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Welcome to our Living in York Region Vital Signs report.  This is York Region Community Foundation’s first Vital Signs® report — produced in partnership with York University and with generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

From a series of separate and largely rural and suburban areas when it was established in 1971, York Region has successfully transitioned to become a dynamic and diverse community that enjoys the amenities of an urban centre while maintaining a small town feel.  

This change has been accompanied by rapid population and economic growth.  Attracted by quiet, well-designed communities, good schools, fresh air and green spaces, people from neighbouring communities, across Canada and around the world have flocked to the Region. Today, as York Region celebrates its 40th anniversary, more than one million people call its nine area municipalities home, a more than five-fold increase since 1971. 

But with change and growth, come challenges.  A healthy community is one that successfully finds the balance among the needs of a vibrant economy, strong community and sustainable environment.  In this first Vital Signs® report we can confidently conclude that York Region is a healthy community.  People are proud of their communities.  Whether long-time residents or newcomers, they feel good about where they live, work and play. 

Nonetheless, the years of sustained growth — and the prospect of much more to come in the future – have created pressures in areas that require collective energy, resources and creativity to address successfully in coming years.

With guidance from a Leadership Council, we consulted with

If a single theme emerged from our consultations, it was the importance of connections in a region that encompasses 680 square miles of rural, forested and urban landscape. Whether talking about work, school, the environment or their neighbours, we heard about the vital importance of connecting to people, places and services. York Region’s future growth and prosperity will depend on our collective ability to build upon the achievements of the past 40 years and to take full advantage of our economic, community and environmental assets. 

With our first Vital Signs® report, called Living in York Region, we have the beginning indicators to measure what matters most today and in the future, and what could be improved about living in York Region. York Region Community Foundation is proud to present this inaugural Vital Signs® report — we look forward to ongoing discussion about the findings and how we can work together with our partners in York Region to create an even healthier community for all.