J.P. Squire, The Daily Courier (Kelowna)

The Central Okanagan Foundation recently checked this community for 11 vital signs and found only one ‘poor’ area: the growing gap between rich and poor.

However, the Vital Signs report …notes this gap bleeds into several of the other issues….

Although there was general satisfaction with learning opportunities (which received a B- grade), respondents said the biggest barrier to accessing these opportunities is affordability. They also saw a need for more educational programs for at-risk youth.

In the category of “getting started” (C grade), survey respondents said the highest priority is the availability of affordable and accessible child care. The need for more after-school programs for youth was also ranked high….

Respondents concluded the answer for housing (and impacting many of the other affordability issues) was the need for a higher minimum wage ….improved employment opportunities and affordable housing….

VITAL SIGNS REPORT CARD

Some of the grades given to the region in a report card released by the Central Okanagan Foundation…..

HOUSING: C-
Lack of affordable housing, especially for women and the elderly, is a concern

LEARNING: B-
There are lots of education opportunities available — the biggest barrier is affordability

POVERTY GAP: D
Gap between rich and poor seems to be widening. Higher minimum wage is needed.

GETTING AROUND: C
…transit isn’t affordable for low-income families