Written by: Melissa McKinney, published in The Bird’s Eye – June 4, 2025
What if 30 minutes of your time could bring better housing, stronger healthcare, more local funding, and services that actually fit this island?
That’s what’s on the table with Quadra’s first-ever Vital Signs survey.
You’ve probably seen the posters. Maybe Barbara handed you a postcard. But here’s the real pitch:
They say it takes 15 minutes. We say give it 30 and maybe a stiff drink afterward.
It’s about more than just “how are you”—it’s “what do you need, and what’s missing?”
This is the part before the money shows up. The part where your voice turns into proof.
The Vital Signs project is being led by the Quadra Island Foundation in partnership with UVic, who will compile the responses into our first full community report. The questions cover everything from housing to healthcare to belonging—and it’s anonymous. Every islander aged 19+ is invited to take part before June 30. Here’s the thing: this survey actually does something. And it comes with receipts.
On Cortes, their Vital Signs report helped renew funding for their youth academy and exposed gaps in childcare access. In Campbell River, it led to targeted housing strategies, new senior services, and over $100,000 in nonprofit grants. In both cases, it started with stories—backed by numbers.
That’s what Quadra’s after now.
You can take it online using your own device or anywhere you access the internet. Prefer pen and paper? Grab a copy at the library—they’re even collecting completed ones.
Printed surveys are also available at the Legion during Monday seniors’ lunches. No device? No problem. Barbara’s got an iPad and she’ll come to you.
In fact, she’s been everywhere lately—at events, in kitchens, out in the community,
doing whatever it takes to make sure no one’s left out. You’ll spot her at the Saturday market, and pretty much anywhere else islanders gather. Her commitment to capturing a full, honest snapshot of life on Quadra is deeply hopeful—and honestly kind of inspiring.
So yes, it’s a bit annoying to answer 60 questions into a computer—some of which are even open-ended—but it’s also one small, meaningful way to help bring more of what we need into our community.
This is how we get seen. This is how we get funded. This is how we continue to build our island up around the people living here.
We hope you’ll take the survey. Be part of the picture.
Because this island can’t afford to leave its quietest voices out.