Your Voice. Your Community. The 2026 Vital Signs® Survey Is Now Open

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is inviting residents across Windsor-Essex to take part in the 2026 Vital Signs® Survey—an opportunity to share your experiences, priorities, and hopes for the community we all call home.

Guided by the theme, “Your Voice. Your Community.”, the survey is designed to capture real perspectives from people living and working in Windsor-Essex. These insights play a critical role in shaping a stronger, more connected, and vibrant region.

Why Your Voice Matters

The Vital Signs® Survey is more than a questionnaire—it’s a powerful tool for change. Your responses directly inform local decision-making, helping non-profits, businesses, and government leaders better understand what matters most.

By participating, you can:

• Help shape the future of Windsor-Essex
• Influence funding, policies, and community planning
• Contribute to meaningful conversations about local priorities

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is available online from May 6 to August 7, 2026.

What the Survey Covers

This year’s survey explores 11 key areas that impact quality of life, including:

• Housing
• Belonging and inclusion
• Safety
• Mental wellness
• And more

Each response adds to a clearer picture of both the strengths we can build on and the challenges we must address together.

What We Heard Last Year

Community voices continue to drive real impact. Findings from the 2025 Vital Signs® report highlighted several important priorities:

• Mental health access remains a concern: 40% of residents reported challenges in accessing mental health programs and services, pointing to a need for expanded and more accessible support.
• Affordability and fair wages matter: 36% of our community emphasized the importance of providing a living wage to help individuals and families meet rising costs.
• A stronger sense of belonging is needed: 37% of residents expressed a desire for more opportunities to feel included, connected, and engaged within their communities.

These insights have already helped guide local investments and partnerships—and your input this year will continue that momentum.

A Community Effort

“Vital Signs® gives Windsor-Essex residents a chance to speak up about what matters most. Together, our voices shape how we grow, connect, and thrive as a community,” said Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of WECF.

Since 2014, Vital Signs® has played a key role in aligning community resources with local needs, helping create lasting, positive change across Windsor-Essex.

Take the Survey Today

Your perspective matters—and your community is ready to listen.

Take the 2026 Vital Signs® Survey today and be part of shaping the future of Windsor-Essex.

👉 Your voice. You community! Take the SURVEY today!