Victoria residents’ quality of life good, but worsening: Ipsos poll

B.C.’s island capital is having a moment, after a recent survey showed the majority of its residents are living the good life.

A poll conducted by national research firm Ipsos found 84 per cent of Victoria residents rate their overall quality of life as good.

“We know we live, work and play in a wonderful city and it’s reassuring to see the majority of residents agree,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.

Middle-aged and senior residents’ good quality of life rating increased to about 86 per cent. Meanwhile, 79 per cent of residents aged 18-34 also said they had a good quality of life. Only 15 per cent reported a low quality of life.

However, 63 per cent of survey respondents mentioned that their quality of life had worsened over the past three years.

Housing, transportation and public safety topped the list for concerns residents have about their city.

“We still have work to do to make sure Victoria is a more welcoming, inclusive community with opportunities for everyone and I’m listening carefully to what matters most to residents as we plan a 2024 budget that maintains the services on which we all rely and allows for initiatives that create the experiential Victoria our residents want,” Alto said.

The City of Victoria commissioned the survey to inform its decision making while deciding on the City’s 2024 budget.

This survey comes only days after The Globe and Mail reported Victoria as the most livable city in Canada, according to its comprehensive ranking system. In October, travel magazine Conde Nast placed Victoria first in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.