CALGARY FOUNDATION 2023 ANNUAL QUALITY-OF-LIFE REPORT
Since 2007, Calgary Foundation has annually published a quality-of-life report. As a community leader and funder that supports Calgarians through the work of thousands of charities and nonprofits, Calgary Foundation recognizes the value of annually taking the pulse of our city and measuring the resiliency and community spirit of Calgary. This annual report serves to connect Calgarians through an understanding of the challenges we share.
This year’s report has some celebratory highs and unfortunate lows. Below are a few highlights and takeaways from the survey You can read the full report HERE.
Food Insecurity + Family Life
29% can’t afford healthy food, up from 21% in 2022. 45% buy less fresh vegetables and fruits. 55% buy less meats, fish and/or other proteins.
57% serve smaller portions. 60% of families serve smaller portions.
36% of parents skip meals to ensure their kids can eat. 29% of families sometimes skip meals.
16% of Calgarians access community-based food programs (i.e. food hampers/gift cards, mobile grocery stores, food banks, neighbourhood free pantries, or fridges).
59% feel stressed, up from 38% in 2022.
39% rate their mental health as poor or below average.
Housing
36% can’t afford to rent, up from 27% in 2021. 28% of renters missed a payment in the past year.
41% of renters can’t find a suitable place to live.
85% of renters can't afford the down payment on a home purchase. 40% of Calgarians can’t afford to buy a home.
33% of homeowners make sacrifices in other spending to pay their mortgage.
Finances, Employment + Poverty
25% of Calgarians can’t meet basic financial needs. Up from 19% in 2022, and 15% in 2021.
37% can’t afford to save for the future.
26% of Calgarians can’t find suitable employment. 31% of racialized Calgarians can’t find suitable employment.
88% of us believe the minimum wage should be increased to $18.60/hour, compared to 85% in 2022 and 80% in 2021.
Safety
80% of Calgarians are concerned about safety in our city. Compared to 73% in 2022 and 65% in 2021.
88% of racialized Calgarians feel uncomfortable or out of place because of their religion, ethnicity, skin colour, culture, language, accent, gender, or sexual orientation, up from 75% in 2022.
84% of racialized Calgarians believe racism exists vs. 66% of non-racialized Calgarians.
Charitable Giving + The Arts
62% of Calgarians believe public art creates a sense of belonging. +4% increase from 2022.
70% believe the arts helps them appreciate other cultures and perspectives. +6% increase from 2022.
Despite 38% of Calgarians feeling stressed about their finances.
75% donated at least once in the past year.
58% volunteer at least once a year.
Calgary remains a good place to make a life.
93% of Calgarians like the neighbourhood they live in.
89% think Calgary is a good place for families to live.
79% don’t plan on moving from Calgary in the foreseeable future, compared to 74% in 2022 and 70% in 2021.
Only 29% of 18-24 year olds plan on moving from Calgary, compared to 40% in 2022 and 60% in 2021.