How healthy is the city of London?

The London Community Foundation just released it's vital signs report on the city of London's health. Above is a graphic detailing the public's perception of our quality of life in London. This report grades various facets of London, such as Housing (C), Safety and the Arts (B), as well as the Environment and Equality (D).

A few interesting bits highlighted in the LFP:

Almost half of London households spend on performing arts, much higher than provincial estimate.

To-do list: develop performing arts centre, increase arts funding, add more accessible and affordable events.

At least I know now that Gord Hume isn't the only person who wants a performing arts centre in London. I'm definitely in the category of citizens who would like to see more support for smaller arts institutions and projects. Lola comes to mind as a festival that could of used much more financial support from both public and private funders. The Arts Project, as well as various other facets of our existing art's infrastructure, could be better supported.

I am also much more so interested in the idea of incorporating arts into community projects and/or community centres in London. Artists, nationally, are largely among those who make 10-20 grand a year. Not only do they make up an under-supported industry, that often inspires other industries or helps them to innovate, but they also often comrpise Canada's economically impoverished class. As the report shows, the gap between rich and poor in London is as follows:

About 27 per cent of families with $100,000+ incomes while 10 per cent of households earn less than $25,000.

Overall poverty levels higher than Ontario and Canadian averages.

To-do list: develop child-poverty initiatives, create more effective community programs, affordable education for low-income families. 

Of course, it's no surprise than that they also suggest, under Housing, the need for more affordable housing. I like that they focus on the importance of population density considering how damaging sprawl will continue to be in this city. Suburban communities in TO are just beginning to realize their own disconnect now that more of them are suffering from poverty. I can't help but think that London's own satellite communities are going to be hit hard as the economy slows. Simply put, everything can be made more accessible to those without cars, or simply the disadvantaged, in more well-designed urban environment.