WELLINGTON COUNTY – Municipalities in the county will receive a combined total of $925,000 in additional support for critical services under the second phase of the Safe Restart Agreement.
The federal-provincial funding was announced Dec. 16.
“This joint funding will help Ontario’s municipalities recover from the impacts of COVID-19 faster, by helping them to enter into 2021 without operating deficits from this year,” said Steve Clark, minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By ensuring our municipal partners are in a sound financial position to begin the new year, they can focus on keeping their capital projects on track while continuing to provide the critical services their residents rely on.”
“This funding will help local municipalities to support services we rely on, while keeping their budgets on track,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece.
“Obviously, it recognizes the effects of COVID-19, which have not been easy for anyone.”
Of the $695 million announced Wednesday, $299 million is being allocated across all 444 municipalities to help provide more financial relief, as 2021 operating budgets are finalized. An additional $396 million is also being allocated to 48 municipalities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 and have demonstrated a need for additional assistance in covering their 2020 operating deficits.
This is in addition to funding being provided to municipalities to help with local transit pressures.
“This funding will ensure municipalities in every part of Ontario are in a better position to maintain vital municipal services in 2021 and to proceed with capital investments essential to Ontario’s economic recovery,” said Association of Municipalities of Ontario president Graydon Smith.
The funding is designed to help municipalities develop 2021 budgets that reflect the reality of COVID-19 in their communities and provide the confidence they need to proceed with capital projects that will help drive economic growth.
“Our government’s top priority is the health and safety of Canadians. That’s why we provided over $5 billion to support Ontario safely restart the economy and help make our province more resilient through this second wave. We’re proud to see today’s second stream of funding make its way to Ontario municipalities, so that they can continue to deliver the essential services that Canadians rely on every day,” said Adam Vaughan, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
