Vital

SIGNS®

Vital Signs® is a community resource that builds knowledge, informs grant making, and identifies strategic priorities.
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2026

VITAL SIGNS® REPORT

Your Voice. Your Community: the WindsorEssex Vital Signs® Report

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is proud to announce the launch of its 13th annual Vital Signs® Report, a comprehensive look at the quality of life in the Windsor-Essex region. 

Vital Signs® is more than just a report—it’s a powerful community tool. It captures data and lived experiences from across our region, helping identify where we’re doing well, and where we need to focus our efforts to ensure Windsor-Essex continues to be a great place to live, work, play, and grow.

Your Voice. Your Community. This powerful theme reflects the purpose of Vital Signs® — gathering local perspectives to help shape a stronger, more connected, and vibrant Windsor Essex. This year’s report explores 11 key areas of quality of life, including housing, belonging, safety, mental wellness, and more. Every response helps build a clearer picture of community strengths and challenges, and directly informs local decision-makers, non-profits, businesses, and government on what matters most to residents.

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) extends our thanks to all who took the time to participate in this year’s 2026 Vital Signs® Survey and contribute to this report!

Click Here to read the 2026 Vital Signs Report!
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What is the Vital Signs® Program?

The Vital Signs® Program is a community report that combines national, provincial, and local data with residents’ views on important local issues. This report is a catalyst to engage our community in an ongoing dialogue about who we are, what we do, why we do it, and where it can lead. Since 2014, Windsor-Essex’s Vital Signs® program has tracked local priorities and helped align resources to create lasting, positive change. The results are combined with other data from sources such as Statistics Canada to create an all-encompassing report for our region.

Why is the Vital Signs® Survey Important?

The WECF has used the Vital Signs® program to engage Windsor-Essex residents in a deeper exploration of issues and trends that affect and influence community vitality. Our annual survey delves into resident’s thoughts on the quality of life in Windsor-Essex’s focusing on 11 key issue areas. The survey results are published in the Vital Signs® Report providing our residents with the opportunity to learn about their region, reflect on how we’re doing, and inspire conversation and communication.

Who uses Vital Signs® and why?

Residents, businesses, community organizations, educational institutions and government leaders use Vital Signs® to learn about community needs, and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.

Thank You

TO OUR VITAL SIGNS® PARTNERS

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Vital Signs®

ISSUE AREAS

Vital Signs®

REPORTS

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2026 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2025 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2024 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2022 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2021 Vital Signs® REPORT
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20
2020 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2019 Vital Signs® REPORT
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18
2018 Vital Signs® REPORT
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17
2017 Vital Signs® REPORT
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16
2016 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2015 Vital Signs® REPORT
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2014 Vital Signs® REPORT
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Vital Signs - Promo Video
2024
AM800 & WECF - Vital Signs 2024 - Podcast Interview
Vital Signs®

FAQ

What is Vital Signs®?

Vital Signs is a community report that combines national and local data, with residents’ views on important issues based on a local survey. This report starts conversations between community members, leaders and organizations to inspire change in our community to make it a better place to live, work, play, and grow. Vital Signs, initially started in the late 1990s by the Toronto Community Foundation, became national under the auspices of Community Foundations of Canada in 2006. For more information regarding the Vital Signs® program, visit the national Vital Signs website: www.vitalsignscanada.ca.

When is the Vital Signs® survey released?

The Vital Signs® Survey is released in May of each active year.

When is the Vital Signs® report released?

The Vital Signs® Report is released in October of each active year.

Where can I view other cities’ Vital Signs® Reports?

You can view other cities’ reports through Community Foundations of Canada’s website: http://communityfoundations.ca/vitalsigns/

How can I use the Vital Signs® Report?

We encourage people of all ages and demographics to take time to read through the Vital Signs® report as the content affects everyone living in Windsor-Essex. The report is intended to be utilized as a learning resource to initiate conversation for change in our community. If you are using the Vital Signs® report, we want to hear from you! E-mail info@wecf.ca to share your story.

Who can use the Vital Signs® Report?

Who can use this report? EVERYONE!

Teachers: Use the report as a learning tool for your students. The data presented in this report affects your students—make them aware. Initiate conversation about what your students can do to create opportunity for change

Politicians: The Vital Signs® report is a great campaign tool. You can use this report to highlight the areas needing attention in our community. Let Windsor-Essex residents kno0w their voices are being heard.

Charities: Use this report to understand where opportunities are in the Windsor-Essex community. Learn about where Windsor-Essex residents’ needs are concerning your particular organization.

Parents: Use this report to get your family more engaged in the Windsor-Essex community. If you are unsure of opportunities that exist in this region, this report should provide you with a more in-depth idea of what the Windsor-Essex community has to offer. Take advantage of this knowledge—explore Windsor-Essex with your family!