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Vital Signs

Every two years, the CBT publishes a report on the state of many different indicators of the health of our communities and ecosystems. 

First published in 2012, the Vital Signs report has become a go-to source for local information and stories. It’s a great place to bring together data from the CBT research projects (such as Living Wage), projects of other non-profit and academic groups, as well as data from public sources such as the hospital, the RCMP, and Statistics Canada, to get a big-picture view of the changes happening in our region. We present key findings of the report to local First Nations, municipal governments, and organizations with an aim to inspire meaningful data-driven Vital Conversations (see below) and encourage specific action in priority areas. 

We also use the Vital Signs report to track regional progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, we identify local initiatives that address poverty, fight inequality, improve education, support biodiversity, initiate partnerships, and identify climate change solutions. 

Credit: Community Foundations of Canada

Vital Conversation on Climate Adaptation Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
Vital Conversation

Regional Climate Adaptation

In April 2025, in partnership with the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, we hosted a Vital Conversation on regional climate adaptation planning. Attended by multiple Indigenous and Municipal governments, as well as representatives from the private and non-profit sectors, the participants built a shared understanding of regional projects and priorities, discussed the challenges our small communities face in addressing climate change, and formed the foundation for a joint grant application from five communities to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for climate adaptation planning. 

Read the Report
Vital Conversation Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
Vital Conversation

Community Sexual Assault Strategies on the West Coast

In November 2024, in partnership with the Westcoast Community Resources Society, we hosted a Vital Conversation on community sexual assault response in the region. Statistics from communities in the region indicate sexual assault rates are significantly higher other municipalities across BC. In response, over 70 people attended the Vital Conversation held in Tofino to learn about the current education, prevention, and response practices and explore ways to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents by building on collaborative strengths and supports. A key goal of the Vital Conversation was to empower community members to help shift from a culture that facilitates sexual violence through shame and secrecy, to a culture of consent that fosters respect and dignity.

Read the Report
a valuable tool for understanding progress toward achieving all aspects of sustainability - cultural, social, economic, and environmental.
2023 Feature Report

2023 Vital Signs Report

This document is our fifth Vital Signs report. As such, it provides an opportunity to look back over 10 years to see how, or if, metrics have changed. It is also a valuable tool for understanding progress toward achieving all aspects of sustainability - cultural, social, economic, and environmental.

Vital Signs is a national program led by community foundations and coordinated by the Community Foundations of Canada that leverages community knowledge to measure the vitality of our communities and ecosystems, and supports actions that improve quality of life. The CBT is committed to a long-term monitoring program for the region and its communities, and aims to publish a Vital Signs report every two years.

READ THE REPORT
Vital Signs Data Hub Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
Our new online platform

Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region's Vital Signs Data Hub

Explore the Vital Signs data online! The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region's Data Hub centralizes Vital Signs regional indicators and provides you with a place to explore data gathered since 2011.

VISIT THE DATA HUB
2021 Feature Report

Vital Snapshot on Tourism

Research plays a vital role in the CBT’s advocacy for community and ecosystem health. This Vital Snapshot builds on our Vital Signs research program by examining the holistic impacts of tourism in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. We hope this report will influence positive changes in the tourism sector through advocacy and policy change. Tourism can be a driver for healthy community development but only when local communities and all rights and stakeholders are involved in its design.

Our research efforts are carried out in collaboration with our community to make a difference locally, nationally, and internationally. Thank you to all of the contributors.

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Vital Conversation

Youth

In December 2019, we co-hosted a Youth Vital Conversation with the Coastal Family Resource Coalition. Using data from our Vital Signs report as a starting point, approximately 50 teens from Maaqtusiis and Ucluelet Secondary Schools discussed how to make our region a better place to grow up. They shared thoughts on quality education, personal and professional development, mental health, substance use, transportation, recreational programming, and many other topics. The day featured drumming and signing, a Nuu-chah-nulth prayer at lunch, and a screening of Finding Solitude Film, all led by youth attendees.

Read a summary and analysis of the data gathered during the event as compiled by participants of CBT's Leadership Vancouver Island program. 

Vital Conversation

Sustainable Tourism

In April 2019, we teamed up with the District of Tofino to host a Vital Conversation about sustainable tourism with district staff, First Nations leaders, youth, health workers, tourism operators, and non-profit leadership. We used the 2018 Vital Signs report as a platform to discuss how Tofino’s tourism economy interrelates with community life and to consider this experience through the lens of varied community stakeholders.

To learn more, you can read the report, check out the summary presentation slides, or watch the video of the event