Nobody likes to see a barely passing grade on a report card. When it comes to income and poverty, Ontario’s D-minus amounts to a clear verdict: needs improvement.

In June, Food Banks Canada released Poverty Report Cards for every province and territory, assigning each a letter grade for overall affordability. Ontario’s D-minus was worse than the national grade of D-plus but higher than New Brunswick’s F, the lowest score. Quebec topped the report card with a C.

There is little consolation in knowing that Ontario—and our community—are not far out of step with the rest of the country. As the Advocate’s August report on food security in Kawartha Lakes highlighted, more than one in five local households experience food insecurity. That figure is slightly below the provincial average of 25 per cent, but it still reflects a serious local challenge.

In June, Food Banks Canada released Poverty Report Cards for every province and territory, assigning each a letter grade for overall affordability. Ontario’s D-minus was worse than the national grade of D-plus but higher than New Brunswick’s F, the lowest score. Quebec topped the report card with a C.

As for the community’s wealth and poverty levels, Kawartha Lakes incomes trail provincial averages but drawing conclusions as to why is complex. The recently published Vital Signs report attempts to come up with some of the reasons why there is a wide range of household incomes throughout the municipality. 

Is it possible to concoct a profile of the average Kawartha Lakes citizen? Probably not. Yet, recent analysis and studies of our community in attempts to accurately and beneficially provide a snapshot of the local population and highlight potential future opportunities, there are characteristics that are consistent. Collectively, they create what officials and decision makers hope is a realistic scan of the current population and what to expect in the years ahead. 

The Vital Signs community report conducted by the Kawartha Community Foundation and Kawartha Works Community Co-operative is comprised of 11 major indicators of community wellbeing. Vital Signs information and data can be used as a tool for future strategic planning and decision-making by council, local service providers, businesses and organizations large and small. 

The study shows that family incomes for local residents under age 54 are as high, or higher, than Ontario averages, pointing to stronger earning potential among younger households. 

However, a gap emerges among older residents, whose incomes are much lower than those of their peers elsewhere. This disparity may partly reflect the community’s high rate of voluntary retirement. Kawartha Lakes has one of the largest senior populations in the province and has long been a retirement destination. Although rising costs — especially housing — are creating financial strain for many, the area continues to appeal to people looking to spend their retirement years here.

“If the average and median income level here is lower than Ontario overall, it’s partially because of the nature of employment opportunities here, and because of…our large retiree population,” says Jim Armstrong. He is founder and past president of the Community Co-operative and one of the researchers and writers of Vital Signs. 

The report’s statistical analysis shows that low-income rates in Kawartha Lakes, though found throughout the municipality, are predominately concentrated in the southwest and central parts of Lindsay. Other key indicators such as percentages of renters and members of the population with a high school diploma are higher than provincial levels, according to the city’s Human Services Department.

Though not surprised by the income findings, Armstrong feels that things could improve in years ahead, as a “radiating circle” of younger generations looks to Kawartha Lakes for opportunities and affordable living. 

“I like to think that Kawartha Lakes is going to be seen as a positive place to live and work for people of any age,” he says.

Data contained in the study of local incomes relies upon the most recent census of Canada, published after 2021. The current 2026 census, with findings to be completed in a year, may reveal a different overall picture as far as average and median household incomes in Kawartha Lakes are concerned. 

Another local official watching the trends and statistics is Rebecca Mustard, manager of economic development with the city. In 2024, the city conducted a “situational analysis” study as part of the Kawartha Lakes Economic Development Strategy. It gives a “statistical snapshot in time for a number of data points including demographics, labour force, business mix and economic output. It also dives into changes over time, trends occurring locally, and comparisons between Kawartha Lakes and Ontario,” Mustard says.

“The situational analysis is similar to the Vital Signs report in that it provides a statistic. Ideally that statistic starts a conversation about the future you want to create,” Mustard explains. 

The closer one looks at the local statistics, analysts could draw a conclusion that Kawartha Lakes’ situation isn’t extremely worse than the overall provincial picture at this time. Mustard agrees.   

“The way we read the numbers and see them as positive or negative can often be based on our own context of what’s happening locally and what we want to see in the community.” 

The closer one looks at the local statistics, analysts could draw a conclusion that Kawartha Lakes’ situation isn’t extremely worse than the overall provincial picture at this time.

A growing, vibrant economy is one of four priorities in council’s strategic plan. For the Economic Development department, its economic development strategy “strives to continue investing to create a thriving economy and cultural vibrancy.”  

For the report, Mustard says interesting statistics emerged, including confirmation on the importance of the agriculture industry to the local economy; the importance of small business to the community; and while the participation rate of working age population is slightly lower than Ontario average, youth participation rates are higher. 

“The data suggested that there are opportunities to increase the number of jobs in the community, as there are about 50 per cent more workers in Kawartha Lakes across industries and occupations compared to available jobs within the city,” Mustard says. 

For the report, Mustard says interesting statistics emerged, including confirmation on the importance of the agriculture industry to the local economy; the importance of small business to the community.

Armstrong also sees some shifting trends in the years ahead. “The intended direction is to increase our local population. It all needs more analysis, but that’s why Vital Signs is an ongoing process.” 

Hopes for improving conditions in the coming years are little solace for members of the local population experiencing the most severe economic challenges. Nicole Bryant, executive director of A Place Called Home shelter in Lindsay points out that individuals relying on Ontario Works benefits receive $780 a month in support. For such people, “It’s often a choice between a roof over their head or eating. How are people supposed to get by like that?” Bryant says.

Vital signs research also shows that despite lower incomes, local poverty levels appear to mirror the rest of Ontario, suggesting resilience to a degree, but also a “precarious balance.”  

Many local residents are struggling to achieve affordable and healthy living conditions in a challenging local economy. What does the current economic situation mean for them? That will be examined more closely next month with a look at the “Work and the Economy” indicator in Vital Signs.