First certified Living Wage bike shop in BC

North Park Bike Shop, based in Victoria, is the first bike shop in BC to show their commitment to ending working poverty by certifying as a Living Wage Employer.

The living wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses. The calculation is based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in BC – with each parent working full-time. The Living Wage for Greater Victoria is currently $19.39 an hour, but is due to increase in November.  

“We’re thrilled to become a Living Wage Employer!  Inspired by some food industry places in town that were recently certified, it only made sense that we try to do our part to spread the awareness to other local businesses that might be really close to already paying a living wage, by doing it ourselves” said Christine Warde, owner of North Park Bike Shop. “As a small business, our amazing staff is ultimately what keeps opening our doors each day.  It’s the least we can do to pay them at least a living wage, as a respect for what they give back to us. I hope it inspires others to follow our lead.”

Low-income earners tend to spend proportionally more of their income than those with much higher incomes, because those with low incomes have more essential spending needs. Those with lower incomes also tend to spend more money locally. This will help strengthen small and community-focused businesses in Victoria.

“We’re delighted that North Park Bike Shop has committed to paying their staff, including their interns, a Living Wage. Paying a Living Wage is good for the employer, the employee and the local community. We invite other bike shops to join the Living Wage movement,” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. They commit to pay their direct and contracted staff a Living Wage.