A shortage in the labour pool is nothing new to Muskoka, or the province as a whole, especially when it comes to the trades. However, with the influx of people relocating to Muskoka during the pandemic, that need is being felt more acutely now than ever.

“That labour shortage is certainly a common theme whether it’s among contractors, subcontractors or suppliers,” says Thomas Cowden, the president of the Muskoka Builders’ Association (MBA) and the owner and operator of Cowden’s General Contracting. “It’s been a problem for at least the last four years but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. I know there are some people who have had to slow down the amount of work they’re taking on or take on fewer projects because they simply don’t have the labour.”

Although there are a range of reasons for the shortfall, the lack of housing available in Muskoka is certainly a major contributor, says Cowden.

“I think that lack of accommodation forces people to look outside the main hubs of Muskoka for places to live,” says Cowden. “That can be a challenge. They can get people interested in the work but there’s only so much accommodation available and that’s a problem that takes time to fix.”

Mary Ellen Fetterly is team leader – employment services with YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Employment Services in Huntsville. “We do see clients who are living outside of Huntsville (Novar, Utterson, etc.) because that’s where they can secure affordable, available rental housing,” she says. “This can be challenging depending on whether they have access to transportation.”

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