What does the Living Wage mean to you?

BC Living Wage 2024 Clayoquot Biosphere TrustWith help from Living Wage BC, we’ve calculated the west coast’s living wage for 2024. Across the province and the country, living wages have increased in recent years, mainly because of the costs of rent and food. The living wage:  

  • Is the hourly amount someone should earn to meet their basic expenses once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies are considered;

  • Is calculated for a family with two full time working parents and two children (age 4 and 7); this has been the model for the living wage calculations in BC for over twenty years but this year we piloted calculations for other dwelling types (discussed later in this blog post);

  • Does not include debt repayment or savings for future plans;   

  • Is largely driven by specific local costs – particularly housing, food, and transportation; 

  • Is calculated using a standardized formula across the province allowing comparisons between communities; 

  • Can be reduced by employer benefits, like extended health and dental.

While we encourage employers to understand the benefits of paying a living wage, we also recognize how difficult this can be, especially for smaller west coast businesses. The living wage calculation is an invitation for everyone – workers, employers, and governments – to think about the systems that make our communities healthy, vibrant, and inclusive places to live.  

The west coast regional living wage 

The calculation includes the communities of Ucluelet, Hitacu, Macoah, Esowista, Ty-Histanis, Opitsaht, Ahousaht, Hot Springs Cove, and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Area C.  

The 2024 regional living wage is $27.40, up from the 2023 regional living wage of $26.51, equating to an extra $6.75 per workday.

  • While this is a 3.43% rise, it's a lower increase than 20 of the 26 other BC communities who calculated a Living Wage this year.

  • This means local changes that make life more affordable have been working. 

  • After years of having the highest living wage in BC, the west coast has the second highest (Whistler calculated theirs for the first time this year, and it is $28.09). 

What has helped to slow the rate of increase for the west coast Living Wage? 

  • Increased affordable housing in the region (e.g. there are now approximately 80 non-market dwellings ranging from studios to multi-bedroom apartments operated by Tofino Housing Corporation).

Transportation 

Living in a rural and remote area means transportation is expensive. The living wage budgets for owning and operating two cars (for a family of four; single parents and individuals are calculated based on one car). Front-line workers need to be able to get to and from work, as well as travel for medical appointments.  

While public transportation is improving, it’s not yet functional enough to “replace” a car logistically for residents. If improvements continue and the living wage could be calculated with only one car, the living wage would be reduced more than $2 to $25.29. 

Housing  

Housing (rent) is the single biggest annual expense and the largest contributor to the overall living wage, This year we drew our numbers from 4 different data sets:  

  • Advertised listings in local housing facebook groups (highest averages) 
  • A survey of locals reporting the rent they pay (second highest averages) 

  • 2021 Census data adjusted to 2024 market rates (lower averages) 

  • Tofino Housing corporation rates excluding rent-geared-to-income or deep subsidy rates (lower averages) 

Staff accommodation could not be factored in because: 

  • There’s very little data available about staff accommodation; 

  • Job-dependent housing reduces workers' freedom to seek better opportunities or leave unsafe situations; and

  • The provincially standardized formula doesn’t include staff accommodation.

However, we know staff accom is a significant part of the local housing picture, highlighting the complexity around discussing the “real” costs of living in the area.

Calculating an “average” housing cost is difficult because many leases are not advertised and thus not trackable. Among the data we have access to, there is also wide variability in rental costs that depends on: 

  • The year you signed your lease and how well protected you are with rent control; 

  • Landlords choosing to rent for less than the maximum market value for various reasons; 

  • Dwelling size, quality, and location; and 

  • many more factors.

Because rent is such a significant expense, small changes in average rent mean big changes in the calculated living wage. For example, a $200 decrease in average monthly rent results in a $1 decrease in the living wage.  

Piloting of Living Wages for other household types 

This year, we tested calculations for household types beyond the family of four. Locally the results were:  

  • Single parent with 1 child: $28.48 - assumes a 2-bedroom rental and one car.

  • Single individual with no children: $29.09 - assumes a 1-bedroom rental and one car. 

The results are largely because of the child-related subsidies that parents are eligible to receive. However, these calculations should still be considered “pilot” numbers and we will continue refining the calculations in future years.  

Takeaways and Reflections 

Ultimately there is no way to create a "universal" Living Wage budget because everyone's situation is unique. Some of the costs that contribute to the living wage calculation are consistent across “the market” – for example, a basket of groceries costs the same no matter the buyer. However, housing is highly variable – the age of someone’s lease, for example, might mean their living wage is substantially less than someone who moved recently.  

It is also important to recognize elements of the calculation methodology that may not capture the working reality for sectors here. For example, many hospitality and trades jobs are not year-round with a 35 work week.  

However, we're confident in validating all costs based on locally accessed data. We followed a province-wide formula to see how we compare to other communities while knowing there are many quirks in our local economy that don’t readily compare to other places. At a time when the cost of living is making headlines, we’re thankful to have a localized tool to inspire discussion about what it really costs to live in these communities we call home. 

Contact colin@clayoquotbiosphere.org with any questions or to set up a chat. He'd be happy to connect with you! 

Giving Season is Here: Join the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust in Making a Difference

December 9, 2024
As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of generosity and compassion invites us to embrace the timeless tradition of giving. For those of us living on the beautiful west coast, this time of year serves as a reminder of the supportive communities and vibrant ecosystems we cherish. While we often celebrate the visible aspects of our region, we must also recognize the passionate social and environmental charities tirelessly working to uphold the vitality of the local landscapes and communities. 

Ucluelet Co-op and FCL Donate $300,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre

December 3, 2024
Ucluelet Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) are pleased to announce a joint donation of $300,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre in Tofino, British Columbia. Ucluelet Co-op and FCL will each contribute $150,000 to this groundbreaking and innovative community project that will see the establishment of the Co-op Community Teaching Kitchen within the Centre.

Join the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! (PDF) 7.72 MB

November 15, 2024
Join the Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! We are actively seeking local contractors and tradespeople for various aspects of construction, with a strong emphasis on mass timber construction, sustainable building practices, local material procurement, Indigenous engagement and participation and workforce development and training. Collaborate on this project to make a lasting community impact by contributing to a transformative facility that honors local First Nations and prioritizes sustainable building practices. Click here for more details!

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust's Regional Forum: Highlights and Insights from October 2024

November 4, 2024
On October 24, 2024, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust brought together a mix of participants for a gathering on ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) territory at TinWis. This gathering was all about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and building strong, collaborative relationships. Attendees included representatives from First Nations, local governments, and organizations involved in environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development.

Fostering Collaboration: BC's UNESCO Biospheres Gather in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
In early October, the three BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions gathered for knowledge sharing within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Each Biosphere Regions works together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. By leveraging our unique strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.  

Collaboration and Conservation: Highlights from Our Gathering at the Waterton Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
Earlier this month, Janessa (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator) and Rebecca (Executive Director), joined colleagues from across Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions for a knowledge-sharing event within the Waterton Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. 

Koyah's Journey: From receiving CBT's Education Award to Studying Science at UBC

October 1, 2024
Koyah Morgan-Banke a Toquaht student who received CBT's Central Region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award in 2023 and is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in medicine. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award. 

Insights from our 2024 Intern: A Summer with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

September 25, 2024
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming Zahur as CBT's 2024 summer intern, where they played a key role in supporting a variety of initiatives across the organization. Zahur brought fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, making a meaningful impact on numerous projects. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication! To learn more about Zahur's experience, read their blog post below.

New Signage: Welcoming You to the Haḥuułi of the Five Central Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations

September 9, 2024
If you’ve driven from Port Alberni to the coast recently, you may have noticed a new sign 2km before you arrive at “the junction.” The sign welcomes you to the ḥaḥuułi of the five central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations — hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) — where the biosphere region is designated. 

Announcing the 2024 Vital Grants

September 5, 2024
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vital Grants. This year, the CBT awarded $80,000 in funding to three inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.

Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

September 3, 2024
We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

Announcing the 2024 Biosphere Research Award

August 29, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Biosphere Research Award. This year, the CBT awarded $20,000 in funding to Ha’oom Fisheries Society for their Coho Vitality Project.

Join our Team!

August 27, 2024
*This position has been filled!  The construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre creates an opportunity to exemplify the richness of the region’s cultures in a physical space, providing opportunities for all local artists to preserve culture and traditional knowledge, while creating accessible economic opportunities through art. The Art Program Coordinator engages community members and partners with the goal to plan, gather, and supervise the creation and installation of art in the future building in scale with available funding.

Newsletter Feature: World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions

August 26, 2024
We’re honored to have been featured in the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions newsletter! This spotlight highlights the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Center and the ongoing efforts in the region to reduce plastic pollution, alongside our collaborative stewardship initiatives. Read more!

Announcing the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants

August 20, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture grants. This year, eleven inspiring projects in our region have been awarded a total of $30,000 in funding. These grants focus on supporting arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation. They aim to promote cross-community and cross-cultural engagement, facilitate learning and teaching opportunities, and strengthen arts capacity through workshops, collaborations, and education. Additionally, these grants prioritize equity-seeking initiatives that address barriers to equal access and participation in the arts, focusing on BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. 

Announcing the 2024 Youth & Education Grants

August 9, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Youth and Education grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $52,000 in funding to eleven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in CBT's 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Join our Team!

July 24, 2024
*This position has been filled!  We’re looking for an Executive and Finance Assistant to support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, hosting events, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events. Apply now!

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.