The Alberni Valley Community Foundation has released their third Vital Signs report, filled with statistics gleaned from the recent census plus other sources.
Foundation chair Hugh Grist says he not surprised at the forecast that the seniors population will double over the next 20 years, and says Port Alberni needs to prepare for it.
“That’s partly because people from the prairies are retiring here as they can’t afford Victoria or Nanaimo but they can afford Port Alberni and they still like fishing and the outdoor life,” he said.
According to the report, the Alberni Valley population grew 4.5% over the past 5 years with a median age of 50, which is significantly older than provincial and national average of 42.
Grist says one of the most troubling statistics shows charitable donations are down throughout the country, which hurts groups like the community foundation which depends on donations.
Comments