Introduction (adapted from the 2008 QLC Indicators Report)

• Download the 2008 QLC Indicators Report (Requires Adobe Reader)

It is increasingly accepted that communities with a high quality of life embody three principles of sustainable development. First, they balance the social, economic and environmental components of their community. Second, they meet the needs of the current generation without sacrificing the quality of life of future generations. Third, they respect the needs of other communities in the wider region or internationally to make their communities sustainable. Sustainable communities should:

• Be Diverse – value similarities and differences at the personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels.
• Thrive Economically – achieve economic well-being through dynamic job and business creation.
• Provide Opportunity – provide a sustainable wage and economic opportunity for all citizens.
• Demonstrate Environmental Stewardship – foster “cradle-to-cradle” thinking about natural resources not just compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Be Open and Viable to All – provide affordable housing to all members of society near their place of work.
• Be Accessible – provide safe and healthy transportation alternatives to the automobile and stimulate economic development through the timely and efficient movement of goods and services.
• Promote Learning – equip students with the skills for success and generate a personal commitment to life-long learning.
• Promote Health – promote responsible personal behavior and active lifestyles through systems that are accessible to all.
• Be Safe – foster a sense of personal safety and individual behavior that does not have to be dramatically modified to avoid fear and harm.
• Promote Creativity – use arts and culture to develop the skills that contribute to innovation and a sense of well-being.
• Be Engaged and Caring – understand the value of public goods, and promote engagement in civic processes and reinvestment in the community.

This report evaluates our recent progress towards improving our sustainability by measuring key indicators of the region’s quality of life.

Read the introduction and the complete report by downloading the 2008 QLC Indicators Report.