Vital Signs event at Kindred promises lively discussion on community

Strain on healthcare, housing, food security and social systems to be discussed

On Wednesday Feb. 25 from 7-8 p.m., Laurie Dillon-Schalk of the Kawartha Community Foundation and Jim Armstrong of the Kawartha Works Community Co-operative will be talking to residents about the newly released Vital Signs report at Kindred Coffee Bar in Lindsay.

Organized by The Lindsay Advocate and Kindred, the conversation will be moderated by Advocate Publisher Roderick Benns and Kindred Owner Dara Bergeron.

The Vital Signs report draws from census data, health statistics, municipal information and community consultations to measure 11 indicators that shape quality of life. These indicators include community the economy, housing, food security, public safety, health, and arts and culture, among others.

“The findings can help direct investments, budgets, policies towards programs, organizations and projects that will create the largest impact,” said Dillon-Schalk.

The report shows Kawartha Lakes as a community that is proud of its quality of life and has a strong sense of belonging. However, it also reveals that there is a real strain when it comes to healthcare, housing, food security and social systems.

Dillon-Schalk said these are issues that can’t be solved by the government or a single charity, but if everyone works together real change can happen. “Vital Signs is not a tool to point to any one group to solve problems – it is about us collectively working together,” she said.

She encourages everyone who is able to, to come out to the event. “Kawartha Lakes is a beautiful place and for many people, they live a great existence. But not everyone is thriving. If you care about the place, you call home…or the future for our children, then this session is for you.”

Free admission to the Feb. 25 event. Come early to get a Kindred beverage. The event will be