Ontario’s minimum wage will increase to $17.60 an hour on October 1, boosting pay for more than 800,000 workers across the province. For a full-time worker, the change amounts to over $800 more annually.
In Greater Napanee, many employees in restaurants, retail stores, and grocery outlets will feel the impact directly. The increase comes as local living costs continue to rise.
The provincial government says annual adjustments tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index help protect workers while keeping the province competitive. Local business leaders say the increase supports staff but may lead to slight price adjustments in services or goods.
Residents are encouraged to budget for both the higher wages and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, which reflect broader economic changes affecting daily life in Greater Napanee.
