Milton poverty rate hits 15.1%, highest in region: report

By: Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Milton is now the municipality with the highest poverty rate in the region, according to a report released Jan. 17 by Community Development Halton (CDH). The Community Data Watch: Post-Pandemic Poverty report shows poverty in Milton has climbed to 15.1 per cent, an increase of nearly 30 per cent since 2018. More than 20,000 residents are now living below the poverty line — an alarming contrast to the temporary decline observed during the pandemic.

Rishia Burke, executive director of CDH, said federal income support was essential during the pandemic for many residents’ financial stability. However, with the end of these programs, poverty rates have not only reverted to pre-pandemic levels but have now exceeded them.

“What’s not flagged in this particular report is the disparity between income groups, and Halton definitely has have-nots in the community in terms of income,” Burke said.

The report attributes the escalating poverty rates in Milton to several economic challenges, such as the discontinuation of COVID-19 relief programs, rising inflation, and wages that have not kept pace with the increasing cost of living. In 2020, government initiatives such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) helped lower Milton’s poverty rate to 10.5 per cent. However, as these supports ended, financial difficulties for many residents intensified.

A January 2024 report, which focused on 2020 data, showed a relatively stable situation as pandemic-related supports temporarily alleviated financial hardship. The new report, based on 2022 T1 Family File (T1FF) tax filer data, offers more timely insights than the Census by using the Census Family Low-Income Measure After-Tax. This allows for annual updates that capture economic changes more promptly, providing a more accurate understanding of poverty and reflecting families’ economic concerns in Milton.

The report highlights the impact of economic pressures on Milton’s most vulnerable groups, including seniors, single-parent families, and individuals living alone. Data reveals a 30 per cent increase in the number of children living in poverty, with 1,240 children affected in 2022. Single-parent families have been particularly affected, with 27.9 per cent now living in poverty — one of the highest rates in the Halton region.

Seniors are also facing increased financial hardship, with 3,430 older adults living in poverty, reflecting a sharp increase compared to previous years. Fixed incomes have not kept pace with inflation, making it harder for seniors to afford necessities such as food, medication, and housing.

Housing affordability remains a critical issue in Milton. Rising rental prices make it difficult for residents to secure stable living conditions. Individuals living alone face significant financial challenges, as they must cover rent and utility expenses on a single income. Community reports indicate many residents are forced to rent basement rooms, move frequently in search of affordable options, or live in overcrowded conditions.

The 2025 report introduces new data on non-family persons (NFPs), a demographic not previously analyzed. In 2022, Milton had 4,980 NFPs living in poverty. This group, which includes young adults and seniors without family support, often struggles to meet basic needs without shared household resources.

Food insecurity is another growing concern. Inflation has driven up grocery prices, forcing more families to rely on food banks and community services. Non-profit organizations are struggling to meet the increasing demand, with resources stretched thin.

With poverty rates continuing to rise, CDH is calling for policy interventions to provide relief and long-term solutions. Burke emphasized the need to increase social assistance rates, expand access to affordable child care, and implement living wage initiatives to support struggling families.

“We need to be talking about how to improve those policies in our non-profit infrastructure to support the folks in the situation and then even better addressing those policies so we can get upstream,” Burke said. “We are not just doing band-aid solutions.”

With a federal election approaching, the report calls for greater public engagement on issues of poverty and affordability. Burke encouraged residents to make poverty a priority in policy discussions and hold political leaders accountable for addressing these concerns.

Despite the challenges, Burke remains optimistic that with the right policy changes and community collaboration, progress can be made in addressing Milton’s poverty crisis.