WECF Releases 2025 Vital Signs® Report: A Snapshot of Windsor-Essex Today
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is proud to announce the launch of its 12th 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.
“This year marks the launch of our twelfth Vital Signs® Report, and each edition brings us closer to understanding the evolving needs of Windsor-Essex,” says Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WECF. “It’s a tool that not only informs our grant-making but also sparks vital conversations about how we can collectively build a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Windsor-Essex.”
What’s Inside the 2025 Report?
The 2025 edition reflects a community that believes “we are doing okay”- with consistency in many of the grades across the 11 key issue areas. It also highlights specific priorities the community have:
Top Community Priorities:
- Expanding social programming for at-risk individuals
- Improving workforce skill development
- Increasing opportunities for connection and inclusion
This year, the survey featured simplified questions to encourage broader participation and clearer community feedback. A new section, “What You Said,” brings in direct quotes and perspectives from survey respondents – putting community voices at the heart of the data.
What You Said: Key Insights from the Community
- 🏠 55% say affordable housing is a top priority
- 🎭 62% feel Windsor-Essex is doing great or making good progress in arts & culture
- 🧠 40% identified mental health access as the top health priority (tied with access to general health professionals)
- 🌊 92% say Lake Erie’s health is extremely or moderately important
- 🙂 81% say they feel happy always or most of the time
A Community Conversation
The 2025 Vital Signs® Report was officially launched at Willistead Manor, with community leaders and stakeholders gathering to reflect on the report’s findings. The launch event also included Vital Conversation roundtables, giving local changemakers the chance to connect, share insights, and collaborate on how we can strengthen Windsor-Essex together.
The full 2025 Vital Signs® Report is now available for download on the WECF website. We invite residents, organizations, and leaders across Windsor-Essex to explore the findings, reflect on what they mean, and use them to take informed action.
