Living wage is defined as “the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses.” 

Living Wage is calculated by region, taking into account how much is needed to “make ends” meet day to day, week to week, month to month. In Ontario, this calculation is conducted by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN). 

This week, the OLWN released its updated rates for 2025. In Simcoe County, living wage increased from $23.05 to $24.60 and in Muskoka the rate increased from $21.65 to $22.20, representing a 6.7% and 2.5% increase respectively. 

What does this mean? 

It means that even with the recent increase to Ontario’s minimum wage, someone working 40 hours a week in Simcoe County could be falling short by up to $320 a week, $1,280 a month, $16,640 a year.  

It means that someone working 40 hours a week in Muskoka could be falling short by $184 a week, $736 a month, $9,568 a year. 

People working full-time hours are having to choose between paying their bills and feeding their family, clothing their children or paying the rent. 

If we want to be serious about moving people out of poverty, we have to understand that paying employees a living wage is ground zero. 

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer. 

To learn more about how to be a Living Wage Employer, go to the Ontario Living Wage website.