Category:
Community
Community
The Living Wage required for a Temporary Single Resident displayed a statistical increase in 2019 compared to 2018, rising to $21.22 per hour (based on a 35 hour work week). The increase is primarily due to rising shelter costs.
* The 2018 Living Wage for Temporary Single Residents transitioned from an assumption that the individual was residing in Whistler for 6 months per year to a full year. The tax implications of an annual salary compared to 6 months were significant and were a key contributor to the increase in Living Wage. New rental market data was also applied in 2018 further contributing to the $3.83 per hour increase in Living Wage (based on a 35 hour work week).
The changes from 2014 to 2015 are as a result of the adoption of the Canadian National Living Wage Framework which included higher living costs. A brief explanation for this change is described below.
Why we monitor this
Affordability for residents challenges the community in many ways, from community quality of life to the resort’s economic viability. It is important that community members are able to afford the basic lifestyle that enticed them to live in Whistler, and that businesses are able to attract a strong local workforce. The affordability situation for an individual can be measured by tracking the hourly income required to afford the basic cost of living in Whistler.
What this measures
This indicator reflects the cost of living in Whistler by pricing the cost of a basic basket of goods (such as housing, transportation, food, and clothing) and determining the gross hourly full-time income for months required to afford those items. As of 2015 the Living Wage for an individual is generally based on the Living Wage Canada methodology. Prior to 2015 the Whistler Living Wage was based on a similar methodology that was developed specifically for Whistler in 2005 when no standardized Canadian approach was available.
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