Simcoe County nearly $4 below livable wage, report states
Simcoe County's livable wage ranks fourth in Ontario, according to recent data.
The Ontario Living Wage Network has been researching the livable wage in regions across the province, taking into account expenses such as housing, childcare, food and transportation. The results show that the livable wage in Simcoe County is $19.05 per hour.
"So what that means if someone is earning a minimum wage working full time, they will be short $124 a week trying to make ends meet, and that's the difference," said Craig Pickthorne, the communication coordinator for Ontario Living Wage Network.
The Toronto area tops its livable wage list at $22.08, followed by the Halton region at $20.75 and Peel Region at $19.80.
The network comprises over 500 employers in Ontario, including 21 in Simcoe County.
Humdinger Bicycle Tours in Oro-Medonte is one of those employers and has been paying its employees above the livable wage since 2019.
"A living wage at least allows people to cover their basic necessities and maybe spend a little money in the community and keep that cycle going," said Sara McEwen, the founder of Humdinger Bicycle Tours.
She said she managed to retain her staff throughout the pandemic and attributes it to the higher wages.
"I think the wage does help, and I think it's important," said McEwen. "It certainly is a commitment for small businesses to pay a living wage, it does impact the bottom line, but it's something I've been committed to from the beginning."
But not all small business owners can make the same commitment.
County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell said it would be challenging to pay employees an additional $3.55 for many small business owners and entrepreneurs still digging out of pandemic losses.
"We want to make sure people have an increase in their income to accommodate increases in inflation and cost of living, at the same time, we need to find that balance where small businesses can get back on their feet,"' said Cornell.
According to the province, the minimum wage will likely increase annually in October . If new rates are to take effect in Ontario next year, they could be announced on or before April 1, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.