The Comox Valley Regional District, in partnership with the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland and K’ómoks First Nation, has launched a survey looking at poverty reduction within the region.
In July 2020, the CVRD received $100,000 in grant funding to undertake a regional poverty assessment and reduction strategy. Together with community partners such as the Coalition to End Homelessness, the Comox Valley Social Planning Society and the Comox Valley Community Health Network, the assessment will build on the findings of the recently completed Regional Housing Needs Assessment, and the 2019 Comox Valley Childcare Inventory and Action Plan.
“COVID-19 has helped to shine a light on the fact that many people in our community are experiencing various levels of economic insecurity,” said Alana Mullaly, Senior Manager of Sustainability and Regional Growth Strategy Planning. “Lack of affordable housing, childcare, transportation and employment options all increase the incidence and impact of poverty within our community. Actions to reduce poverty can have a positive effect on the entire community, improving quality of life, helping people to live with dignity, and creating equal opportunities for residents to contribute and live a full life. We want to hear from you to help guide our Poverty Reduction Strategy and find ways to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive and resilient community.”
Please consider getting involved by sharing your experiences and ideas through the survey, participating in a small group virtual discussion, or a self-guided toolkit. Community feedback will be used to develop this action plan.
The survey is at www.connectcvrd.ca/povertyreduction
If you prefer a hard copy of the survey, call 250-334-6000. Survey closes Feb. 15.
