WECF Releases 2026 Vital Signs® Report: A Snapshot of Windsor-Essex Today
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.
“This year’s Vital Signs® Report continues our commitment to understanding the evolving experiences and priorities of people across Windsor-Essex,” said Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation. “The 2026 Report reflects the voices, experiences, and perspectives of our community while highlighting trends that help guide future action. Vital Signs® supports informed decision-making, encourages collaboration, and helps identify opportunities to improve quality of life across our region. The findings also play an important role in informing WECF’s grant-making, helping ensure community investments are responsive to local needs and emerging priorities.”
What’s Inside the 2026 Report?
The 2026 edition reflects a steady sense of stability, with many residents expressing that the region is progressing in key areas, while also identifying opportunities for meaningful growth and improvement.
Top Community Priorities:
- Improving skill development for the workforce
- Creating a regional transportation system connecting Windsor and Essex County
- Improving access to locally grown food
Th 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
- 86% of respondents said they are happy in life always or most of the time;
- 95% of survey respondents said that Lake Erie’s health is extremely important or moderately important;
- Under the issue area of “Getting Around”, the top priority was tied, with 31 % of survey respondents indicating improving public transportation is their top priority, and 31% listing creating a regional transportation system connecting Windsor and Essex County in the top spot;
- 69% of survey respondents said Windsor-Essex is doing great or making good progress in Arts and Culture;
- The issue areas of “Housing” and “Work” emerged as those most in need of improvement, according to survey respondents.
A Community Conversation
The 2026 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 2026 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.
