TORONTO, Ont. – A new ranking of Ontario municipalities -- based on co-operative values like civic engagement, green space, charitable giving and availability of social programs -- puts Thunder Bay ahead of all other Northern Ontario cities.
The new Co-operative Communities Index released by Credit Unions of Ontario is a province-wide initiative highlighting the values behind Co-operative Banking, including concern for community and charitable spirit.
"The values that communities cherish the most are very closely aligned with the values that credit unions champion every day," said Steve Bolton, Chair of the Credit Unions of Ontario, in a media release issued Wednesday.
"The Co-operative Communities Index reminds us that successful communities are not just about financial wealth, but also about things like treating others with respect, making a difference, helping each other out, and giving back."
The top 30 communities were selected from six regional groups, and ranked according to scores in five categories: Civic Engagement, Shared Green Spaces, Charitable Spirit, Social Investment and Community Assets.
Each 10-point category was researched using municipal websites, telephone interviews and resources including Statistics Canada and local Volunteer Canada directories.
Orillia topped the index through its strong showing in the "Social Investment" and "Charitable Spirit" categories. Additional highlights include. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay ranked fifth, the next highest ranked Northern Ontario city was North Bay at 21.
2015 Co-operative Communities Index
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Rank Community Score / 50
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1 Orillia 43
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2 Ottawa 40.25
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3 St. Catharines 36
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4 Chatham-Kent 35.5
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5 Guelph 35
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5 Thunder Bay 35
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7 Kawartha Lakes 33
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8 Windsor 32.5
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9 Brantford 32
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9 Belleville 32
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9 Kitchener 32
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12 Cornwall 31.5
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13 Pembroke 30.5
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14 Barrie 30
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15 Cambridge 29
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30 Markham 18
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