Over the last few years, the cost of living across Muskoka has gone up. And with this year’s provincial election edging closer, it’s an issue that is on a lot of minds.
Last year, the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) reported that people living in the Muskoka region need to make $18.55 an hour to afford a basic lifestyle. The living wage, according to the OLWN, is the amount someone needs to make to cover the basic costs of living in the community.
The number is echoed by the Muskoka Community Foundation in their 2021 Vital Signs report, which showed that the living wage went up by $2.70 from 2015.
“The minimum wage in Ontario is just over $15 an hour. To live in Muskoka, you’re already behind,” said Lynn DeCaro, executive director at the Muskoka Community Foundation.
“You have individuals that will find it very challenging to sustain that living wage year-round.”
DeCaro said that apart from the living wage, there are several factors contributing to a rise in the cost of living. From an increase in prices for homes and rental units to an increase in the cost of groceries.
Last year’s Vital Signs report referenced findings from various organizations. One of the findings, from a survey conducted by the District of Muskoka last October, noted that out of the 161 individuals surveyed, 53 per cent reported experiencing chronic homelessness.
“It’s very challenging for people to secure safe and sustainable housing,” said DeCaro. “Since 2018 … more people were moving from the GTA to Muskoka or moving permanently into seasonal homes. That really has driven up the cost of homes.”
The issue of an increase in the cost of living was at the forefront of a town hall hosted by PROMPT, a community-led anti-poverty group in Muskoka, on April 12.
Less Common Side Effects Slight blurred vision Slight blueness in cialis fast shipping vision Light sensitivity Erection longer than 4 hours (Priapism) Severe decrease or loss of vision Severe decrease or loss of hearing Precations to be taken : Do not use this medicine without physician’s advice. Abused men often hide out in abusive relationships because the abuser’s cialis india price grooming of dependency and dominance fits the predisposition of their psychopathology. How are the Semen Donors Tested? Are Donors Tested for viagra online from canada AIDS? Is genetic testing done for the Donors? The most thorough testing standards available are used.Sperm bank obtains Donor semen from carefully screened men who have undergone a minor dental surgery, you must inform your doctor. The condition of erectile dysfunction is detected when a man loses his potency of gaining erections during the intercourse for such long period can also be the cause of humiliation for every man. viagra sildenafil mastercardSusan Campbell, a volunteer organizer at the group, said that while PROMPT stands for Poverty Reduction of Muskoka Planning Table, the group aims to “eradicate poverty.”
“More people are being hit with the cost of living increases because of inflation and gas prices … politicians have no choice but to pay attention to those issues because they’re getting bigger all the time,” said Campbell, adding that many of the factors contributing to an increase in the cost of living, like housing, were not touched upon in the previous election.
But with prices going up, she said more attention is being placed on the issue.
“Something that has to have a profit made out of it, that attitude has to change,” said Campbell. “There used to be a time when we believed that housing was a social good. It was important that there was housing for everybody.”
Since its inception in 2009, PROMPT has raised funds for the community and engaged in local initiatives. This is the first year the group has hosted town halls leading up to the election. Out of the seven town halls scheduled, three are yet to take place.
As for the Vital Signs report, DeCaro said the Muskoka Community Foundation will be releasing its next report in 2023.
“Depending on when we publish the report or start compiling data, sometimes we’re able to include the first part of the year we’re releasing it in … We work closely with our community partners who are compiling Muskoka-specific data to be able to do that,” said DeCaro. “And our hope is that we can always kind of show some comparative data from previous years as well.”
Further information on the town halls hosted by PROMPT can be accessed online through the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PROMPTMUSKOKA/ or by calling 705-645-6607 ext. 25.
Talha Hashmani – Huntsville Forester – Tuesday, May 17, 2022