The gap between rich and poor and difficulties finding decent paying, year-round employment are of greatest concerns to residents throughout the South Okanagan, according to a report released Friday.

These two area received a grade of D+ in the Vital Signs report, released by the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. Housing got a C. All other areas rank much higher (see below)

The information presented to them is the second Vital Signs report from the foundation, but the first time the report focused on issues from throughout the region.

The report is an impartial measure of the health of communities in the South Okanagan/Similkameen, with a focus on 11 key issues.

The survey itself got 650 responses.

Other issues graded in the report were:

learning rated A-

health and wellness B+

arts and culture A-

belonging and leadership A-

safety A

getting around B+

environment A-

getting started B+

housing C

The foundation’s executive director Aaron McRann said now the information is out there, the next step is for communities to act on issues that most concern them.

“Different people take different things from the report, and we are encouraging the community to pick something that resonates and do something to make it better,” he said.

Thanks to Castanet for picture