Recently released Ontario Works data for 2023 shows a significant increase in caseloads Cochrane.
The update on last year's caseloads was presented at the Feb. 15 Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) meeting. In 2023, director of community development and services Christine Heavens said that the numbers in the Town of Cochrane increased from 151 to 193 — a 27.8 per cent change.
Iroquois Falls also had a slight increase from 150 to 162. Timmins decreased from 1,108 to 1,058 and Kapuskasing decreased from 208 to 177.
“Our team doesn't have a direct answer to you. It's anecdotal. However, they did note that many of those that have come into our caseloads have identified that they've moved in from southern communities,” she said.
“So, it's our understanding that there are some landowners there that are opening their area, or welcoming people to come north. So that likely explains it. I'm not sure that we'll continue to see the rise, but we're monitoring that situation.”
Ontario Works provides eligible single people up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter.
The Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services September 2023 provincial social assistance caseload forecast identifies that the average monthly caseloads across the Cochrane District increased by 2.6 per cent in 2023.
For 2024, Heavens said an eight per cent increase in Cochrane District Ontario Works caseloads is being forecasted.
“Whereas the provincial forecast is 8.9. And that's quite significant considering last year, our increase was by about two per cent. So, it's interesting to see that they're forecasting such a high number. There’s no real details around the context of why that forecast is there. But we're hoping that we can certainly help mitigate any risk of that type of an increase to us,” she said.
"Interesting as well is that their forecast for ODSP is only an increase of one per cent. And so again, we're just going to continue to follow the trends on this and see what we can find out through the year as the caseloads continue to evolve.”