Five key issues in Saskatchewan were uncovered as part of the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s 50 Vital Community Conversations program.

The report, which was presented Wednesday says the top five concerns southern Saskatchewan residents have are homelessness, racism, community safety, drug abuse and addictions, and sustaining rural communities.

Board co-chair Leslie Ciz said the participation in this initiative was something that took her by surprise.

“When we were creating this concept, it was unclear how much participation we would get from the community, and the overwhelming participation was just phenomenal.”

Executive Director Donna Ziegler said the public’s voice was heard during community conversation events held earlier this year.

“For south Saskatchewan, it’s really important for us to expand our area (and) go into south Saskatchewan,” Ziegler said. “We go from Davidson down, east and west to each border, so it’s really important for us to hear from everyone within our geographical area.”

Ziegler described what’s next for the report.

“We are hoping perhaps next year to go back into some of the communities and have conversations that are important to them on the top five emerging issues and work with local leaders, community leaders, donors, charities and members of the community and try and find solutions to some of the challenges that were listed.”

The report was part of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary, and is something that will give them something to work forward to for the next 50 years, according to Ziegler.