Living wage jumps 40 cents in Dufferin Guelph Wellington Waterloo
The network says higher shelter and child care costs pushed the regional rate up 40 cents, while all 10 Ontario regions now exceed minimum wage.
- On Monday, the Ontario Living Wage Network released 2026 living wage calculations for 10 regions, placing Guelph-Wellington fourth highest at $23.40 per hour.
- These rates, based on a 35-hour work week for three household types, cover essential costs including food and shelter, with every regional calculation exceeding the current minimum wage of $17.95 per hour.
- Ontario saw a 1.6% average rate increase this year, which the network called "more modest" than the 5.3% average in 2025; the gap between living and minimum wages spans $3.20 to $9.65 across regions.
- Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction director Cooper described the living wage as "a bare-bones budget," noting that minimum wages remain insufficient for workers facing tariff and job market uncertainty.
- More than 600 employers are now certified living wage employers. Meridian Credit Union human resources vice-president Kristine Dionne said the company will meet regional rates, including new 2027 figures, supporting employee well-being.
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To pay rent, shop and travel in the Greater Toronto Area, a worker must earn $27.60 per hour, according to the Ontario Living Wage Network.
Ontario's living wage rate for basic necessities ranges from $3.20 to $9.65 above minimum pay, report says
The Ontario Living Wage Network says the amount people need to earn to cover basic necessities is higher than the provincial minimum wage, which stands at $17.95 an hour. In Hamilton, the living wage is $23.10, according to the network.
Ontario's living wage rates are higher for 2026 and some places are close to $30 per hour
Ontario's living wage for 2026 has been revealed, and rates went up in every region.Workers in some parts of the province need to make close to $30 an hour to afford the cost of living.On November 9, the Ontario Living Wage Network released the 2026 living wage calculations for 10 regions across the province.A living wage is the hourly rate a worker needs to earn to cover basic expenses, like food and shelter, and participate in their community.…
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