Do we vote? Are we generous? Do we feel connected?

Sense of Belonging - In 2007, 66.1% of residents on South Vancouver Island 12 years and over reported a very strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging to their local community. While this is higher than the 62.0% of Canadians and 64.8% of British Columbians who reported a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging in the same year, it is less than the 69.3% of South Vancouver Island residents who reported a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging in 2005.

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Charitable Giving - Of the people in Greater Victoria who filed tax returns in 2006, 28.4% reported making donations to charitable organizations, down slightly from 28.9% in 2005 and 29.7% in 2004. However, the median amount donated was $320 in 2006, up from $300 in 2005 and $290 in 2004.

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United Way Campaign - The Victoria United Way campaign raised $6.3 million in 2007, compared with $5.6 million in 2006. This is $650,000 more than the previous year and $300,000 over the campaign goal of $6 million.

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Recreation Spending - In 2006, 56.7% of households in Greater Victoria reported spending on the use of recreation facilities. This is down from 59.3% in 2003, however significantly higher than the national rate of 41.6% and 48.0% in BC for 2006.

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Internet Use – In 2005, 75.7% of adults in Greater Victoria used the Internet for personal use compared to 69.3% in BC. Of the Greater Victorians accessing the Internet for personal use, 14.2% did so through the public library.
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Community Organization Membership – In 2006, 34.4% of households in Greater Victoria reported spending on social clubs and other organizations, up from 25.1% in 2003.This is considerably higher than the 19.0% of British Columbians who reported similar spending in 2006, and the 18.7% of Canadians.
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View Chart from Report
Victorians’ Plans to Make Donations
> Source: CFAX 1070 Web Poll, June 8, 2008

View Chart from Report
Federal Election Voter Turnout
> Source: Elections Canada