How does knowing Cochrane's "living wage" help residents?

A recent report from the Alberta Living Wage Network confirmed what most residents in Cochrane already know, it is not the cheapest place to live.  The network’s report confirmed that in Cochrane, an individual needs to make $22.60 an hour or $7.60 more than the $15.00 minimum wage in order to not just live but thrive in our town. Cochrane has long had the dubious honour of being labeled an expensive place to live. Arguably, due to the fact of our proximity to much sought after destinations and beautiful settings. However, the question arises as to how it helps to put a concrete number on that “expensive” label?

First, the creation of the Living Wage Network, which is just over two years old, grew from individual communities trying to figure out their living wage on their own. This led to disconnected data from different sources and using different calculations. The data was inconsistent due to the communities trying to calculate the wage on their own or through utilizing different independent contractors. It was the disconnected data that led to the creation of the network which now streamlines all the data for all the communities that subscribe to it.  There are currently 12 communities in Alberta that work with the Living Wage Network. Cochrane ranked third on the list for having the highest living wage in Alberta among the subscribed communities.

Ryan Lacanilao, is the Alberta Living Wage Network Coordinator and he explains, “One of our goals is that these numbers can be used as a tool to help inform policies to help with affordability and it can be tailored to a specific community. Like in some communities it’s housing that’s really expensive and that’s why the living wage is higher in some it’s the childcare. So, this just gives us an opportunity to look at community-specific data that helps us make policy decisions for governments on how to tackle poverty and also to help businesses to join in the movement if that works for them.” Consequently, the Living Wage Network works closely with businesses and employers that subscribe to the network to provide a living wage for employees.

The living wage is based on two working parents in a household of four with the following expenses factored into the equation: healthcare, food, clothing, shelter, transportation, childcare, other household costs, and tuition.

In the case of Cochrane, most residents recognize that housing is one of the factors that drive up the living wage in our community.

Sandra Gateman with the Cochrane Society for Housing Options confirms the findings do not come as a surprise that the living wage is high in our community. “From an affordable housing perspective, we have seen a real increase in applications because the market rent housing in the community is very expensive right now. For minimum wage earners and people on fixed incomes, CSHO is really the only affordable housing in town, and we have a very limited number of units. So, our individuals that need lower rental rates are really under a lot of pressure right now.” Gateman says in Cochrane, she has noticed a marked increase in the rental rates in the past year and that means that CSHO is receiving more applications from residents.

Kristen Immel, FCSS Community Liaison and Programmer says that they take the data that is compiled by the Living Wage Network to create programs that will help residents deal with economic stress. The primary goal, once again, is that individuals and families should not just be surviving in a community but thriving. Immel says, “We look at how we at FCSS, and working collaboratively with our community partners how we can then contribute to a more livable and thriving and really resilient community overall. Again, using some of these numbers as advocacy pieces or tools to advocate on different things.” Essentially, the numbers provide a focus as to where poverty can be combated. Knowing the living wage takes the guesswork out of where organizations and community groups need to focus their support and attention. Immel says, “At FCSS, we now know, ok, there are people in our community, individuals and families, that are not making a living wage. So, what does that then mean for them?” Perhaps it means that residents are dealing with chronic stress and FCSS can look to implementing programs and supports that will help deal with that stress.

For example, there is currently a program called the Cochrane Connect Card. Immel explains, “It’s a card that is available to low-income families, that are financially eligible. They come into our office, and they do an assessment with one of our resource workers and if they qualify, they can have access to different programs and services.”

As Ryan puts it, “The thing that unites us all is the fact that we believe that living wages are necessary. We believe that individuals and families shouldn’t just survive but should also be able to live in dignity and participate in their community. There are people who work full-time and still can’t make ends meet and that’s not okay to us. We have a collection of many municipalities and non-profits that are doing this together so that’s what the network is.”

So, to know what the actual living wage is for our community enables organizations like FCSS, and Cochrane Society for Housing Options to advocate for their causes to help Cochrane residents that are struggling.

It is important to know that Cochrane subscribes to the Living Wage Network and that community organizations are working towards the goal that all residents of Cochrane can enjoy the beautiful place in which we live.