WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington County municipalities will receive a combined total of $4,623,800 in funding to support their response to COVID-19.
The funding will flow through the Safe Restart Agreement, a joint initiative of the federal and provincial governments aimed at helping municipalities continue delivering critical public services despite pandemic impacts.
Details of the program announced on Aug. 12 indicate the County of Wellington will receive $2,311,900, while its member municipalities will receive:
- Centre Wellington, $786,300;
- Erin, $267,00;
- Guelph-Eramosa, 297,600;
- Mapleton, $217,900;
- Minto, $241,600;
- Puslinch, 190,500; and
- Wellington North, $311,000.
The City of Guelph will receive $6,911,100, plus a 5,096,534 allocation for transit.
Perth-Wellington legislators, whose riding will receive a total of $7.5 million through the program, were pleased with the announcement.
“It is good to see that we in Perth-Wellington are receiving our fair share,” said MPP Randy Pettapiece in an Aug. 13 press release.
“Municipalities need the province to be a partner, and we are coming through for them.”
MP John Nater said, “Our local councils have shown tremendous resilience during this difficult time.
“It is encouraging to see them granted much-needed funding to provide our communities with the services they need.”
Wednesday’s announcement included a total of $1.6 billion for Ontario’s 444 municipalities, representing the first round of funding on a joint federal/provincial commitment of $4 billion for municipalities in the province.
“This funding will help municipalities protect the health and well-being of the people of Ontario, while continuing to deliver critical public services, such as public transit and shelters, as the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery,” states an Aug. 12 news release from the province.
Through the Safe Restart Agreement, $695 million will help municipalities address operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic through the first round of emergency funding, and over $660 million will support transit systems.
The province is also providing an additional $212 million through the Social Services Relief Fund to help vulnerable people find shelter.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had the backs of our municipalities, which is why we are announcing up to $1.6 billion in critical funding today to help strengthen our communities and safely restart our economy,” stated Premier Doug Ford.
“This first round of funding will address the most urgent needs of our communities, ensuring critical services like transit and shelters are there when people need them most.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “Municipalities are on the front lines of a safe restart to our economy. That’s why we’re working with Ontario, and all the provinces and territories, to ensure communities have the support they need to help Canadians through the next phase of this crisis.”
Trudeau added, “Here in Ontario, this funding will allow municipalities to offer critical public services, like public transportation and shelters, while they help protect against potential future waves of the virus.
“Building a stronger and more resilient economy that works for everyone starts with keeping Canadians safe and healthy.
“Together, we will build on the progress we’ve made, and put Canadians first as we gradually and safely restart our economy.”
