The Ryder way
Langford cyclist honoured as new school build starts Page A7
NEWS: Habitat makes housing affordable A3 ARTS: Langford venue hosts jazz man A19 REGION: Ring finder wades local waters A21
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The long and short of it LA Hairazors stylists Dianne Vessey, back left, and Misha Gervais shave the long locks off Kathy Wilkinson, front left, and Vivian Bartlett. See story: Women cut it close for community, Page A4. Charla Huber/News staff
Survey says, cost of living biggest issue T Daniel Palmer Reporting
he Capital Region’s annual check-up shows residents are most worried about the cost of living, while the great outdoors once again rates as the best part of living on southern Vancouver Island. The eighth annual Vital Signs, produced by the Victoria Foundation,
is a comprehensive research and survey report on 12 key areas and emerging needs in Greater Victoria. Nearly half of the 1,200 residents who completed this year’s online survey ranked the cost of living as the most pressing issue, while 20 per cent of respondents believe mental illness is a growing challenge.
Housing, homelessness and health care also remain strong concerns. “We’re noticing with the grant applications that are coming in, mental illness is a big concern,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation chief executive officer. “When we first started Vital Signs, the issue of the day was homeless-
ness. And that became an indication for us that if you’re going to produce a report like this, you have to be engaged with the community to do something about it with proactive grants.” PlEASE SEE: Capital Region economy, Page A5
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