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© The Social Research & Planning Council 2014This work is copyrighted. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational use subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source.

Social Research & Planning Council Perth and Huron

Paul Lloyd Williams, Co-chair Karen Smythe Heidi Spannbauer Rebecca Dechert SageLarry Marshall, Co-chair Rebecca Rathwell Shannon Kammerer Erica Clark Dr. Ken Clarke Jamie Hildebrand Trevor McGregor David BlaneyRyan Erb Catherine Hardman Shelley Groenestege Tracy Birtch, Coordinator

Quality of Life Sub-Committee

Dr. Ken Clarke, PhD, Data Analyst Coordinator, Ontario Early Years Centres of Perth-Middlesex, Committee ChairDavid Blaney, SRPC MemberErica Clark, PhD, Epidemiologist, Huron County Health UnitLarry Marshall, Executive Director, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid SocietyHeidi Spannbauer, Executive Director, Stratford Perth Community FoundationRyan Erb, Executive Director, United Way Perth-HuronTracy Birtch, Coordinator, SRPC

Community Advisors

Rebecca Rathwell, Project Manager, Planning & Development Department County of HuronVince MacDonald, Director of Education, Huron-Perth Catholic District School BoardCarole Craig, MSc, DVM, Epidemiologist, Perth County Health UnitKristin Sainsbury, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Perth Economic DevelopmentGemma Mendez-Smith, Executive Director, Four County Labour Market Planning BoardWayne Caldwell, Professor and Director, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of GuelphSharlene Young-Bolen, Communications Assistant, Make Huron Home (Huron Local Immigration Partnership Strategy)

Community Researcher Creative Layout and Design

Eden Grodzinski, JPMC Services Heather Finlayson, Mere Name Design

The Council is generously funded by:

City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, County of Perth, through the Department of Social Services, the Municipality of Huron East, Ashield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, and United Way Perth-Huron.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this study. Contributions made by all participants are greatly appreciated.

This research report was supported by a grant from the Smart & Caring Community Fund, a fund held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation.

Social Research & Planning CouncilUnited Center – 32 Erie St., Stratford, ON, Canada N5A 2M4Tel: 519-271-7730 Ext. 228 Fax: 519-273-9350 Email: info@socialresearchandplanning.cawww.socialresearchandplanning.ca

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

1.1 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

1.1.1 Indicator Selection . . . . . . . . . . . .6

1.1.2 Sources of Information . . . . . . . . . .6

1.1.3 Data Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2 COMMUNITY PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2.1 The Rural Environment . . . . . . . . . . . .9

2.2 Population Size and Growth . . . . . . . . 10

2.3 People Who Moved . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.4 Population Characteristics . . . . . . . . . 12

2.5 Cultural Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3 COMMUNITY VITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.1 Community Belonging . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.2 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.3 Volunteerism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4 DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . 20

4.1 Voter Turnout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.1.1 Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.1.2 Provincial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.1.3 Municipal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.2 Women in Local Government . . . . . . . 23

5 EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1 Education Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.2 Literacy and Math Skills . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.3 Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6 ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

6.1 Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.2 Watershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.3 Waste Diversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

7 HEALTHY POPULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7.1 Perceived Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

7.2 Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

7.3 Illicit Drug Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

7.4 Obesity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7.5 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

8 LEISURE & CULTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

8.1 Leisure-Time Physical Activity . . . . . . . 37

8.2 Library Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

9 LIVING STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

9.1 Labour Force Characteristics . . . . . . . . 41

9.1.1 Unemployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

9.1.2 Class of Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.1.3 Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.2 Ontario Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

9.3 Housing Affordability . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

9.4 Poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

9.5 Food Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.6 Internet Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

10 TIME USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

10.1 Getting Around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10.2 Time Spent Working For Pay . . . . . . . 52

10.3 Life Satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ABOUT THE SRPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Social Research & Planning Council2

This Quality of Life report has been commissioned by the Social Research Planning Council (SRPC) of Perth and Huron Counties. It highlights what is working well, where we are falling behind, and how quality of life in Perth and Huron compares with the rest of Ontario. It is hoped that this report will act as a catalyst for community discussions, and will aid leaders, both elected and otherwise, to make informed policy and funding decisions.

What is Quality of Life?

Quality of life refers to the general wellbeing of individuals and society, and is defined in terms of health and happiness, rather than wealth. In many respects, quality of life is subjective. What is considered to be ‘good’ varies from individual-to-individual and community-to-community. Nevertheless some progress has been made in measuring Quality of Life. This report presents a compilation of available research in eight areas that have been identified by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) as critical to quality of life:

In addition to common indicators about education, work and health, it explores issues like how safe is our community, how engaged are residents in community life, how do we treat the planet, and how do we spend our time. The CIW is based on the understanding that a true measure of quality of life takes into account social, cultural, and environmental factors, as well as economic ones. It emerged out of dissatisfaction with traditional measures of wellbeing that focus primarily on economic indicators, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The make-up of Perth and Huron

The counties of Perth and Huron are located in southwestern Ontario, bordering the southeast shore of Lake Huron. The area encompasses over 5,600 square kilometers of land, including one city (Stratford), several townships and villages, and over 4,700 farms. According to the 2011 Census, there are 30,886 people living in Stratford, 44,226 in Perth (excluding Stratford), and 59,100 in Huron. Close to 60% of Perth residents and all of Huron’s residents live in rural areas (with population centres comprised of less than 30,000 residents). The size of the combined population has remained relatively stable since the previous Census, and as is the situation in many rural communities across Canada, it is not projected to grow over the next 20 years.

In addition to community wellbeing indicators, key demographic data is illustrated in the report, providing a brushstroke of the geography and make-up of Perth and Huron. In general, the characteristics of Stratford – the only ‘city’ in the region - are consistent with the provincial average. Likewise, the rural areas show similar trends. For example, current residents of Perth and Huron have lower educational attainment levels than their urban counterparts. And, a greater percentage of rural residents work at home.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COMMUNITY VITALITY

DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

HEALTHY POPULATIONS

LEISURE & CULTURE

LIVING STANDARDS

TIME USE

Quality of Life in Perth and Huron County 2014 3

What’s working well?

The rural environment that characterizes Perth and Huron contributes positively to quality of life, bringing strong friendships, attachments, and a willingness of neighbours to lend a helping hand. This is most evident in the indicators under the Community Vitality domain. Three-quarters of the population reports a strong sense of belonging to the community – consistently well above than the provincial average. In addition, Perth and Huron are very safe places to live according to the Crime Severity Index.

Where are we falling behind?

Like many areas across Ontario, Perth and Huron are experiencing a number of similar challenges. The population is aging, and seniors (over age 65) now make up a higher percentage of the populace than children (under age 15). Voter turnout rates are on the decline, and citizens are less likely to vote in municipal and school board elections, than in federal and provincial ones. The Watershed Report Cards published by the local conservation authority areas reveal that the quality of the local surface water and forested areas are below provincial standards. Over half the population is obese or overweight, and these rates have flat-lined. Physical activity rates are starting to go up, yet there is room for improvement. And, at least one in 10 residents is living in poverty, struggling to pay for rising food and shelter costs.

What makes Perth and Huron unique?

There is a high out-migration of young adults, who are leaving the community for employment and/or post-secondary education opportunities. The unemployment rate sits at 2-percentage points below the provincial average. However, many of the top occupations in the local economic region are categorized as low skill level, requiring minimal education and training. The wages associated with these jobs are typically low, resulting in lower average income rates in Perth and Huron in comparison to Ontario as a whole. Moreover, there are a greater percentage of low- to moderate-income households earning between $20,000 - $60,000 annually, and a smaller share of households in the top and bottom income deciles in Perth and Huron.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTR

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Quality of life refers to the general wellbeing of individuals and society, and is defined in terms of health and happiness, rather than wealth. In many respects, quality of life is subjective. What is considered to be ‘good’ varies from individual-to-individual and community-to-community. Nevertheless some progress has been made in measuring Quality of Life. This report presents some of the latest statistical measures that have been identified as important to quality of life in Perth and Huron counties. In addition to common indicators about education, work and health, it explores issues like how safe is our community, how engaged are residents in community life, how do we treat the planet, and how do we spend our time.

The report has been commissioned by the Social Research Planning Council (SRPC) of Perth and Huron to highlight where we are making progress, where we are falling behind, and what we can do to improve quality of life in our community. It is hoped that this report will act as a catalyst for community discussions, and will aid leaders, both elected and otherwise, to make informed policy and funding decisions.

This is SRPC’s third Quality of Life Report. In this edition, we revisit some of the indicators that were published in the 2004 and 2008 reports, plus introduce some new ones. We have also expanded the geography, to include data for both Perth and Huron Counties.

1.1 Methodology

There are hundreds of possible community indicators that speak to quality of life, and could have been included in this report. In order to ensure that the indicators selected are useful and meaningful, an Advisory Committee spent time planning the content of this report.

The Committee began by surveying key data stakeholders in the community to get their feedback on the 2008 Quality of Life in Perth County report, and desirables for this edition. They also reviewed existing quality of life frameworks, and selected the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) as the framework for this report.

The CIW is based on the understanding that a true measure of quality of life takes into account social, cultural, and environmental factors, as well as economic ones. It emerged out of dissatisfaction with traditional measures of wellbeing that focus primarily on economic indicators, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The quality of life indicators described in this report are organized according to the CIW’s eight domains of wellbeing:

1 INTRODUCTION

COMMUNITY VITALITY


EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

HEALTHY POPULATIONS

LEISURE & CULTURE

LIVING STANDARDS

TIME USE

https://uwaterloo.ca/canadian-index-wellbeing/

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1.1.1 INDICATOR SELECTION In December 2013, a half-day session was held with local data experts and other interested stakeholders to help us prioritize the indicators to include in this publication. Available data was then sourced, collected and analyzed. In so doing, careful consideration was given to answering the following questions:

• Is the indicator meaningful and relevant to quality of life in Perth and Huron Counties?

• Is the indicator relevant to the whole population?

• Does it measure outcomes?

• Is local data available, and at what geographic level?

• Is comparable and historical data available?

• How reliable is the data source?

• How new is the data, and what is the prospect for future updates?

• Is the indicator easily understood?

1.1.2 SOURCES OF INFORMATION

This report presents a compilation of secondary research published by respected organizations that are researching and tracking data on quality of life issues. A special thanks goes to the Huron County Health Unit, which provided special tabulations from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS).1 For a detailed list of definitions and sources, please refer to the References.

Every effort has been made to present indicator data for both Perth County and Huron County. Where available, data has also been presented for the City of Stratford - the only ‘city’ in the region - as the presence of a concentrated population centre has the tendency to skew regional findings. In some cases, data is only available for particular municipalities with the region (e.g. crime severity and waste diversion), and is cited accordingly. Unless otherwise stated, Perth includes Stratford.

For comparison purposes, all data from the CCHS has been age standardized, and historical data and information for Ontario and the local Public Health Units’ Peer Group is provided. This Peer Group - D - is comprised of all rural public health units in Ontario with low aboriginal population. It includes the Perth District Health Unit, Huron County Health Unit, Grey-Bruce Health Unit, and Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

This report is modeled on the CIW framework. However, it is important to note how it differs from the CIW. This report includes three to five indicators per domain, not eight as in the CIW, and the results have not been combined into a composite index. Moreover, some of the selected indicators are different, as many of the indicators identified by the CIW are only tracked nationally and provincially, and are not available at the local level.

1.1.3 DATA LIMITATIONS

Each domain includes a brief description and graphic illustration of the indicator data (i.e. what it measures? Why it matters? What the latest data says?). Inferences and conclusions, however, have purposely not been drawn.

INTRODUCTION

7

The CCHS uses a sample of the population; therefore, reported percentages are subject to sampling error. To find out what the margin of error is (reported as a 95% confidence interval) for any of the indicators, please contact the Huron County Health Unit Epidemiologist. These data are comprised of the respondents retrospective self-reports.

In addition, much of the data in this report comes from Statistics Canada’s Census of the Population and the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS). Data from the NHS is of lower quality than the mandatory long-form Census it replaced, and some of the results (e.g. low-income) show markedly different trends than those derived from other surveys and administrative data (i.e. Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics). Consequently, data from the NHS has only been used when higher quality data is not available. In addition, due to changes in the collection methodology, the NHS data is not comparable to the Census-based estimates produced in the past.2

INTRODUCTION

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2 COMMUNITY PROFILE

The counties of Perth and Huron are located in southwestern Ontario, bordering the southeast shore of Lake Huron. The area encompasses over 5,600 square kilometers of land, including one city (Stratford), several townships and villages, and over 4,700 farms.3

In this section of the report, you will find a sampling of community profile statistics from the most recent Census of Canada (2011). This demographic data helps to paint a picture of the geography and make-up of Perth and Huron, providing essential context for the quality of life indicators that follow.

Please note that this is the first instance that data from the NHS data appears in this report. As outlined above (in section 1.1.2), data from the NHS is of lower quality than the mandatory long-form Census it replaced, and due to changes in the collection methodology, the 20ll estimates cannot be compared to the 2006 Census data reported in the 2008 Quality of Life Report.

2.1 The Rural Environment

As illustrated in the following charts, a large percentage of residents live in rural areas – 33% in Perth and 60% in Huron, in comparison to 14% of Ontario’s population.4 The rural environment shapes residents’ experience of wellbeing in numerous ways, especially with respect to community connectedness. Feelings of isolation and transportation may be real barriers to overall wellbeing. On the other hand, the rural culture has many positive influences on quality of life. The close-knit nature of rural communities, for example, brings strong friendships, attachments, and a willingness of neighbours to lend a helping hand.

Distribution of population by Size of Population Centre, 2011

Source: Statistics Canada Health Profiles, 2013


COMMUNITY PROFILE

Farmland, 2011

# of Farms % of Farms in the Province

Perth (incl. Stratford) 2,252 4%

Huron 2,467 5%

Ontario 51,950 100%

Source: OMAFRA, 2013

2.2 Population Size and Growth

According to the most recent Census (2011), there are 75,112 and 59,100 people living in Perth and Huron respectively. The size of the combined population has remained relatively stable since the previous Census (2006). However, as is the situation in many rural communities across Canada, it is anticipated that the population of Perth and Huron will decline over the next couple of decades - by 1% and 5% respectively between 2012 and 2036. In comparison, the provincial growth rate was 6% between the last two Census periods, and is projected to increase another 29% between 2012 and 2036. 5,6

Total Population, 2006-2011

2006 2011 % Change

Stratford 30,516 30,886 +1%

Perth (incl. Stratford) 74,344 75,112 + 1%

Perth (excl. Stratford) 43,828 44,226 + 1%

Huron 59,325 59,100 0%

Ontario 12,160,282 12,851,821 + 6%

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census

Historical and Projected Population for Perth and Huron, 2001-2036

Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance, 2013


Huron Perth County Census Subdivision Populations, 2006-2011

COMMUNITY PROFILE


2.3 People Who Moved

According to research conducted by the Four County Labour Market Board (2012), Perth and Huron collectively lost about 2,000 residents between 2006 and 2011. A large percentage of residents who moved out of the region were young adults (18 to 24 years), most likely to pursue post-secondary education and/or employment opportunities. Both regions, particularly Huron, experienced a net gain of residents in their peak earning years (45 to 64 years). In addition, Perth gained a number of new senior residents (65 years and over).7

Migration by Age in Perth and Huron, 2006-2011

Perth (including Stratford) Huron

IN OUT NET IN OUT NET

0-17 3,205 3,097 108 2,425 2,156 269

18-24 1,884 2,782 - 898 1,202 2,219 - 1,017

25-44 4,746 5,302 - 556 3,050 3,739 - 689

45-64 2,221 2,174 47 2,627 1,863 764

65+ 1,232 941 291 1,228 1,507 - 279

Total 13,288 14,296 - 1,008 10,532 11,484 - 952

Source: Four County Labour Market Board, based on Taxfiler data from Statistics Canada, 2012

Both Perth and Huron experienced a net loss of individuals who moved within Ontario (intra-provincial migration) or to another province (inter-provincial migration) between 2006 and 2011. However, both counties experienced a net gain of international migrants.

Migration in Perth and Huron, 2006-2011

Perth (including Stratford) Huron

IN OUT NET IN OUT NET

Intra-provincial 11,775 12,636 - 861 9,622 10,240 - 618

Inter-provincial 832 1,370 - 538 633 1,005 - 372

International 681 290 391 277 239 38

Total 13,288 14,296 - 1,008 10,532 11,484 - 952

Source: Four County Labour Market Board, based on Taxfiler data from Statistics Canada, 2012

2.4 Population Characteristics

The following table illustrates the make-up of the community if it were a ‘village of 100’ inhabitants (i.e. if we shrank the total population of Perth or Huron to equal a village of 100 people, with all the demographic ratios remaining the same).

In general, the characteristics of the local population are consistent with the provincial average. Notable discrepancies include the higher ratio of married and couple families, and the large percentage of senior residents, particularly in Huron. Rural areas tend to have a higher percentage of seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes

COMMUNITY PROFILE


and are living alone. Like many areas across Canada, Perth and Huron is feeling the effects of an aging population. The seniors’ population (over age 65) currently represents a higher percentage of the population than children (under age 15). In addition, fewer adult children live in their parental home in Perth and Huron compared to the province, most likely because many leave the community for employment and/or education opportunities (as also evident in the migration data in section 2.3, page 12).

The Village of 100 – Gender, Age and Family Make-up, 2011

Stratford Perth (excl. Stratford)

Huron Ontario

Gender

Males 48 50 49 49

Females 52 50 51 51

Age

Children under 5 5 7 6 5

School aged (5-14) 11 13 12 11

Teens & young adults 12 14 13 13

Working age (25-64) 54 50 50 55

Seniors over 65 18 15 20 15

Marital status

Married or common-law 57 64 64 58

Single (never married) 11 5 7 9

Divorced or separated 8 6 7 6

Widowed 8 6 7 6

Family make-up

Couple families 83 91 90 83

Female lone parent families 14 7 8 13

Male lone parent families 3 2 2 3

Households with children living at home

Under 6 21 23 23 21

School aged (6-14) 36 35 35 32

Teens and young adults (15-24) 34 34 35 34

Over 25 9 8 8 13

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census

COMMUNITY PROFILE


2.5 Cultural Diversity

Perth and Huron have a relatively homogeneous population, as evidenced by the following tables. Stratford - the only city located in the region - is slightly more diverse, although it too falls far below the provincial average.

The community does not have a significant visible minority population. Fewer than 10% of the population of Perth and Huron are foreign-born residents. Of those immigrants, over 85% have been living in Canada for more than 10 years. With respect to First Nations, there are no First Nations communities located in the area, and only 1% of the population self identifies as Aboriginal.8

The Village of 100 – Ethnicity, 2011


Huron Ontario

Immigration

Non-immigrants 89 93 93 70

Recent immigrants, 2006-2011 1 1 <1 4

Immigrants, before 2006 10 6 7 25

Non-permanent residents <1 <1 <1 1

Visible minorities 4 1 1 26

Aboriginal9 1 1 1 2

Faith

Christian 70 83 81 65

Other religious affiliation 2 <1 1 12

No religious affiliation 28 16 18 23

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey

Over 90% of residents report a mother tongue of English, and English is by far the language most people speak at home. Nevertheless, 11,660 residents reported a mother tongue that is neither English nor French. The top two non-official mother tongues in Huron and Perth combined are German (51%) and Dutch (23%). The local Anabaptist population likely contributes to the high percentage of German speaking residents.10

COMMUNITY PROFILE


The Village of 100 – Language, 2011


Huron Ontario

Mother tongue

English 93 88 91 70

French 1 1 1 4

German 1 8 4 1

Dutch 1 2 2 0

Other language 5 2 2 25

Language spoken most often at home

English 98 94 96 83

French <1 <1 <1 2

German <1 4 3 <1

Dutch 0 <1 <1 0

Other language 2 1 1 15

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census. Single responses only.

Did You Know? – Help for Newcomers

In its first year of operation, the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron has provided referrals to 200+ individuals/families, representing 55 different countries (June 2013 to July 2014). Examples of referrals offered have included: help with job searches, school placement, house hunting, medical care, community integration, as well as navigating the immigration and deportation processes.

Source: The Multicultural Association of Perth Huron, 2014

COMMUNITY PROFILE

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3 COMMUNITY VITALITY

The wellbeing domain of Community Vitality looks at the strength, activity and inclusiveness of relationships between residents, the private sector, the public sector, and community groups that foster individual and collective wellbeing. In this section, we explore three key quality of life indicators: perceptions of community belonging, safety and security, and participation in voluntary organizations.

As outlined in the methodology, all data from the CCHS has been age-standardized and compared to the Peer Group for both the Perth and Huron Public Health Units. This Peer Group - D - is comprised of all rural public health units in Ontario with low aboriginal population. It includes the Perth District Health Unit, Huron County Health Unit, Grey-Bruce Health Unit, and Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

The CCHS data for Perth includes Stratford.

3.1 Community Belonging

Our quality of life is inextricably tied to the feeling that we belong to a broader community. Research shows that people who report a strong sense of community belonging are happier, less lonely, have greater feelings of safety and security, and are more motivated to get involved in community life and participate in voluntary organizations.11

In 2011/12, three-quarters of the population (12 years and over) reported a very or somewhat strong sense of belonging to the community - 74% in Perth and 73% in Huron. These rates are the same as the health units’ Peer Group D, but higher than the provincial average of 67%. Since 2007/08, perceptions of community belonging have remained stable within the region and across Ontario.

Age-standardized percentage of the population reporting a Strong Sense of Community Belonging, 2007-2012

Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 2007-2012. Statistics Canada, Ontario Share File, Health Analytics Branch, Ontario MOHLTC


3.2 Safety

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a comprehensive indicator of safety in Canada. It measures not only how much crime is coming to the attention of police, but also the seriousness of that crime relative to other offences. It includes all Criminal Code violations including traffic, as well as drug violations and all Federal Statutes. The index is standardized to ‘100’, using 2006 as a base year. More serious crimes carry higher weights, implying that communities with lower index scores are safer.

Overall, crime rates are dropping across Canada. In 2012, the CSI for Canada was 75, with variations among the provinces and territories, from a high in Nunavut of 326, to a low in Ontario of 58.12 As illustrated in the next table, the CSI rates in Perth and Huron are very low, indicating that this is a very safe place to live.13

Overall Crime Severity Index, 2009-2012

2009 2010 2011 2012 % Change (2009-12)

Stratford 81 85 56 53 -35%

North Perth – 53 62 55 –

Perth County (other) – – – 41 –

Central Huron – – – 68 –

Exeter (South Huron) 57 51 47 49 -13%

Huron (Goderich) 63 64 66 69 11%

Huron/Wingham (rural) 58 51 40 47 -19%

Ontario 69 65 61 58 -16%

Sources: Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, 2014 For a few of the communities, historical data was not available.

In 2012, the CSI for Stratford was 53 - five points lower than for Ontario. Since 2009, the CSI for Stratford has dropped 35%. This decrease is in part due to a nation-wide trend of declining crime rates. As well, the CSI for Stratford may be due in part to the introduction of a Street Crime Unit by the Stratford Police Service in 2010/2011, targeting non-violent crime activity in the community.

3.3 Volunteerism

Volunteering is beneficial to both individual and collective wellbeing. On an individual basis, it provides people with opportunities to meet others, learn new skills, improve job opportunities, fulfill religious or educational obligations, and give back to the community or a personal cause, all of which contributes to life satisfaction, happiness and health. On a societal basis, volunteers help enrich community life and contribute to the local economy. They fundraise, coach sports, share talents, and help provide many essential services, such as delivering meals and helping transport people to medical appointments.

COMMUNITY VITALITY


In 2013, the SRPC released The Heart of Community - A Report on Volunteerism in Perth and Huron Counties. The research process for this study involved surveys of local volunteers, managers, and service recipients. The following are some highlights of the findings:14

• 40% of local organizations have between 40 and 100 volunteers, and about one-quarter have more than 200 volunteers

• In Perth, volunteers contribute an estimated five million volunteer hours per year – or the equivalent of 2,500 full-time jobs

• In Huron, volunteers gave more than four million hours of their time per year – equal to roughly 2,000 full-time jobs

• Close to 85% of local volunteers put in at least 40 hours in 2012 – the equivalent of one week’s worth of unpaid full-time work

• Over 70% of volunteer workers say that they feel ‘extremely valued’

• More than 40% of respondents have been volunteering for over 20 years

• Almost half the local organizations surveyed report that the average age of their volunteers is 55 and older

• Over 60% of volunteers say that their main reason for not doing more volunteer work is that they don’t have the time

• Most volunteers like to work in group activities, as opposed to alone

• Over 70% of the individuals surveyed reported that they also do ‘informal volunteering’, such as offering help and support to family members, friends and neighbours

COMMUNITY VITALITY

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4 DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT

Democratic Engagement refers to the participation of citizens in public life, the functioning of government, as well as the role citizens and institutions play in the global community. In this section, we review two indicators that have been identified as important to Perth and Huron: voter rates in recent municipal, provincial and federal elections, and the representation of women in local government.

4.1 Voter Turnout

Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. High voter turnout rates foster the legitimacy of the democratic system, whereas low voter rates reflect disenchantment and indifference with the functioning of government. Young adults and marginalized population groups typically have low voter rates, which can result in skewed policy decisions.15

Like other areas across Canada, voter turnout in Perth and Huron is highest for federal elections, and lowest for municipal and school board ones. The good news is that voter rates in Perth and Huron are higher than provincial averages. But, the bad news is that like other jurisdictions, they are on the decline, regardless of the level of government.

4.1.1 FEDERAL

In the federal electoral riding of Perth-Wellington, 64% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2011 general election. In Huron-Bruce, the voter turnout rate was 68%. In comparison, the provincial average was 62%. Voter rates have declined by 2 and 1-percentage points in Perth-Wellington and Huron-Bruce respectively since the 2004 federal election.

Voter Turnout in Federal Elections, 2004-2011

Source: Elections Canada, 2014


4.1.2 PROVINCIAL

In Perth-Wellington, 52% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2011 provincial election, compared to 59% in Huron-Bruce and 48% across Ontario. Since the 2007 general elections, provincial voter turnout rates have declined by 3 and 1-percentage points in Perth-Wellington and Huron-Bruce respectively.

Voter Turnout in Provincial Elections, 2007-2011

Source: Elections Ontario, 2014. At the time of printing, the official voter rates from the 2014 provincial election have not yet been published by the Chief Electoral Officer.

4.1.3 MUNICIPAL

Voter turnout rates in the most recent municipal election of 2010 varied across Perth and Huron, from a low of 27% in East Perth to a high of 58% in Bluewater. In comparison, the provincial average was 44%.

Voter Turnout in the 2010 Municipal Election

Source: 2010 Municipal Election Results from local municipalities and AMO, 2014



4.2 Women in Local Government

Women represent half of the population, yet hold less than one-quarter of municipal seats (22%) and heads of council (24%) in Ontario.16 Locally, there are 10 female councilors in Perth (including 3 in Stratford) and 12 in Huron. At present, the following municipal councils in Huron have no female representatives: Morris-Turnberry, North Huron and South Huron.

Women in Local Government, 2010-2014

Female Councillors Number (% of all municipal councillors)

Stratford 3 (27%)

Perth (excl. Stratford) 7 (17%)

Huron 12 (17%)

Ontario 623 (22%)

Source: Municipal ratios calculated by author based on local municipal data, and provincial data from AMO, 2014


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5 EDUCATION

The Education domain probes the knowledge and skill levels of the population, and the ability of children and adults to participate in a competitive workplace. In this section, we investigate educational attainment rates, literacy and math skills among school-aged children, and opportunities for life long learning.

Please note that the data on education levels comes from the voluntary NHS, and cannot be compared to previous Census estimates.

5.1 Education Levels

In today’s knowledge-based economy, educational attainment is highly related to employability and earning potential. During the recent economic downturn in 2008/09, the decline in employment rates across Canada reflected mostly net job losses among individuals with less than a high school diploma.17

Overall, education attainment levels in Perth and Huron fall below the provincial average. Over a quarter of current residents (15 years and over) have not yet completed high school – 29% in in Perth (excluding Stratford) and 26% in Huron, compared to 22% in Stratford and 19% in Ontario. In addition, 10% of Perth residents (excluding Stratford) and 11% of Huron residents have a University degree or diploma at or above the bachelor level, compared to the provincial average of 23%. This trend in educational attainment is most likely attributable to the fact that many of the top occupations in the local economic region are categorized as low skill level, requiring minimal education and training.

The Village of 100 – Highest Educational Attainment (Age 15+), 2011


Huron Ontario

No certificate, diploma or degree 22 29 26 19

High school diploma or equivalent 31 29 28 27

Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 8 11 11 7

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 20 20 22 20

University certificate or diploma below bachelor level 2 2 2 4

Bachelor’s degree 11 7 7 14

University certificate, diploma or degree above bachelor level 6 3 4 9



5.2 Literacy and Math Skills

Every year, Ontario students in grades 3, 6, 9 and 10 take province-wide tests in reading, writing and mathematics, administered by EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office). The following table provides a summary of the percentage of students who scored at the provincial standard (level 3) or higher (level 4) between 2010 and 2013. In general, the student achievement results at the local English school boards mirror the provincial trends. However, fewer grade 3 and 6 students at the Avon Maitland District School Board meet the provincial standards in writing than for Ontario, while more grade 6 students at the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board have scored at or above the provincial standard in reading.

Percentage of all students at or above the provincial standard (level 3 and 4), 2010-2013

Avon Maitland DSB Huron-Perth Catholic DSB Ontario2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

GRADE 3

Reading 58 65 61 71 68 72 65 66 68

Writing 66 71 66 77 79 77 73 76 77

Mathematics 71 69 67 78 71 67 69 68 67

GRADE 6

Reading 73 72 78 85 82 85 74 75 77

Writing 68 67 72 78 76 77 73 74 76

Mathematics 60 53 56 65 57 56 58 58 57

GRADE 9

Applied Mathematics 48 51 52 43 62 51 42 44 44

Academic Mathematics 87 84 86 90 83 88 83 84 84

ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TEST

% of students who participated fully 93 94 91 95 97 98 93 93 93

% of fully participating students who were successful 83 80 79 89 82 88 83 82 82

Source: EQAO, 2014

5.3 Lifelong Learning

The Composite Learning Index (CLI) is a national indicator that measures lifelong learning in Canada. It is based on a combination of statistics that assess the state of learning in a variety of settings, such as our schools, homes, and workplaces. A high CLI score means that a community has the necessary learning conditions required to support social and economic success.

The 2010 CLI rates for municipalities in Perth and Huron were fairly consistent with the national average of 75, ranging from a low of 72 in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh to a high of 77 in St. Mary’s. Since the CLI was first

EDUCATION


reported in 2006, the combined average rate for all municipalities in Perth and Huron has gone up by 2 points – consistent with the national trend.

Composite Learning Index Scores in Perth and Huron, 2010

Source: Canadian Council on Learning, Composite Learning Index 2010

Did You Know? – Childcare Spaces

There were 1,050 licensed childcare spaces in Perth, and 1,084 in Huron in 2013. Nine out of 10 of these spaces are centre-based, while the remainder is offered by home care providers. These spaces include both full and part-time spots, such as before- and after-school care.

Source: Perth Care for Kids and Huron County Social Services, 2014

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6 ENVIRONMENT

The Environment domain tells us about the state of the local ecosystem (i.e. forests, wetlands, natural areas and wildlife). Healthy ecosystems affect our wellbeing by providing safe drinking water, clean air, reduced stress, and opportunities for physical activities in parks and conservation areas. Described below are selected indicators regarding the quality of our air, water and forests, as well as rates of waste diversion.

6.1 Air Quality

Air quality can be measured using several metrics, such as Ozone levels (O3) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5 - substances that can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs). Under the Smog Alert program in Ontario, smog advisories are issued to the public when the value of the Air Quality Index is expected to be greater than 49 due to elevated, widespread and persistent levels of O3 and PM2.5. It should be noted that a smog advisory is a forecast, and does not necessarily mean poor air quality is a certainty as it is subject to weather conditions.

In 2011, residents of Perth and Huron experienced only one smog advisory lasting one day in length. In comparison, there were five smog advisories covering nine days for Ontario. Overall, air quality has improved significantly over the past decade. Since 2005, the number of smog advisories in Perth and Huron has gone down from 12 to one.18

Smog Advisories, 2005-2011

Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 2013

6.2 Watershed

Our water comes from two major sources: surface water (e.g. lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands) and groundwater (from underwater aquifers). In order to properly protect our drinking water, we need to understand what is happening in the surrounding watershed – the area of land drained by a river or stream. As water flows


across the watershed, it crosses forests, farmlands, and towns. Both the quality of our water and the amount available can be affected by different activities. The fewer negative impacts there are throughout the watershed, the better quality the water coming out of our taps will be.19

Watersheds are based on natural boundaries, created by natural features, and as a result do not follow municipal or provincial boundaries. In Ontario, watersheds are monitored by local Conservation Authorities. In the following table, you will find a summary of the findings of the 2012 Watershed Report Cards for three of the conservation authorities covering Perth and Huron – Ausable Bayfield, Maitland Valley and Upper Thames.20 On the whole, the indicator results indicate that the surface water quality and forest conditions are below provincial standards.

Selected Watershed Indicators for Conservation Authority Areas in Perth and Huron, 2012

Indicator Description Ausable Bayfield

Maitland Valley

Upper Thames

River

Provincial Guideline

Surface Water Quality

Total Phosphorus (mg/l) Phosphorus is found in products such as soap, detergent and fertilizer, as well as waste. It enhances plant growth and contributes to excess algae and low oxygen in streams and lakes.

D (0.07)

B D (0.09)

A = 0.02 B = 0.03

E. coli (colony forming units/100 ml)

Bacteria found in human and animal waste. Its presence indicates water may contain other disease-causing organisms

C (113)

C C (249)

A = 30 B = 100

Benthic Invertebrates (Family Biotic Index)

Benthic organisms are small animals without backbones that live in stream sediments.

C (5.51)

C D (6.04)

A = 4.25 B = 5.00

Forest Conditions

Forest Cover % of a watershed that is forested D (14.1%)

C D (11.3%)

A = 35.0% B = 30.0%

Forest Interior % of a watershed with forest cover that is at least 100 metres from the forest’s edge

D (3.2%)

D F (1.4%)

A = 11.5% B = 10.0%

Streamside Cover % of the 30 metre area on both sides of open streams that is forested

C (32.7%)

C C (31.4%)

A = 57.5% B = 50.0%

Source: Conservation Ontario, Watershed Report Cards, 2012 A – Excellent; B – Good; C – Fair; D – Poor; F – Very Poor

ENVIRONMENT


Did You Know? – Tree Canopy

Trees contribute to the quality of the air, help maintain the water cycle, and protect the natural ecosystem. They also help to define the image and character of a region, by making it an attractive place to live, work and play.

Based on aerial photography and fairly detailed scientific criteria, the County Planning departments estimate that the overall tree canopy is 8% for Perth (2010), excluding St. Mary’s and Stratford, and about 16-17% for Huron (2006). The provincial benchmark for forest coverage is 30%.

Source: Planning Departments, Perth County and the County of Huron, 2014

6.3 Waste Diversion

The diversion rate refers to the percentage of waste materials diverted from traditional disposal to be recycled, composted or re-used. In 2004, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment set a provincial goal of diverting 60% of waste from landfill.

The 2012 Residential Waste Diversion Rates for the six reporting municipalities and recycling associations in Perth and Huron are generally consistent with their municipal peer group averages, with the exception of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh’s rate which is 14 percentage points below, and Perth’s rate which is 15 percentage points above. Since 2010, the diversion rates for Bluewater, Howick and North Huron have gone up by seven or more percentage points. The remaining reporting municipalities have seen their diversion rates drop or flat-lined.21

Residential Waste Diversion Rates for Reporting Municipalities and Recycling Associations in Perth and Huron, 2010-2012

Municipality or Recycling Association 2010 2011 2012

Bluewater Recycling Association* 40 44 47

Municipal Peer Group 4 (Rural Region) 41 41 44

Perth 56 56 56

Stratford 49 47 42

Municipal Peer Group 5 (Small Urban) 35 40 41

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh 32 23 21

Howick 27 27 34

North Huron 25 18 33

Municipal Peer Group 7 (Rural Collection, South) 30 32 35

Ontario 44 47 47

Source: Waste Diversion Ontario, 2014 *The Bluewater Recycling Association covers a number of local municipalities in Perth and Huron including: Bluewater, Central Huron, Morris-Turnberry, Huron East, South Huron, North Perth, West Perth, Perth East, Perth South, and St. Mary’s.

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7 HEALTHY POPULATIONS

The Healthy Populations domain explores the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the population by looking at different aspects of health status and certain determinants of health. In this section, we explore self-rated health status and the prevalence of mood disorders, addictions, and obesity, as well as access to primary care physicians.

Please note that the Perth data reported in the following domains includes Stratford, unless otherwise specified.

7.1 Perceived Health

Research shows that there are strong linkages between how people rate their own health (a subjective measure) and objective health outcomes such as morbidity, mortality, and the use of health care services.22,23

In 2011/12, two-thirds of the population (12 years and older) reported that they are in very good or excellent health - 65% in Perth and 66% in Huron. Although there appears to be differences between the regions and years, this may be due to the small sample used in the survey. Self-reported health rates have been consistent between regions and over time.

Age-standardized percentage of the population reporting very good or excellent General Health Status, 2007-2012


7.2 Mental Health

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, in any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness. People in their early and prime working years are the hardest hit by mental health issues. The resulting economic cost to Canada, in terms of health care, social services, income support and lost productivity, has been estimated to be $50 billion a year.24


In 2011/12, 7% of residents in Perth (12 years and older) reported that they have been diagnosed by a health professional as having a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Data for Huron for 2011/12 was suppressed due to high sampling variability, but the rate for the previous reporting period was 8%. The rates for the Peer Group and province are similar. Since 2007/08, prevalence of mood disorders in the region has remained fairly constant, ranging from 6% to 8%.

Age-standardized percentage of the population with a Mood Disorder, 2007-2012

Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 2007-2012. Statistics Canada, Ontario Share File, Health Analytics Branch, Ontario MOHLTC *Results must be interpreted with caution due to high sampling variability.

7.3 Illicit Drug Use

Two in five residents of Perth and Huron reported having used some kind of illicit (illegal) drug at some point in their life. More than one in 10 have used an illicit drug, primarily cannabis (marijuana) in the past 12 months (2009-2012). Drug use is the same for all regions; any apparent differences may be due to the small sample surveyed.

It should be noted that this data in itself is not an indicator of dependency; however, it does raise questions about addictions in the community. For more information, please refer to SRPC’s report Starting the Conversation: A Report on Substance Abuse and Problem Gambling in Perth and Huron Counties (2012).

Age-standardized percentage of population who Used Illicit Drugs in the past 12 months, 2009-2012

Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 2009-2012, Statistics Canada. Public Health Ontario, 2013.

HEALTHY POPULATIONS


7.4 Obesity

Obesity is a complex health problem involving a mix of genetic, lifestyle, cultural, social, behavioural, and environmental factors. It has been associated with many chronic conditions, such as heart disease and type-2 diabetes, and contributes to many common ailments like high blood pressure, breathing difficulties and joint pains. In addition, people who are overweight report low self-esteem, discrimination, and challenges finding employment.

In 2011/12, 59% of residents in Perth (18 years and older) reported being obese or overweight, compared to 55% in Huron and 56% in the Peer Group. The Perth rates are slightly higher than the province, however, the Huron rates are consistent with the provincial rate. The apparent differences between Huron and Ontario may be due to the small sample used in Huron. Since 2007/08, the rate of self-reported obesity locally and across the province appears to have flat-lined.

Age-standardized percentage of the population who are Overweight or Obese, 2007-2012


7.5 Primary Care

Having access to a primary care physician is not in itself a social determinant of health. However, it is important to track because it influences personal health behaviours, such as the usage of medical services (including prevention) and compliance with treatment regimes.

Over 95% of residents (12 years and older) in Perth and Huron reported having access to a regular medical doctor in 2011/12. These rates are higher than the Peer Group (91%) and provincial average (90%). Since 2007/08, the percentage of the population with a regular medical doctor has stayed relatively stable in Perth, yet has grown 13 percentage points in Huron.

Age-standardized percentage of the population with a Regular Medical Doctor, 2007-2012


HEALTHY POPULATIONS

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8 LEISURE & CULTURE

Participation in arts, culture and recreation activities greatly contribute to life satisfaction, and help shape our identity (i.e. who we are as individuals, communities, and societies). Unfortunately, there is an absence of standardized indicators on arts and culture available at the local level, especially for small municipalities and rural areas like Perth and Huron. The majority of indicators identified by the Canadian Index for Wellbeing for the leisure and culture domain are only tracked nationally and provincially (i.e. household spending and attendance at arts performances, museums and art galleries). As a result, the indicators described below are focused on leisure activities and pastimes, such as physical activity levels, demand for fee assistance programs, and usage of public libraries.

8.1 Leisure-Time Physical Activity

Participation in physical activities has long been linked with quality of life. It helps reduce the risk of many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. It has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improve academic scores and behaviour among children.

In 2011/12, over half of the population (12 years and older) reported that they are active or moderately active during their leisure time - 51% in Perth and 59% in Huron. These rates are comparable with the Peer Group (58%) and provincial average (55%). Since 2007/08, physical activity have not changed in Perth, however, rates have increased in Huron, the Peer Group, and the rest of the province. The apparent change in physical activity in Perth over time may be due to the small sample size.

Age-standardized percentage of the population who are Physically Active, 2007-2012



Did You Know? – YMCA Subsidized Memberships

In order to ensure that local recreation programs are financially accessible to all, many charities and community groups offer assistance and subsidized memberships to individuals and families. For example, the YMCA of Stratford-Perth provided membership assistance to 1,130 ‘families’ in 2013 – up 3% over the previous year. The YMCA of Goderich-Huron assisted 2,515 ‘individuals’ in 2013 – up 65% over the previous year. Since 2011, the number of subsidized memberships provided by the local Y’s has increased 25% in Perth and 110% in Huron. These numbers do not include the Y’s childcare programs or day camps, for which subsidies are also available.

Source: YMCAs of Stratford-Perth and Goderich-Huron, 2014

8.2 Library Usage

Public libraries are an important cornerstone of a healthy community. They help people find jobs, research new ideas, pursue pastimes, and at the same time, provide a place for gathering.

About a third of residents are active patrons of the local library systems (all data is for 2013 unless otherwise noted):25

• 30% in Stratford • 40% in St. Mary’s (2011)• 23% in West Perth• 11% in Perth East• 37% in North Perth• 29% in Huron

Percentage of the population that are Active Library Patrons, 2011-2013

Source: Perth County Information Network and Huron County Library, 2014

LEISURE & CULTURE


Today, libraries offer free access to comprehensive information in a myriad of formats - traditional books, graphic novels, periodicals, audio books, music, videos, software, computer games, and electronic resources. About two-thirds of all materials loaned in Perth and Huron are physical books and magazines, and one-quarter are audio-visual resources. Less than 10% of loaned materials are downloaded digital materials. However, the downloading of electronic library resources grew 5-percentage points between 2011 and 2013, with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of borrowed materials that are traditional books, and this trend is expected to continue.

Types of Loans in Perth and Huron Libraries, 2011 and 2013

Source: Perth County Information Network and Huron County Library, 2014. Does not include circulation statistics from North Perth.

Did You Know? – Huron County Cultural Plan

The Cultural Services Department of the County of Huron recently completed a new municipal cultural plan. Earlier this year, they conducted a survey to find out what residents value about arts, heritage, community events, recreation activities and outdoor spaces in Huron. Three-quarters of respondents (74%) indicated that culture is very important to quality of life in Huron, and 71% indicated that cultural activities are very important to Huron’s economy.

Source: Huron County Cultural Plan, 2014

LEISURE & CULTURE

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9 LIVING STANDARDS

The Living Standards domain looks at the level and distribution of income and wealth in the community. In this section, we explore the state of employment, poverty, housing affordability, social assistance, food security and Internet connectivity.

Please note that the Perth data reported in the Living Standards domain includes Stratford, unless otherwise specified. Also, the data on income, poverty and housing affordability comes from the voluntary NHS, and cannot be compared to previous Census estimates.

9.1 Labour Force Characteristics

Employment contributes to quality of life in several ways. First, most people’s income comes from their job. With money, you can buy the things you need – food, housing, clothing – as well as the things you want and that give you pleasure. Secondly, jobs give people a sense of purpose. For many, having a career helps boost their confidence and self-worth. And lastly, jobs are important to societal wellbeing - they help generate productivity, support government, and make our economy strong.

9.1.1 UNEMPLOYMENT

According to the Labour Force Survey, unemployment rates in Perth and Huron’s economic region of Stratford-Bruce Peninsula26 are consistently better than the provincial average. In March 2014, the unemployment rate was 6% in the local economic region, compared to 8% in Ontario.27

Annual Average Unemployment Rate, 2009-2013

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, 2014. Data has not been seasonally adjusted.

However, many of the top occupations in the local economic region are categorized as low skill level, requiring minimal education and training. The wages associated with these jobs are typically low.28


9.1.2 CLASS OF WORKERS

About 12,000 individuals in Perth and Huron combined worked part-time in 2010, representing one-quarter of the workforce. The percentage of the local labour force that worked part-time is higher than compared to the province. Similarly, the percentage of rural residents in the labour force who were self-employed - 18% in Perth (excluding Stratford) and 19% in Huron - was higher than the provincial average (11%).

Individuals who work on a part-time or on a self-employment basis typically lack the security and benefits of full-time employees. However, these work arrangement can be beneficial to wellbeing, as they allow for more flexibility and time for family life and individual pursuits, as well as rest and relaxation.

The Village of 100 - Class of Workers, 2010


Huron Ontario

Full or Part-Time Worker?

Worked full-time in 2010 78 77 76 80

Worked part-time in 2010 22 23 24 20

Employee or Self-employed?

Employee 91 82 81 89

Self-employed 9 18 19 11


9.1.3 INCOME

Employment income accounted for over two-thirds of ‘individual’ income in Perth and Huron – 71% and 67% in 2010. The average annual earnings for a full-time worker in both counties were under $50,000, over $13,000 less than the provincial average.

Average Employment Income of Full-Time Workers, 2010


LIVING STANDARDS


The average total ‘household’ income in Perth and Huron - $75,863 and $71,916 – is also far less than the provincial average of $85,772. Moreover, the distribution of income among households differs. Locally, there are a greater percentage of low- to moderate-income households earning between $20,000 - $60,000 annually, in comparison to the province. Conversely, there is a smaller share of households in the top and bottom income deciles in Perth and Huron.

Percentage of Households by Income Level, 2011


9.2 Ontario Works

Ontario Works (OW) provides social assistance to people who are in temporary financial need. It is designed to be a program of last resort; for instance, after Employment Insurance benefits have been exhausted. To be eligible for financial assistance, OW participants are expected to make reasonable efforts to seek, accept and maintain employment.

A review of OW caseload data for Perth and Huron reveals that the monthly average number of individuals and families who received assistance between 2010 and 2013 has remained relatively constant. A ‘case’ refers to a single individual or a family unit on social assistance (i.e. a couple with children is counted as one case). As of December 2013, there were 474 cases in Stratford, 170 in Perth (excluding Stratford), and 519 cases in Huron. This equates to less than 4% of all Census family and non-Census family households (i.e. individuals living alone) in the community. No seasonal patterns in the caseload were evident.29

LIVING STANDARDS


Average Monthly Ontario Works Caseload, 2010-2013

Source: Social Services, City of Stratford and County of Huron, 2014

About 60% of cases are singles without children, and one-third are single parents with children. Couples (with or without children) represent less than 10% of all cases. In December 2013, the average time spent on assistance was 16 months in Perth and 14 months in Huron. Single parents with children spent the most time on assistance – 24 months in Perth and 19 months in Huron.30

Ontario Works Cases by Family Structure, December 2013

Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services, Policy Research & Analysis Branch, December 2013

LIVING STANDARDS


Did You Know? – How much money does someone on Ontario Works receive?

The amount of money people may receive from Ontario Works is based on:• Family size - number and age of dependents• Income sources• Assets - anything of material value that an individual owns and

can be converted into cash• Housing costs

As of October 2013, an individual with no dependents could receive a monthly allowance of $626 - $250 for basic needs $376 for shelter. In comparison, a single parent with two children under 18 years of age could receive a monthly allowance of $992 ($344 for basic needs and $648 for shelter).

As illustrated in the table below, the current social assistance rates inadvertently contribute to the issue of poverty and homelessness, as individuals receiving OW experience challenges paying for suitable and adequate housing in the community.

OW Shelter Allowances v. Average Rent

Family Size Maximum Monthly Shelter Allowance (OW)

Unit Size Average Market Rent (Stratford)

1 $376 Bachelor $549

2 $596 1 Bedroom $679

3 $648 2 Bedroom $819

4 $702 3+ Bedroom $961

5 $758

6 $785

Sources: Ministry of Community and Social Services, Social Assistance Policy Directives, 2013. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report – Ontario Highlights, Fall 2013.

9.3 Housing Affordability

Households who pay more than 30% of their gross income on shelter costs - rent/mortgage and utilities - are considered to be at risk of homelessness. Renters tend to be at higher risk than owners, even though owners’ monthly shelter payments tend to be higher.

In 2010, the average amount renters paid on shelter costs per month was $761 in Perth and $728 in Huron. A third of these renters pay above the affordability threshold (32% in Perth and 36% in Huron). In comparison, average rental costs in Ontario are $926 per month, and 42% of renters are at risk.

LIVING STANDARDS


Housing Costs, 2010


Huron Ontario

Average value of owned dwellings $262,280 $269,028 $236,396 $367,428

Average monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings $1,070 $1,044 $925 $1,284

Average monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings $768 $761 $728 $926


Percentage of households paying more than 30% of household income on shelter costs, 2010


Did You Know? – Individuals earning minimum wage are at risk of homelessness

An individual earning minimum wage ($11/hour) in a full-time position (working 35 hours per week) would earn $20,020 annually. According to the 30% housing affordability benchmark, this person should spend no more than $6,060 on shelter. The average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Stratford is $8,148 per year ($679 per month) - above the threshold, without taking into consideration utility costs.

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report – Ontario Highlights, Fall 2013.

LIVING STANDARDS


9.4 Poverty

Did you know Canada does not have an official Poverty Line? There is no standard definition of poverty in Canada. Instead, there are three different measures of low-income that are used as proxies for the ‘poverty line’. They are:

1. Low Income Measure (LIM) – According to the LIM, a family is poor if their income is less than half of the median income of an equivalent household in Canada. The LIM takes into account the size and make-up of a family, recognizing that needs vary according to the number and type of individuals living in a household.

2. Low Income Cut-Off Measure (LICO) – According to the LICO, a family is poor if they spend 20% more than the average Canadian family on food, shelter and clothing. The LICO is calculated for 7 family sizes and 5 community sizes.

3. Market Basket Measure (MBM) – According to the MBM, a family is poor if they cannot afford to purchase a necessary ‘basket’ of goods and services, containing food, clothing and footwear, shelter, transportation and other essentials. The MBM is based on a family of two adults and two children (aged 9 and 13), and is available for different municipalities within a province.

The LIM and LICO can both be calculated based on before- or after-tax income, whereas the MBM is based on disposable income. After-tax measurements take into account Canada’s progressive tax system, the money people get from government transfers, and the reduced amount people have from paying taxes.

The LIM is the most commonly used measure when making international comparisons. It is a ‘relative’ measure of poverty, whereas the MBM is an ‘absolute’ measure. The LICO was originally designed as a relative measure, but because it has not been re-based since 1992, it is now considered to be an absolute one. Relative measures help highlight the fact that poverty does not just imply a lack of basic needs, but also refers to inequitable access to resources and opportunities, resulting in marginalization and exclusion.

The poverty rates in this report are based on the after-tax LIM. According to the after-tax Low Income Measure (LIM), the overall poverty rates for Perth and Huron were 10% and 12% respectively in 2010, lower than the provincial rate of 14%. Rates for seniors (over 65 years) in Huron are on par the provincial average. Rates for children under 6 years of age in Perth are equivalent to the provincial average of 18%.31

Poverty Rates (After-tax, LIM) 2010


LIVING STANDARDS


9.5 Food Security

When money is scarce, people are forced to cut into their food budget to pay for other necessities, like rent and childcare. They may skip meals and eat less vegetables and fruit. The health effects of an unhealthy diet are numerous, and include increased risk of chronic diseases. Among children, unhealthy diets can results in poor growth and development, as well as trouble concentrating at school.

Nine in 10 residents (over age 12) report that they always have enough to eat – 89% in Perth, 91% in Huron, 87% in Peer Group D, and 88% in Ontario in 2011/12. Although there appears to be some differences between regions and years, these are due to sampling variability.

Age-standardized percentage of the population who Always Had Enough to Eat, 2007-2012


Did You Know? – The Cost of Eating Well

The weekly cost of groceries to feed a family of four is $191.75 in Perth, and $198.89 in Huron (2013) – up 2% and 8% respectively from the previous year. Over the past five years, the cost of this Nutritious Food Basket has gone up 16% in Perth and 13% in Huron.

Every year, the local health units survey the price of food items from grocery stores across the county. The items included meet nutritional recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide. Using this data, they calculate the cost of one week’s worth of groceries. Non-food items such as detergent, toilet paper and diapers are NOT included.

Source: Perth District and Huron County Health Units, 2014

9.6 Internet Access

Access to services is a key factor of quality of life in a rural community like Perth and Huron, as many essential government-supported services are not easily reachable. Access to information and services via the Internet is seen as one way of breaking down transportation barriers and reducing isolation.

In 2012, 80% of households in Perth and 83% in Huron had Internet access, in comparison to 84% across the province. Since 2010, the number of households with Internet has grown by 3-percentage points in Perth and 7 in Huron.

LIVING STANDARDS


Percentage of households with Access to the Internet at Home, 2010 and 2012

Source: Statistics Canada, custom tabulation, Canadian Internet Use Survey, 2010 and 2012

Did You Know? – 211

211 is a 24/7 multilingual helpline that helps people find services in their community. Certified Information and Referral Specialists work with callers to assess their needs, determine their options, and provide appropriate referrals to social services, non-clinical health and government services. Information is collected locally, and then incorporated into a nationwide database that is managed by Certified Resource Specialists. In Perth and Huron, information is provided and updated by the United Way with the aid of an advisory committee comprised of local agencies.

In 2013, 754 calls were received from Huron County, representing 3% of households – up 5% over the previous year. In Perth County, a total of 1,219 calls were received, representing 4% of households – up 17% over the previous year. In comparison, there were 59,648 made in Central East region of Ontario, representing 13% of households – up 17% over previous year. The top five reasons for calling 211 in Perth and Huron were utilities and housing programs, financial assistance, legal help, health services and provincial government.

In the event of a community emergency, 211 provides a channel for authoritative information to the public about anything relevant to the emergency that does not require police, fire or ambulance service. For example, during the first six weeks after the Goderich Tornado in 2011, 211:

• Answered 6,686 calls, of which 1,346 were disaster related

• Registered 731 people to volunteer, including other municipal crews/equipment

• Registered 481 people/businesses with donations

• Called back 243 people to schedule volunteer work

• Responded to 68 emails regarding the disaster

Source: Community Connections/211 Central East Ontario, 2014

LIVING STANDARDS

TIM

E U

SE

51

10 TIME USE

The Time Use domain looks at the use of time, how people experience time, what controls its use and how it affects wellbeing. In this section, we explore indicators related to time spent getting around (transportation), time spent working for pay, and overall satisfaction with life in general.

10.1 Getting Around

Transportation is a key barrier to quality of life in rural communities like Perth and Huron. Every day activities, such as grocery shopping, going to a medical appointment, and getting to work take longer and are more complicated. Winter weather can result in road closures, affecting school and job attendance. And with limited public transportation options, many youth are simply unable to participate in extracurricular activities due to school bus schedules.

Time Spent Getting to Work, 2010


Huron Ontario

Median commuting duration (minutes) 10 11 15 21

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey. Excludes individuals who work at home or outside of Canada.

In 2010, the median amount of time residents spent commuting to work (one-way) was 11 minutes in Perth and 15 minutes in Huron, compared to 21 minutes in Ontario. This does not include the percentage of the population who work at home (e.g. farming).

Percentage of the population who Works at Home, 2010



As illustrated in the next table, the most common method of getting to work was by car, followed by walking. The use of public transit is understandably low in Perth and Huron, given the fact that there are limited options.

The Village of 100 - Mode of Transportation to Work, 2010


Huron Ontario

Car, truck or van - as a driver 74 83 85 72

Car, truck or van - as a passenger 7 7 5 6

Public transit 2 0 1 14

Walked 11 7 7 5

Bicycle 4 2 1 1

Other methods 2 1 1 1

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey. Excludes individuals who work at home or outside of Canada.

In November 2013, the Huron-Perth Transportation Task Force conducted a broad-based survey of transportation needs in the region. The survey was available to all residents, both online and in hard copies in a variety of locations throughout the community (i.e. libraries, food banks, etc.). There were a total of 590 responses.32 The following is some highlights of the findings:

• Two-thirds of respondents are able to travel wherever they need or want to all or most of the time

• The top three barriers to getting around are:

• Driving conditions and road closures (41%)

• Access to affordable VIA and GO Train services (38%)

• Access to public transportation (33%)

• 85% of respondents feel that Perth and Huron needs more public transportation, but only 65% of respondents said that they would use it

• Most respondents would use public transportation to travel outside of Perth and Huron to:

• GTA (65%)

• London (58%)

• Kitchener/Waterloo (54%)

• Weekend, early morning and late evening services are most desired

• There is some interest in carpooling (30%) and car-sharing (16%) options

10.2 Time Spent Working For Pay

Working excessive hours can have a negative effect on wellbeing, including work-life balance and family time. It is associated with fatigue, increased stress, job dissatisfaction, and higher incidents of workplace accidents and injuries. The regular workweek in Ontario ranges from 35-37.5 hours a week, depending on the business. Employers are required to pay overtime when an employee has worked 44 hours or more in a week.

TIME USE


According to the CCHS (2011/12), the median number of hours worked per week by respondents (12 years and older) is 38 hours. This includes both part- and full-time employees. These rates are comparable with the Peer Group and provincial average, and have remained constant since 2007/08.

Mean Hours Worked in Previous Week, 2007-2012

2007/08 2009/10 2011/12

Perth 39 38 38

Huron 38 40 38

Peer Group D 39 39 39

Ontario 38 38 38


10.3 Life Satisfaction

In 2011/12, over 90% of the population (12 years and older) reported that they are satisfied or very satisfied with life in general - 93% in Perth and 92% in Huron. These rates are comparable with the Peer Group (93%) and provincial average (92%), and have remained constant since this indicator was first reported in 2009/10.

Age-standardized percentage of the population who are Satisfied or Very Satisfied with Life, 2008-2012


TIME USE


This report presents a compilation of available research in eight areas that have been identified by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) as critical to quality of life:

This report highlights what is working well, where we are falling behind, and how quality of life in Perth and Huron compares with the rest of Ontario.

What’s working well?

The rural environment that characterizes Perth and Huron contributes positively to quality of life, bringing strong friendships, attachments, and a willingness of neighbours to lend a helping hand. This is most evident in the indicators under the Community Vitality domain. Three-quarters of the population reports a strong sense of belonging to the community – consistently well above than the provincial average. In addition, Perth and Huron are very safe places to live according to the Crime Severity Index.

Where are we falling behind?

Like many areas across Ontario, Perth and Huron are experiencing a number of similar challenges. The population is aging, and seniors (over age 65) now make up a higher percentage of the populace than children (under age 15). Voter turnout rates are on the decline, and citizens are less likely to vote in municipal and school board elections, than in federal and provincial ones. The Watershed Report Cards published by the local conservation authority areas reveal that the quality of the local surface water and forested areas are below provincial standards. Over half the population is obese or overweight, and these rates have flat-lined. Physical activity rates are starting to go up, yet there is room for improvement. And, at least one in 10 residents is living in poverty, struggling to pay for rising food and shelter costs.

What makes Perth and Huron unique?

There is a high out-migration of young adults, who are leaving the community for employment and/or post-secondary education opportunities. The unemployment rate sits at 2-percentage points below the provincial average. However, many of the top occupations in the local economic region are categorized as low skill level, requiring minimal education and training. The wages associated with these jobs are typically low, resulting in lower average income rates in Perth and Huron in comparison to Ontario as a whole. Moreover, there are a greater percentage of low- to moderate-income households earning between $20,000 - $60,000 annually, and a smaller share of households in the top and bottom income deciles in Perth and Huron.

11 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

COMMUNITY VITALITY


EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

HEALTHY POPULATIONS

LEISURE & CULTURE

LIVING STANDARDS

TIME USE


The Social Research and Planning Council (SRPC) is comprised of community representatives who are dedicated to the collection, analysis and distribution of information relating to social trends and issues in Perth and Huron County. It is our hope that with this information, social and human service agencies and funders can make informed decisions regarding courses of action and the distribution of resources.

The SRPC approaches its work in two ways:

1. Commissioning research into specific social issues, plus providing access to research reports created by local, regional, national, and international agencies

2. Developing recommendations for community improvement based on local findings, and working collaboratively with community members to implement change

Social Planning Councils exist in a variety of forms throughout Canada and the world. In general, they share the role of tracking the community pulse, providing a public forum for social issues dialogue, identifying and prioritizing unmet needs, and building community commitment and capacity to address those needs.

What can you do to help?

If you or your organization has been motivated by what you have read in this report, please:

• Pass it on – Share this report with your employer, your teacher, your friends, and your neighbour.

• Find out more – This report presents a compilation of secondary research published by respected organizations that are researching and tracking data on quality of life issues. For more information, check out the websites of the organizations listed in the References.

• Take part in community life – Organize a street party. Borrow a book from the library. Plant a tree. Vote in the upcoming municipal election.

• Volunteer – Identify an area where you would like to make a difference, and get involved.

• Give back – Make a donation to a charitable organization that is helping to make a difference.

ABOUT THE SRPC


REFERENCES

1. The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) is a voluntary household survey conducted by Statistics Canada on an annual basis. It provides cross-sectional estimates of health determinants, health status and health system utilization at the health region level. The CCHS covers the population 12 years of age and over living in the ten provinces and the three territories.

2. For the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS) estimates, the global non-response rate (GNR) is used as an indicator of data quality. This indicator combines complete non-response (household) and partial non-response (question) into a single rate. A smaller GNR indicates a lower risk of non-response bias and as a result, lower risk of inaccuracy. The threshold used for estimates’ suppression is a GNR of 50% or more. The GNRs for the geographies cited in this report include: Stratford – City (Census subdivision) GNR=22.5, Perth (Census division) GNR=27.4, Huron (Census division) GNR=31.6, and Ontario (Province) GNR=27.1.

3. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (2013). County Profiles. Data from 2011 Census of Agriculture and Strategic Policy Branch. Retrieved from http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/stats/county/western_ontario.pdf.

4. Statistics Canada (2013). Health Profile. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 82-228-XWE. Ottawa. Released December 12, 2013. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/health-sante/82-228/index.cfm?Lang=E.

5. Statistics Canada (2012). Perth, Ontario (Code 3531), Huron, Ontario (Code 3540) and Ontario (Code 35) (table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E.

6. Ontario Ministry of Finance (2013). Ontario Population Projections Update, 2012–2036. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/demographics/projections/.

7. Knafele, P. (2012). Migration Characteristics and Trends, 2006-2011. Wakerton, ON: Four County Labour Market Planning Board.

8. Statistics Canada (2013). Perth, CTY, Ontario (Code 3531) and Huron, CTY, Ontario (Code 3540) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E.

9. ‘Aboriginal identity’ includes persons who reported being an Aboriginal person that is First Nations (North American Indian) Métis or Inuk (Inuit) and/or those who reported Registered or Treaty Indian status that is registered under the Indian Act of Canada and/or those who reported membership in a First Nation or Indian band. Aboriginal peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act 1982 section 35 (2) as including the Indian Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

10. Statistics Canada (2012). Perth, Ontario (Code 3531), Huron, Ontario (Code 3540) and Ontario (Code 35) (table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E.

11. Scott, K. (2010). Community Vitality - A Report of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing. Waterloo: Canadian Index of Wellbeing.

12. Perreault, S. (2012). Police-reported crime statistics in Canada. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11854-eng.htm.

13. Statistics Canada (2014). Table 252-0085 - Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, by police service, Ontario, annual. The Crime Severity Index is not available for police services or detachments with populations less than 1,000. Data for police services or detachments with populations less than 5,000 should be used with caution.

14. Social Research and Planning Council of Perth Huron (2013). The Heart of the Community: A report on volunteerism in Perth and Huron. Note that while the results of the volunteerism survey have not been tested for statistical significance because of the nature of the data, they do provide valuable information on the state of volunteerism in Perth and Huron.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/stats/county/western_ontario.pdf

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/health-sante/82-228/index.cfm?Lang=E

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E

http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/demographics/projections/

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11854-eng.htm

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11854-eng.htm


15. Prairie Wild Consulting Co. (2010). Democratic Engagement - A Report of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing. Waterloo: Canadian Index of Wellbeing.

16. AMO (2010). 2010 Municipal Elections Results Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2010/2010-Municipal-Election-Results-Fact-Sheet.aspx.

17. Statistics Canada (2012, June 21). Study: Economic downturn and educational attainment, 2008 to 2011. The Daily. Doi: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/120621/dq120621c-eng.htm.

18. Ontario Ministry of the Environment (2013). Air Quality in Ontario, Report for 2011. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

19. Conservation Ontario (2014). Frequently asked questions about source water protection. Fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/library?view=document&id=34:frequently-asked-questions-about-source-water-protection&catid=31:fact-sheets.

20. A small portion of Perth County is also served by the Grand River Conservation Area (GRCA). The GRCA does not publish a watershed report card similar to those published by the other Conservation Authorities.

21. Waste Diversion Ontario (2014). Residential GAP Diversion Rates, 2010, 2011, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.wdo.ca/partners/municipalities/municipal-datacall/.

22. Statistics Canada (2010). Perceived health. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-229-x/2009001/status/phx-eng.htm.

23. Labonte, R., Pelot, C., Croxford, A., & Auger, D. (2010). Healthy Populations - A Report of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing. Waterloo: Canadian Index of Wellbeing.

24. Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013). Making the Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/node/5020.

25. Library data supplied by Perth County Information Network and Huron County Library (2014). Active patrons from Perth South have been apportioned among the following libraries: St. Mary’s (51%), Stratford (24%), Huron (15%).

26. The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region covers Perth, Huron, Bruce, and Grey counties.

27. Statistics Canada (2014). Table 282-0054 - Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by provinces and economic regions based on 2006 Census boundaries, 3-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality, annual (persons unless otherwise noted).

28. Mendez-Smith, G. (2013). Trends, Opportunities and Priorities in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth. Wakerton, ON: Four County Labour Market Planning Board. Retrieved from http://www.planningboard.ca/userfiles/file/LLMP/LLMPupdate_ENG_Oct2013_web.pdf.

29. City of Stratford and County of Huron (2014). Ontario Works Caseload Statistics.

30. Ministry of Community and Social Services (December 2013). Social Assistance Quarterly.

31. Statistics Canada (2013). Perth, CTY, Ontario (Code 3531) and Huron, CTY, Ontario (Code 3540) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E.

32. The transportation survey data has not been analyzed for statistical significance.

REFERENCES

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2010/2010-Municipal-Election-Results-Fact-Sheet.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2010/2010-Municipal-Election-Results-Fact-Sheet.aspx

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/120621/dq120621c-eng.htm

http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/library?view=document&id=34:frequently-asked-questions-about-s

http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/library?view=document&id=34:frequently-asked-questions-about-s

http://www.wdo.ca/partners/municipalities/municipal-datacall/

http://www.wdo.ca/partners/municipalities/municipal-datacall/

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-229-x/2009001/status/phx-eng.htm

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-229-x/2009001/status/phx-eng.htm

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/node/5020

http://www.planningboard.ca/userfiles/file/LLMP/LLMPupdate_ENG_Oct2013_web.pdf

http://www.planningboard.ca/userfiles/file/LLMP/LLMPupdate_ENG_Oct2013_web.pdf

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E

Social Research & Planning CouncilUnited Center – 32 Erie St., Stratford, ON, Canada N5A 2M4

Tel: 519-271-7730 Ext. 228 Fax: 519-273-9350 Email: info@socialresearchandplanning.cawww.socialresearchandplanning.ca

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