Economic development in a region needs to be enjoyed by all of its citizens. Regional development involves creating a place for individuals, companies and families to prosper. The gap between the rich and poor is widening and broadening in many communities, including Niagara. Read the rest of this entry »

Niagara had the lowest median, after tax employment income in all of Ontario at $23,396 in 2005. In 2005, in Niagara, the median earnings of those employed full-time for a year was $41,807. Read the rest of this entry »

The Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) is a measure based on total income before or after tax and is expressed as the percentage of families or persons 15 years and over who live below the LICO level and live in poverty. Read the rest of this entry »

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening in Niagara, as in all parts of Canada. According to the National Council of Welfare (2006), in 2004 for every $1 earned by the poorest 10% of families with children, the richest 10% of families with children earned $14.48. Read the rest of this entry »

The availability of affordable, safe and appropriate housing and shelter in a community has an impact on creating a healthy community and on the well being of its citizens. It is important to have a place to call home where you build a collective history with others. Read the rest of this entry »

 Whether buying a house or renting an apartment, spending more than 30% of one’s income on housing creates financial difficulties. The proportion of households spending 30% or more of their income on rent is an indicator of affordability and a potential contributor to homelessness. Read the rest of this entry »