Community Feedback Sought on Strengths, Challenges Across Windsor-Essex
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is calling on residents to participate in its annual VitalSigns survey, which aims to assess community well-being across the region. The survey, launched Wednesday, gathers public perspectives on key aspects of community life, including safety, transportation, and culture.
Information collected will form the basis of the 2026 VitalSigns report, scheduled for release later this year. The foundation emphasizes that the goal is to capture local viewpoints to help identify strengths and challenges in Windsor-Essex, guiding decisions made by non-profits, local governments, businesses, and other community groups.
“VitalSigns gives Windsor-Essex residents a chance to speak up about what matters most,” said Lisa Kolody, executive director of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, in a press release. “Together, our voices shape how we grow, connect, and thrive as a community.”
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is available online. The foundation encourages broad participation to ensure diverse representation.
The WECF, a philanthropic trust established in 1983, uses the VitalSigns report to identify community strengths and areas needing attention. As a charitable organization, it also relies on the findings to direct funding toward projects aligned with community priorities.
Last year’s report highlighted mental health programs and services, as well as the provision of a living wage, as key priorities for community action. In 2025, 81% of respondents reported feeling happy “always or most of the time,” yet 56% saw opportunities to improve the region’s overall health, wellness, and activity levels.
Housing emerged as the top concern, with 55% of residents citing affordability as their leading issue. More than 80% said the quality of available housing in Windsor-Essex needs improvement. Additionally, 60% of respondents expressed a desire for better local job opportunities, while 22% sought a reduction in the unemployment rate. Another 20% emphasized the need for more preparation aimed at young professionals entering the workforce.
“For over 40 years, the WECF has existed to manage donors’ legacy funds and make community investments to support local programs,” the organization stated in a release. “Through these investments, the WECF is able to establish partnerships to assist a broad range of charitable organizations.”
The survey is available online at wecf.ca.
