VfvsLogo
  • Acknowledge1
  • Glossary1
  • Our Sense Of Place
  • Research Methodology
  • Key area
  • Data By Population
Belonging and Leadership

GRANT STORY - GET YOUR VOTE ON!

Voting is an important way to engage in and become a part of your community. You are electing the people who will represent you and make decisions on your behalf. In Canada, voter participation is a challenge, particularly among 18 to 30 year olds. Vancouver Foundation granted $30,000 to Get Your Vote On, a campaign run by Check Your Head, a youth organization that encourages teens to get involved with global issues. The message was simple: voting can be fun, interesting… even worthwhile. Organized by young people, for young people, Get Your Vote On made it easier for young adults to understand how politics affects them: their ability to find work, their tuition, the future of their environment. The campaign created a community of young voters, and most importantly, gave them a reason to vote. Yes, voting can be fun!

 

DATA

 

Metro Vancouverites give more

Charitable donations are one way in which people support and demonstrate a sense of belonging to the community.

In 2006, the annual median charitable donation made by metro Vancouverites was among the highest of all Canadian urban centres – $340, compared to $250 nationally and up from $310 in 2005. Annual median donations from metro Vancouver residents rose 31% between 2001 and 2006, compared to 25% in Canada as a whole. Source

 

Moving rates steady

In 2006, 17% of metro Vancouver residents said they had moved in the last year and nearly half (48%) had moved in the previous five years. One quarter of residents had changed addresses within the same municipality. Another 12% moved within BC, 3% moved from outside the province and 8% came from outside Canada. These figures have been relatively consistent since 2001. Source

 

Recent immigrants come from China, India, and the Philippines

Understanding our immigrant population helps us create a welcoming environment for them. This is especially vital for metro Vancouver, as 40% of our residents are immigrants, which is well above the Canadian average.

According to 2006 statistics, 47% of metro Vancouver’s immigrants arrived before 1991, 17% arrived between 1991 and 1995, 18% arrived between 1996 and 2000 and another 18% arrived between 2001 and 2006. Immigrants arriving between 2001 and 2006 were most often from China (26%), India (12%), the Philippines (11%) and South Korea (8%). Source

 

One quarter of seniors live alone

Only 9% of metro Vancouverites under 65 live alone, in comparison to more than 25% of our seniors. While some seniors living on their own feel connected to their communities, others find it isolating. As our population ages, this will be an issue of increasing importance.

A sense of belonging Nearly two thirds (63%) of metro Vancouver residents said they felt a

“somewhat” or “very strong” sense of belonging to their community, according to the 2007 Canadian Community Health Survey. Our sense of belonging has increased slightly over the past few years and is on par with national and provincial rates. Source

 

 

KEY INDICATORS

 

Indicators appearing in report

 

  1. Metro Vancouverites give more (being reported nationally)
  2. Moving Rates Steady
  3. Recent Immigrants come from China, India and the Philippines.
  4. A quarter of Seniors living alone
  5. Sense of Belonging (being reported nationally)

 

Additional indicators

 

  1. Aboriginal People's Knowledge of Traditional Languages
  2. Composite Learning Index - "Learning to Live Together"
  3. Knowledge of Official Languages
  4. Participation in Large Community Events
  5. Corporate Philanthropy
  6. Perceptions of Social Incivility

 

 


1. Metro Vancouverites give more

Data

The annual median charitable donation for metro Vancouver residents was $340 in 2006.

Date

2001-2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Charitable donations are one way in which people support - and contribute to - their community. Charitable donations are an indicator of civic responsibility and, in most cases, reflect the degree to which people feel a connection to other in their community.

In 2006, the annual median charitable donation for people living in metro Vancouver was $340. This amount is above both the provincial and national annual median amounts of $320 and $250, respectively.

Annual median donations from metro Vancouverites have increased more than in BC and Canada generally, rising by 31% between 2001 and 2006, compared to 28% in BC and 25% in Canada.

Annual Median Charitable Donations for Canada, BC and Metro Vancouver, 2001-2006 (in dollars)

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

% Chg

Metro Vancouver

260

270

290

300

310

340

31%

British Columbia

250

260

270

290

300

320

28%

Canada

200

210

220

230

240

250

25%

CMA Comparison

Metro Vancouver had the third highest annual median charitable donation of the major CMAs in Canada in 2006 after Fredericton and Toronto, which both had $360.

Annual Median Charitable Donations for Select CMAs, 2006

CMA

2006

Fredericton

$360

Toronto

$360

Metro Vancouver

$340

Saskatoon

$330

Saint John

$320

Calgary

$320

Victoria

$320

Ottawa

$300

Kitchener

$300

Guelph

$280

Montreal

$150

Data Considerations

Donations based on the amount declared on line 340 of the income tax form.

Source

Source: Statistics Canada, Table 111-0001 (CAs Data from Statistics Canada, Small Area and Administrative Data Division. Special Request.)

Link

n/a

^ to top

2. Moving Rates Steady

Data

Mobility to and around the metro Vancouver remains on par with the provincial average. Approximately eight out of ten (83%) metro Vancouver residents had lived at the same address for at least one year and just over half (52%) had been in their home for five years or more.

Date

2001 and 2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Having roots in a community and knowing neighbours often comes from living in the same place over periods of time. It is more difficult to become part of the community if you are new in the area, or if you move frequently. For this reason, information about mobility and migration is relevant to our sense of belonging. In the broader sense, it also impacts the labour market, neighborhood growth, and overall social stability.

In 2006, 17% of residents in metro Vancouver indicated that they had moved in the last year and 48% had moved at least once in the previous five years. 36% of residents had moved to their new home from a different municipality (within metro Vancouver or BC) in the previous five years, 3% moved from outside BC and 8% came from outside Canada.

Rates of mobility in metro Vancouver have changed very minimally since 2001. Between 2001 and 2006, the proportion of residents living at the same address one year previously dropped by one percentage point; the percentage of those at the same address as five years previously remained essentially the same. Mobility rates are also relatively in line with provincial rates, although, as of 2006, metro Vancouver had a higher proportion of residents who have recently moved from another country.
 

1 Year Ago

5 Years Ago
 

Metro Vancouver

BC

Metro Vancouver

BC
 

2001

2006

2001

2006

2001

2006

2001

2006

Lived at the same address

83.7%

83.0%

83.6%

83.0%

52.1%

52.4%

53.7%

53%

Lived somewhere else in the same municipality

9.0%

9.2%

13.7%

9.3%

23.2%

24.2%

36.7%

23%

Lived somewhere else in BC

4.0%

4.4%

4.8%

12.0%

12.0%

14%

Lived in a different province or territory

1.0%

1.1%

2.7%

1.4%

3.6%

3.0%

9.5%

4%

Lived in a different country

2.3%

2.3%

1.5%

9.0%

8.3%

5%

Place of Residence One Year Ago and Five Years Ago for BC and Metro

Vancouver Residents, 2001 and 2006

CMA Comparison

Rates of mobility in metro Vancouver tend to be higher than Toronto and Montreal, although not as high as Calgary. While the proportion of residents moving to Calgary and Montreal increased between 2001 and 2006, this percentage dropped slightly in metro Vancouver.

Mobility Status (%) , Vancouver CMA and other select CMAs, 2001 and 2006

   

1 Year Ago

5 Years Ago
   

Metro Vancouver

Toronto

Calgary

Montreal

Metro Vancouver

Toronto

Calgary

Montreal

Lived at the same address

2001

84%

86%

81%

86%

52%

55%

45%

57%

2006

83%

86%

80%

87%

52%

55%

48%

59%

Lived within the same province or territory , but changed addresses within the same census subdivision (municipality)

2001

9%

8%

13%

8%

23%

24%

32%

22%

2006

9%

8%

14%

8%

24%

24%

32%

22%

Lived within the same province or territory, but changed addresses from another census subdivision (municipality) within the same province or territory

2001

4%

3%

2%

5%

12%

11%

6%

17%

2006

4%

3%

2%

4%

12%

11%

6%

14%

Lived in a different province or territory

2001

1%

1%

3%

0%

4%

2%

11%

1%

2006

1%

0%

3%

0%

3%

1%

8%

1%

Lived in a different country

2001

2%

2%

1%

1%

9%

9%

5%

4%

2006

2%

2%

2%

1%

8%

9%

6%

5%

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

Statistics Canada, Census 2006.

Link

http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Search/SearchForm_Results.cfm?Lang=E

Special Request

^ to top

3. Recent Immigrants come from China, India, and the Philippines

Data

Immigrants constitute 40% of metro Vancouver's population and approximately 18% of these individuals have arrived in the region since 2001.

Date

Pre 1991-2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Understanding our immigrant population is a key element in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. Immigrants are central to metro Vancouver's cultural vitality. They are also an increasingly critical component of our labour force and economy.

Over 18% of the immigrants living in metro Vancouver in 2006 arrived since 2001. Another 18% arrived between 1996 and 2000; 17% arrived in the previous period between 1991 and 1995; and 47% arrived before 1991.

Since 2001, the majority of immigrants to metro Vancouver have come from China (26%), India (12%), the Philippines (11%) and South Korea (8%).

Immigrant Population for Canada, BC and Metro Vancouver by Date of Arrival (%), Pre 1991-2006

 

Before 1991

1991 to 1995

1996 to 2000

2001 to 2006

Metro Vancouver

46.8

17.1

17.9

18.2

British Columbia

54.1

14.8

15.2

15.9

Canada

55.1

13.3

13.7

17.9

 

40% of residents in metro Vancouver are immigrants, well above the average for BC and Canada. New immigrants (those who arrived since 2001) represent 7% of the total population in metro Vancouver.

Immigrants and New Immigrants as a Proportion of the Total Population in Canada, BC and Metro Vancouver, 2006

 

Immigrants as % of Total Population

% New Immigrants (2001-2006)

Metro Vancouver

39.6

7.2

British Columbia

27.5

4.4

Canada

19.8

3.6

The proportion of individuals moving to metro Vancouver from China has increased over time to become the primary source country of immigrants in the region, representing 26% of immigrants arriving between 2001 and 2006. The proportion of immigrants from India (12%) has remained relatively constant over time and was the second most common source country of immigrants arriving between 2001 and 2006. The proportion of immigrants from Taiwan dropped from 12% in the 1996-2001 period to only 5% since 2001. In contrast, the proportion of immigrants from the Philippines increased to 11%, making this the third most common source country of immigrants between 2001 and 2006.

Percentage of Immigrants to Metro Vancouver, By Major Source Countries and Period of Immigration, 2006

 

Before 1991

1991-1996

1996-2001

2001-2006

People's Republic of China

11%

17%

20%

26%

India

10%

12%

11%

12%

Hong Kong

9%

18%

10%

2%

United Kingdom

14%

2%

2%

2%

Philippines

5%

9%

9%

11%

Taiwan

1%

8%

12%

5%

South Korea

2%

4%

6%

8%

CMA Comparison

Metro Vancouver has the second highest proportion of immigrants in its population as compared to other major CMAs. After Toronto, metro Vancouver also has the second highest proportion of new immigrants.

Immigrants and New Immigrants as a Proportion of the Total Population in Select CMAs, 2006

 

Immigrants as % of Total Population

% New Immigrants (2001-2006)

Calgary

23.6

5.4

Toronto

45.7

8.8

Montreal

20.6

4.6

Victoria

19.1

1.8

Ottawa

18.1

3.1

Metro Vancouver

39.6

7.2

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Link

http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/highlights/Immigration/index.cfm?Lang=E

^ to top

4. A quarter of Seniors live alone

Data

Over one quarter of seniors in metro Vancouver over the age of 65 live alone. This compares to only 9% of the population under 65 years of age and 11% of the population overall.

Date

2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

A much higher proportion of seniors live on their own in private households compared to the rest of the population. In many cases, seniors living alone can do so and remain connected and involved in their communities. However, for those who struggle to move around and who are without support networks of family and friends, living alone can be isolating. Given our aging population, policy makers need to ensure that we minimize isolation and maximize belonging for seniors in metro Vancouver.

The proportion of seniors living alone in metro Vancouver in 2006 was lower than the provincial average of 27%, but is still considerably higher than the percent living alone in other age groups.

Proportion of Population Living Alone, 2006

 

All Persons

Under 65

Seniors Over 65

Metro Vancouver

11.1%

8.9%

26.6%

BC

11.4%

8.8%

27.3%

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Link

www.tol.bc.ca/files/web_files/planning/EDO/2006_Census_Profile_-_GVRD.pdf

^ to top

5. A Sense of Belonging

Data

63% of metro Vancouver residents indicated in 2007 that they felt either a "somewhat" or "very strong" sense of belonging to their community.

Date

2003, 2005, 2007

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

The Canadian Community Health Survey asks participants to rate their sense of belonging in their community. People's sense of connection to their community and perceived levels of social support are key elements of individual well-being. Belongingness is also fundamental to the health and resilience of a community at large.

The proportion of metro Vancouver residents feeling a "somewhat" or "very strong" sense of belonging to their community in 2007 was marginally lower than in 2005, but higher than in 2003. The proportion indicating this level of belonging in metro Vancouver was below the provincial average of 65% but above the national average of 62%.

Proportion (%) of Residents in Canada, BC, Metro Vancouver and Metro Vancouver HSDAs that Feel a "Somewhat" or "Very Strong" Sense of Belonging to their Community, 2003, 2005, 2007

 

2003

2005

2007

Metro Vancouver

61.0

64.3

62.7

Fraser North HSDA

57.5

64.2

69.3

Fraser South HSDA

64.6

66.2

62.0

Richmond HSDA

63.3

63.9

63.6

Vancouver HSDA

59.8

62.6

57.3

British Columbia

64.9

67.1

64.8

Canada

61.6

62.3

62.0

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, 2003, 2005, 2007

Link

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-221-XIE/2008001/profiles-en.htm

^ to top

6. Aboriginal People's Knowledge of Traditional Languages

Data

3% of metro Vancouver residents that self identified as Aboriginal in 2006 indicated having knowledge of Aboriginal languages.

Date

2001, 2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Aboriginal people's knowledge of traditional languages speaks to the sustainability of language, as an important component of Aboriginal culture. Recognizing that was Aboriginal languages were suppressed for many years, this indicator looks at current knowledge, the degree to which Aboriginal languages have survived, and the opportunity for it to endure in future generations.

In 2006, 40,310 people in metro Vancouver (1.9% of the region's total population) identified themselves as Aboriginal. Of these, 3% reported knowledge of their traditional language(s). For just under 3% of this population, their Aboriginal language is their mother tongue. Less than 1% speak Aboriginal language most often at home.

Knowledge of traditional languages among the Aboriginal identifying population in Metro Vancouver is below what it is in B.C. overall. In metro Vancouver and in British Columbia generally, knowledge of traditional languages decreased between 2001 and 2006.

Knowledge and Use of Traditional and Other Languages among Aboriginal Identity Population in BC and Metro Vancouver, 2001 and 2006

 

Metro Vancouver

B.C.

2001

2006

Chg

2001

2006

Chg

Knowledge of Aboriginal language(s)

5.4%

3.2%

- 2.2

9.8%

9.3%

-.5

Knwledge of English only

86.5%

88.0%

1.5

85.2%

85.1%

-.1

Knowledge of French only

0.0%

0.1%

.1

0.0%

0.0%

0

Knowledge of English and French only

5.1%

5.9%

.8

3.4%

4.0%

.6

Knowledge of other languages

3.0%

2.9%

-.1

1.6%

1.5%

-.1

Mother tongue is an Aboriginal language

4.4%

2.6%

-1.8

7.4%

7.4%

0

Speak an Aboriginal language most often at home

1.7%

0.3%

-1.4

4.5%

2.2%

-2.3

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Link

www.statscan.ca

^ to top

7. Composite Learning Index - "Learning to Live Together"

Data

Metro Vancouver scored lower on the Composite Learning Index (CLI )Pillar of "learning to live together" than the BC and national averages in 2008.

Date

2007-2008

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

"Learning to Live Together" is one of several components of the Composite Learning Index (CLI). This index combines a variety of figures and statistics to measure the development of inter-personal skills in terms of attaining values of respect and concern for fellow citizens and appreciation of the diversity of Canadians. Scores on 'Learning to Live Together' draw on data associated with a community's access to community institutions, volunteering rates, participation in social clubs and organizations and the extent of intercultural socialization. These elements all contribute to the type of learning that relates to societal cohesion. Combined, they provide a useful insight into our ability to live with others, respect each other's differences and coexist in harmony.

Metro Vancouver received a score of 4.3 in 2008 in "Learning to Live Together". This represents a slight drop from its score in 2007. It is also below the scores for both BC and Canada.

CLI Scores for 'Learning to Live Together' Pillar for Canada, BC and Metro Vancouver, 2007-2008

 

2007

2008

Metro Vancouver

4.5

4.3

British Columbia

4.9

5.0

Canada

4.8

4.8

CMA Comparison

Metro Vancouver had lower scores for "Learning to Live Together" than most of the other major CMAs in the country with the exception of Montreal.

CLI Scores for 'Learning to Live Together' Pillar for Select CMAs, 2008

CMA

2008

Ottawa

5.9

Toronto

5.5

Calgary

5.2

Metro Vancouver

4.3

Montreal

3.7

Data Considerations

Pillar scores are weighted averages of factors scores of individual indicators. While there are maximum factor scores for each individual indicator, these vary such that there is no maximum pillar score. For more about how the methodology used to calculate the CLI, please refer to the CLI website: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Reports/CLI

Source

Canadian Council on Learning, 2008 Composite Learning Index

Link

http://www.ccl-cca.ca/NR/rdonlyres/3927F8FF-F911-43C2-B41B-2069EA44EBC4/0/CLI2008_EN.pdf

^ to top

8. Knowledge of Official Languages

Data

95% of metro Vancouver residents speak one or both of Canada's official languages.

Date

2006

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

The ability to speak an official language of Canada can influence one's sense of belonging in a community.

Only 5% of residents of metro Vancouver spoke neither English nor French in 2006. This figure was higher than the 2% and 3% statistics for Canada and BC, respectively and reflects the cultural diversity and high levels of immigration to our region.

Proportion of the Population (%) with Knowledge of Official Languages, Canada, BC and Metro Vancouver, 2006

 

English Only

French Only

Both English and French

Neither English nor French

Canada

68

13

17

2

BC

90

0

7

3

Metro Vancouver

87

0

8

5

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

Data on knowledge of language is compiled as part of the Census; knowledge is defined as being able to conduct a conversation in the language noted.

Source

Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Link

http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo16.htm

^ to top

9. Participation in large community events

Data

Three of metro Vancouver's main community events have seen significant increases in the number of participants over time.

Date

2005-2008

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Participation in large community events is an indicator of how well connected people feel to their communities and the degree to which we engage in activities and events in our midst.

Runners in the Sun Run increased by 23% between 2005 and 2008. Audiences at the outside theatre performances at Bard on the Beach have risen by 11% between 2005 and 2007. Similarly, participants in Bike to Work Week grew by 71% between 2007 and 2008.

Participation in Large Community Events in Metro Vancouver, 2005-2008

Community Event

2005

2006

2007

2008

% Change

Sun Run

48,037

50,746

53,417

59,179

23%

Bard on the Beach

77,670

80,443

86,000

n/a

11%

Bike to Work Week

-

-

2,100

3,600

71%

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

All counts are estimates.

The selection of these three large community events represents a small sample of many large community events that occur annually in Vancouver. Those selected have been selected for the mix of sectors engaged and based on data availability.

Source

Bard on the Beach History

Vancouver Sun

The Province

Link

http://www2.bardonthebeach.org/history.html

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/sunrun/story.html?id=eb0d8ee9-7698-4377-9363-0ab89847eb1b http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/sunrun/story.html?id=c7a9da97-bf02-48a0-ac5b-e67dcca520a8 http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/sunrun/story.html?id=c038fb9a-06f9-45c6-a235-0397b15be20f

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=d695df29-c86c-4f29-9ff7-3450ae51685b&k=3416 http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=a279001f-1168-4a6e-a4d6-833996bef752

 

10. Corporate Philanthropy

Data

The United Way of the Lower Mainland received $6,200,000 from corporate donors between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008.

Date

2007/2008

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Corporate giving to the United Way of the Lower Mainland accounted for 25% of the organization's revenue in the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Individual donations, many of which were made through workplace campaigns, resulted in $15,400,000 during the same time period, accounting for 62% of revenue.

CMA Comparison

n/a

Data Considerations

n/a

Source

United Way of the Lower Mainland, Annual Report 2007/2008, Special Request

Link

n/a

^ to top

11. Perceptions of social incivility

Data

26% of metro Vancouver residents perceived problems in their neighbourhoods related to disruptive behavior.

Date

2004

Geography

Metro Vancouver

Description

Disruptive behaviors addressed in Statistics Canada's study looking at incivility include: inconsiderate and noisy neighbours, drunks, drug use and drug dealing, and homelessness. These perceptions of social incivility in our communities are linked to citizens' feelings of insecurity and fear.

Approximately one in four Vancouver residents feels that there are problems with the types of disruptive behaviours that criminologists refer to as 'social incivilities'.

The most common type of problem, cited by 19% of metro Vancouver respondents, was people using or dealing drugs. The proportion of metro Vancouver residents (26%) perceiving problems with all types of social incivilities was higher than the average among 12 CMAs surveyed.

Proportion of the Population That Perceives Problems with Social Incivility in their Neighbourhood, 2004

Population aged 15 and older reporting a problem with…

Average (all 12 CMAs) (%)

Metro Vancouver (%)

At least one type of social incivility

21

26

Noisy neighbours/ loud parties

7

9

People hanging around

9

12

People sleeping on the streets

3

6

People using or dealing drugs

14

19

People drunk or rowdy in public places

8

11

Prostitution

4

8

CMA Comparison

Metro Vancouver residents were more critical than all other CMAs in regards to the level of incivility in their neighbourhoods. The proportion of metro Vancouver residents who perceived problems with at least one type of social incivility was 10 percentage points higher than in both Quebec City and Calgary, 9 points higher than in Regina, 8 in Hamilton, 7 in Winnipeg and 6 points higher than in Toronto.

Percentage Point Difference Between CMAs on the Proportion Reporting Problems with at least one Type of Social Incivility, 2004

 

Québec City

Toronto

Hamilton

Winnipeg

Regina

Calgary

Metro Vancouver

10

6

8

7

9

10

Data Considerations

The CMA comparison table only lists those CMAs with which the difference was statistically significant.

Although the differences between different large CMAs are interesting, the authors of the study highlight that picture is incomplete. Incivility is asked about at the neighbourhood level and therefore, to truly understand how levels of incivility vary throughout cities, it is necessary to explore different localities within CMAs.

Source

Statistics Canada, General Social Survey, 2004

Link

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/11-008-XIE/2008002/tables/table2-en.htm
     

^ to top

PRINT THIS PAGE © Metro Vancouver's Vital Signs 2010