March 18, 2021 · 0 Comments
The provincial government has announced it will be providing nearly $7 million in new funding to help municipalities in Simcoe-Grey address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs.
The relief is intended to ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track.
The funds are part of an additional $500 million being allotted to all of the province’s 444 municipalities.
“This investment will help our communities provide the services people depend on every day,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “Municipalities have been clear that they need ongoing financial relief to help address the financial burdens bought on by the pandemic.”
In making the announcement, Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing said, “Our government continues to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves, and we know our municipalities are on the front lines of this effort. We need the federal government to join us and provide our municipal partners with the additional support they deserve.”
The provincial investment builds on the $1.39 billion in operating funding that was provided to Ontario municipalities through the join federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement.
The second phase of that agreement was allocated to all Ontario municipalities in December to ensure that no community entered 2021 facing an operating deficit from 2020.
“Municipalities are important partners in the fight against COVID-19,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board. “I encourage our federal partners to step forward with additional investments as all three governments work together to protect people’s health and jobs.”
Funding being provided to Simcoe-Grey communities include:
Township of Adjala-Tosorontio – $158,853
Town of Collingwood – $482,430
Township of Clearview – $224,460
Township of Essa – $315,156
Town of New Tecumseth $603,115
Town of Wasaga Beach – $516,040
Town of The Blue Mountains – $148,523
County of Grey – $619,680
County of Simcoe – $3,866,447
By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter