Bruce and Grey Counties, ON – The Living Wage for Bruce Grey has increased by 6.7% to $24.60 per hour in 2025, up from $23.05 in 2024. The new rate reflects the continued rise in shelter and transportation costs across the region and highlights the growing gap between minimum wage and the actual cost of living.

The Living Wage is what a worker must earn per hour, working full-time, to make ends meet where they live. It factors in essential expenses such as housing, food, childcare, transportation, clothing, and modest participation in community life, while also accounting for government taxes, transfers, and benefits.

“Each year, the Living Wage tells a story about affordability in our communities,” says Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way Bruce Grey. “A 6.7% increase isn’t just a number, it’s a reflection of the daily struggles families face to stay housed, feed their kids, and keep the lights on. We’re seeing more people working full-time who still can’t make ends meet, and that’s unacceptable. A living wage isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for dignity and stability.”

According to the Ontario Living Wage Network’s 2025 analysis, housing remains the biggest pressure point, with limited availability and rising rents driving up household costs across Bruce and Grey counties. Rural transportation challenges and inflation continue to add stress for working families and individuals.

“We’re seeing the effects of compounding pressures, rising housing costs, higher transportation expenses, and limited access to affordable essentials,” says Jill Umbach, Co-ordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “People are working hard, but they’re falling behind. Our community deserves solutions that focus on increasing income and ensuring everyone can meet their basic needs without constant financial stress.”

The Living Wage calculation for Bruce Grey draws from three household scenarios:

• Single adult: $25.30/hour
• Single parent with two children: $27.75/hour
• Two parents with two children: $23.50/hour (both parents working)

These numbers illustrate the cost of living in Bruce Grey communities, where even dual-income families can struggle with rising basic expenses.

“Employers who commit to paying a living wage report better morale, lower turnover, and stronger loyalty among their staff,” says Dobbyn. “We encourage more local businesses to step forward and join the network of certified living wage employers making a real difference.”

About the Living Wage

A Living Wage is calculated annually by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) to determine what full-time workers need to earn to cover basic living costs in their specific region. The 2025 calculations show an average provincial increase of 5.3%, largely driven by escalating housing, childcare, and transportation expenses

There are currently over 630 certified Living Wage employers across Ontario, covering more than 860 workplaces, who recognize the benefits of paying fair wages to their employees.