The list of certified living wage employers in Niagara continues to grow.

The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network says the recently opened The Niagara Herbalist has taken the pledge.

The recreational cannabis store in St. Catharines opened on April 1st and employs nine full time and six part time staff.

"We wanted to be involved in positive incentives for the community from day one. The first step in doing so was to offer employment opportunities for locals that reflected this. It only made sense to offer livable wages. The employees are happy to come into work and to be part of our “work family”. We have a team who cares about the business but who also understands its responsibility in educating our customers and being the first legal recreational cannabis dispensary after prohibition. We are very lucky to have them,” co-owner of The Niagara Herbalist Kevin Trethowan says.

Co-owner Kevin Trethowan says the employees are happy to come into work, and they are part of his 'work family.'

So far almost 20 employers in Niagara offer a living wage of $17.99 per hour, instead of the $14 per hour guaranteed by the minimum wage.

Officials from the Network say the living wage represents what is actually needed to survive in the region.

