Highlands East
Consumer Proposals & Debt Relief Experts
Highlands East, debt relief, Ontario
Highlands East, a rural Ontario municipality, faces significant financial challenges for its aging population of around 3,830 residents. Many depend on fixed incomes, while seasonal tourism jobs create unstable employment. Rising housing prices and limited job opportunities further complicate living conditions. As a result, residents often seek debt relief solutions such as consumer proposals, debt management, and credit counseling.
City: Highlands East
Province/Territory: Ontario (ON), Canada
Est. Population: 3,343
Financial Challenges
Living in Highlands East can be tough for people who are having money problems. Many residents are older, with the average age being almost 59 years old. This means more people might be relying on fixed incomes like pensions, which don’t always keep up with rising costs. The area is mostly rural, so there aren’t as many job opportunities as in bigger cities. Many jobs depend on tourism, which can change a lot with the seasons, making it hard to have steady income all year round. Plus, with more people moving into the area, things like housing prices and everyday costs can go up, making it harder to afford living there.
Working in Highlands East also presents financial challenges. The local economy isn’t growing as fast as other places, and there are fewer businesses willing to invest and create new jobs. This can lead to higher unemployment rates, meaning fewer people have steady jobs. Transportation can be expensive too because it’s a large area with low population density, making it costly to travel to work or access services. Additionally, older adults may need more healthcare, which can increase their expenses. All these factors together make it difficult for people facing money problems to live and work comfortably in Highlands East.
Debt Relief Solutions Available
Financial Planning
Financial planning means making a smart plan for your money. It helps you budget, set goals, and save for the future. With a plan in place, you can feel more in control of your money and avoid falling into debt again.
Find out more about Financial PlanningDebt Management Plan
A Debt Management Plan, or DMP, helps you pay back what you owe in one simple monthly payment. A credit expert talks to your creditors to lower your interest and make the debt easier to handle.
Find out more about Debt ManagementDebt Consolidation
Debt consolidation means putting all your debts—like credit cards and loans—into one new loan. This new loan usually has a lower interest rate, which can help you save money and pay off your debt faster.
Find out more about Debt ConsolidationDebt Settlement
Debt settlement means offering less than the full amount you owe to clear your debt. Creditors may accept it because they get paid quickly. A debt settlement company usually helps with this process.
Find out more about Debt SettlementConsumer Proposal
A consumer proposal is a legal deal between you and the people you owe. You agree to pay back part of your debt in smaller monthly payments. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee helps make the plan and talks to your creditors for you.
Find out more about Consumer ProposalsBankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal way to clear most of your debts if you can’t pay them back. It gives you a fresh start, but it can also hurt your credit score for several years.
Find out more about Bankruptcy
*Illustration of Highlands East, Ontario
Debt Data
This table includes estimates on the number of residents who are experiencing financial stress situations. You are not alone.
| Item | Description | Estimated |
|---|---|---|
| Living paycheck to paycheck | Number of residents who are living paycheck to paycheck | 1,571 |
| Living in poverty | Number of residents who are living in poverty | 371 |
| Debt defaulted | Number of residents who have defaulted on a debt payment | 36 |
| Insolvencies | Number of residents who filed for insolvency | 8 |
| Consumer proposal | Number of residents who filed for a consumer proposal | 6 |
| Personal bankruptcy | Number of residents who filed for personal bankruptcy | 2 |
The estimates above are based on the following ratios living paycheck to paycheck rate (47%), poverty rate (11.1%), delinquency rate (1.09%), insolvency rate (0.25%), consumer proposal rate (0.19%), personal bankruptcy rate (.06%) from the following sources leger360.com, statcan.gc.ca, consumer.equifax.ca and is, d-isde.canada.ca.
Elimiate up to 80% of Your Debt
High cost of gas, high cost of groceries, high lending rates, low salary - being in debt is not your fault! See if you qualify for government debt programs and get out of debt today!
Areas / Neighbourhoods
Wilberforce: This quaint community serves as the main hub of Highlands East, featuring local shops, restaurants, and essential services. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and proximity to beautiful lakes and trails.
Dorset: Nestled in a scenic setting, Dorset is renowned for its breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and waters. It offers outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and fishing, making it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts.
Gooderham: A small, serene village, Gooderham is characterized by its charming rural landscape. It is surrounded by forests and lakes, attracting visitors looking for tranquility and outdoor adventures, particularly in the summer months.
Harrow: This peaceful area boasts a strong sense of community and features riverside parks and trails. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy canoeing and fishing, with beautiful natural scenery.
North Kawartha: Although technically not within Highlands East, this area is often associated with the region for its recreational opportunities. It offers stunning lakes and an array of outdoor activities, making it a desirable spot for seasonal residents and tourists.

Illustration of Highlands East, Ontario, Canada
Cost of Living
This table provides a breakdown of various average cost-of-living expenses in Highlands East, Canada to help understand the financial requirements for different living situations.
| Item | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR) | Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment | $2,400 |
| Housing (2BR) | Monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment | $3,000 |
| Average Home Price | Average price to purchase a home | $885,000 |
| Utilities | Monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage | $145 |
| Food (Single) | Monthly grocery cost for a single person | $350 |
| Food (Family) | Monthly grocery cost for a family of four | $1,000 |
| Healthcare (Rx) | Monthly cost for prescription medications | $35 |
| Healthcare (Dental) | Monthly cost for dental care | $200 |
| Healthcare (Vision) | Monthly cost for vision care | $225 |
| Transportation (Public) | Monthly cost for public transit | $2,400 |
| Transportation (Car) | Monthly cost for car ownership | $650 |
| Childcare (Daycare) | Monthly cost for daycare | $1,250 |
| Childcare (After-School) | Monthly cost for after-school programs | $400 |
The cost of living data is based on provincial averages and may differ between cities, towns, and rural areas.
Top Questions
- What is the average cost of living in Highlands East, Ontario?
- How do housing prices in Highlands East compare to other areas in Ontario?
- What are the primary sources of income for residents of Highlands East?
- What financial assistance programs are available for residents facing economic challenges in Highlands East?
- How is the job market in Highlands East, and what industries are growing?
- What are the average utility costs for households in Highlands East?
- How does the cost of groceries and everyday necessities in Highlands East compare to larger cities in Ontario?
If you have a question about debt see our debt related question or ask your own debt related question.
Overview
Highlands East is a rural municipality in Ontario, covering a vast area of 688.18 square kilometers and home to about 3,830 residents as of the 2021 census. The area has seen population growth, with estimates suggesting it could reach around 4,333 by 2024. The community has a median age of 58.8 years, indicating a mostly older population, with a significant majority living in married couples and a smaller proportion of families with children. The primary language spoken is English, and residents enjoy outdoor recreational activities due to the area’s natural beauty, including lakes and forests, which attract visitors and support local tourism.
Eliminate up to 80% of Your Debt
High cost of gas, high cost of groceries, high lending rates, low salary - being in debt is not your fault! See if you qualify for government debt programs and get out of debt today!