2014 Quality of Life Full Report

Social Research & Planning Council Perth and Huron 

Paul Lloyd Williams, Co-chair Karen Smythe Heidi Spannbauer Rebecca Dechert Sage 

Larry Marshall, Co-chair Rebecca Rathwell Shannon Kammerer Erica Clark 

Dr. Ken Clarke Jamie Hildebrand Trevor McGregor David Blaney 

Ryan 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 Chair 

David Blaney, SRPC Member 

Erica Clark, PhD, Epidemiologist, Huron County Health Unit 

Larry Marshall, Executive Director, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society 

Heidi Spannbauer, Executive Director, Stratford Perth Community Foundation 

Ryan Erb, Executive Director, United Way Perth-Huron 

Tracy Birtch, Coordinator, SRPC 

Community Advisors 

Rebecca Rathwell, Project Manager, Planning & Development Department County of Huron 

Vince MacDonald, Director of Education, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board 

Carole Craig, MSc, DVM, Epidemiologist, Perth County Health Unit 

Kristin Sainsbury, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Perth Economic Development 

Gemma Mendez-Smith, Executive Director, Four County Labour Market Planning Board 

Wayne Caldwell, Professor and Director, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph 

Sharlene Young-Bolen, Communications Assistant, Make Huron Home (Huron Local Immigration Partnership Strategy) 

Community Researcher 

Eden Grodzinski, JPMC Services 

Creative Layout and Design 

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. 

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 Council 

United Center – 32 Erie St., Stratford, ON, Canada N5A 2M4 

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

www.socialresearchandplanning.ca 

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

© The Social Research & Planning Council 2014 

This 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

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: 

COMMUNITY VITALITY 

DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT 

EDUCATION 

ENVIRONMENT 

HEALTHY POPULATIONS 

LEISURE & CULTURE 

LIVING STANDARDS 

TIME USE 

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. 

2 

Social Research & Planning Council

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

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 postsecondary 

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. 

Quality of Life in Perth and Huron County 2014 3

INTRODUCTION

1 INTRODUCTION 

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: 



EDUCATION 

ENVIRONMENT 




TIME USE 

5

INTRODUCTION 

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. 

6

INTRODUCTION 

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 

7

COMMUNITY PROFILE

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 

9

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 

10 



Huron Perth County Census Subdivision Populations, 2006-2011 



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 

12 



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 



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 

Stratford 

Perth 


Huron 

Ontario 

Immigration 

Non-immigrants 89 93 93 70 

Recent immigrants, 2006-2011 1 1


The Village of 100 – Language, 2011 

Mother tongue 

Stratford 

Perth 


Huron 

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

COMMUNITY VITALITY

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 

17


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. 

18 



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 


DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT

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 

21


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 

22 



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 


EDUCATION

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 

Stratford 

Perth 


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 

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey 

25

EDUCATION 

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 Ontario 

2010/11 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 

26 


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 


ENVIRONMENT

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 (O 3 

) and Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 

- 

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 O 3 

and PM 2.5 

. 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 

29

ENVIRONMENT 

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 

30 


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. 


HEALTHY POPULATIONS

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 

33


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 


*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. 

34 



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 



LEISURE & CULTURE

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 


37


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 

38 



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 twothirds 

of all materials loaned in Perth and Huron are physical books and magazines, and one-quarter are audiovisual 

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 


LIVING STANDARDS

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 Peninsula 26 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 

41


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 

Stratford Perth 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 


42 



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 



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 

44 



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. 



Housing Costs, 2010 

Stratford 

Perth 


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. 

46 



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 




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. 

48 



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 


TIME USE

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 

Stratford Perth 

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 


51

TIME USE 

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 

Stratford 

Perth 


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. 

52 


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 



11 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 

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: 



EDUCATION 

ENVIRONMENT 




TIME USE 

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 postsecondary 

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. 

54 


ABOUT THE SRPC 

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. 


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. 

56 


REFERENCES 

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-waterprotection&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/phxeng.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. 


Social Research & 

Planning Council 

Social Research & Planning Council 

United Center – 32 Erie St., Stratford, ON, Canada N5A 2M4 

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

www.socialresearchandplanning.ca

2014 Quality of Life Full Report

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