008
http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/election2008/reports/index2.asp
Elections BC
BC Voter Participation: 1983-2005
http://www.elections.bc.ca/elections/sov05/Voter%20Participation%20stats%202005.pdf
CMX - Comox Valley Voter Participation Counts - May 16, 2001.
http://www.elections.bc.ca/elections/vpstats01/2001vpstats_CMX.pdf
Comox Valley Electoral District Final Results, 38th Provincial General Election – May 17, 2005.
http://www.elections.bc.ca/elections/ge2005/fresults/cmx.htm
Registered Voters per Electoral District
http://www.elections.bc.ca/elections/ge2005/Registered%20Voters%20by%20ED.htm
Voting Turnout, 2009 General Election
http://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/stats/Final-Voting-Turnout-2009.pdf
Imagine Canada
Charities & Nonprofit Organizations
http://www.imaginecanada.ca/node/32/
The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector in British Columbia
http://nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca/en/nsnvo/
The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector in British Columbia: Regional Highlights. Vic Murray, 2006.
http://www.imaginecanada.ca/files/en/NSNVO/G_British_Columbia_Sector_Report.pdf
Minister of Industry
Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey of Giving,
Volunteering and Participating, 2009, Catalogue no. 71-542-X.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=71-542-X&lang=eng
Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey of Giving,
Volunteering and Participating, 2009. Catalogue no. 71-542-X.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=71-542-X&lang=eng
Statistics Canada
The Daily, June 8, 2009, Catalogue 11-001-XIE.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/dai-quo/index-eng.htm
Times Colonist
Recession, Donor Fatigue Hammer BC Charities, Grania Litwin, May 6, 2009.
http://www.timescolonist.com/Life/Recession+donor+fatigue+hammer+charities/1568424/story.html.
Vancouver Sun
BC’s Ten Largest Charities, Chad Skelton, April 5, 2008.
http://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/documents/Top10CharitiesVanSun.pdf
Volunteer Canada
Volunteer Canada 08/09 Annual Report
http://volunteer.ca/en/about/aboutVolCan/annual_reports
Volunteer Comox Valley
Adda Vallevand, Volunteer Coordinator, and Bev Moquin, Executive Director, Valleylinks.
Interviews and emails, May 2009. Web site at http://www.valleylinks.net.
11. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY
BC St atistics
2007 Neighbourhood Income and Demographics, Canada Revenue Agency, May 2009.
Business Indicators: The Aboriginal Population in BC and Recent Trends in Off Reserve
Aboriginal Labour Force Participation, February 2008.
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/
Employment Insurance Beneficiaries Receiving Regular Benefits Without Reporting Earnings
http:// www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/lss/iaui/ei-rd.pdf
Provincial Electoral District Profile for Comox Valley Based on the 2006 Census (released 2009)
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/peds/Comox%20Valley_BC.pdf
Quarterly Regional Statistics – First Quarter 2008
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/intro.pdf
Regional District 25 – Comox-Strathcona Statistical Profile 2006
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/
Comox Valley Economic Development Societ y
Major Employers of the Comox Valley
http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/
1. The Comox Valley 2002 Quality of Life Report
2. The Comox Valley 2004 Quality of Life Report
CW A
CAW 20th Anniversary Collective Bargaining Convention Document, Chapter 6: Historical
Overview: A Shrinking Slice of the Pie. 2005.
http://www.caw.ca/assets/pdf/Chapter6.pdf
Invest Comox Valley
Comox Valley Statistical Profile
http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/businessresources/documents/StatisticalProfile2007.pdf
National Defence and the Canadian Forces
19 Wing – Comox
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/19wing/about_us/general_e.asp
Raise the Rates
http://www.raisetherates.org/
Statistics Canada
Low Income Cut Off for Urban Areas
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?lang=eng&catno=75F0002M2008004

Quality of life Report - Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce

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