WESTLOCK — The Westlock Community Foundation (WCF) is looking for the public’s input to help identify the community’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Earlier this month the foundation launched the Vital Signs Community Needs Assessment Survey, which runs from July 5 to Aug. 18, and is open to all residents, workers, and visitors in the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and the Village of Clyde.
The survey will gather input on various aspects of community life, through a series of questions on a variety of topics that deal with health and well-being, affordability, and connection and belonging, among others.
“It encompasses all the aspects of daily living that nurture and support a good quality of life,” said Westlock Community Foundation executive director, Katie Robertson.
Survey results will be analyzed and presented through a series of engagement sessions in the fall, with a comprehensive report expected to be released in November.
Robertson said the survey project is a collaborative effort and will help set priorities for the foundation and for other organizations and community groups in the region.
"Engaging in the Vital Signs survey is a unique opportunity for everyone in our community to have their voices heard," she said. "The data we collect will directly impact our day-to-day lives by guiding initiatives that address our community's most pressing needs and by fostering a stronger, more connected community."
Two weeks into the survey launch, they had received 144 responses but their goal is to reach between 750 and 1000 responses, noted Robertson.
“I want to see people use their voice to contribute to the betterment of our community,” said Robertson. “The more people that complete the survey, the more accurate picture we have. This is an opportunity for people to share what their vision is for the future.”
Robertson noted “the survey is just the first step in a larger process of community engagement and improvement” and encourages everyone to complete the survey.
“We need this (survey) as a starting point and as a way to be able to situate ourselves in which direction we want to go,” Robertson concluded.
To complete the Vital Signs Community Needs Assessment Survey visit www.westlockfoundation.ca/vitalsigns.
