Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Safety and learning got high grades, while the gap between rich and poor, and housing did not fare as well in the South Okanagan Similkameen's Vital Signs report.

The report, produced by the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan/ Similkameen, was released at the Shatford Centre in Penticton on Tuesday.

"The launch is to show people the results of the Vital Signs survey, and it's also to start the conversation about three things you can do in different areas of need," said Aaron McRann, the foundation's executive director. "We are trying to say to people: here's the score for the environment, and here's three things you can do."

The report covers 11 areas that assess the overall health and vitality of the community.

Residents throughout the regional district completed the survey, rating the areas on a six-point scale, ranging from A+ to F.

The region received an A- for learning, arts and culture, and safety. It earned a B+ for the environment and getting around, but scored only a D+ for housing, the gap between rich and poor, and work.

Public feedback suggests housing is a challenge, with low vacancy rates and a high cost of home ownership.

In the work category, many survey respondents voiced a need for new industries that won't have a negative impact on the positive things already offered in the region.

Safety scored high, as crime rates in the region have been declining; arts and culture earned the A- for such activities being plentiful.

McRann was excited about the level of community engagement. More than 1,500 respondents answered the survey, double last year.

“We’re very pleased with the level of engagement. Through social media, we’re reaching more people in the South Okanagan and Similkameen, and they’re eager to have a say. The more responses we get, the better quality the results," he said.

McRann encourages people to download the report at http://www.cfso.net. There are also going to be town hall meetings throughout the region to dig a little deeper on the topics.

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said the survey points to areas communities need to work on.

"Hopefully, this is a catalyst to promote some programs or change for the better," he said.