More than $9.3-million in relief is coming for municipalities in Grey and Bruce counties to help them grapple with operating deficits and public transit system pressures brought on by the pandemic.
The funds are part of $1.6-billion the Ontario government is doling out to municipalities in the first round of emergency funding under the Safe Restart Agreement struck between provinces, territories and the federal government in July.
Ontario is receiving $7-billion from the federal government under the Safe Restart Agreement. The deal provides up to $4-billion for municipalities. The federal and provincial governments will cost-share up to $2-billion in public transit relief, while the province is putting up $1.22-billion and the Canadian government $777-million to assist Ontario municipalities with Covid-related financial pressures.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker confirmed the local funding amounts in a news release Wednesday. More than $5.4-million is going to upper-tier governments — Bruce County and Grey County — while the remaining $3.9-million will be allocated to 11 lower-tier municipalities.
Owen Sound is receiving $622,000.
“Our local municipalities have been hit with extra costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will provide municipalities with the support they need to protect the health and well-being of the people of Ontario, while continuing to deliver critical public services as our province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery,” says Walker in a statement.
According to information provided by MPP Walker, up to $695-million will be available to municipalities in Ontario in another phase of disbursement for communities that have COVID-related financial impacts that exceed the initial allocation.
The provincial government is also providing $660-million in transit funding to the 110 municipalities in Ontario with transit systems.
It is intended to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership or added costs related to Covid.
Walker noted three municipalities in Grey County — Owen Sound, Hanover and Meaford — are receiving transit funding.
Breakdown of Covid Financial Aid:
- Grey County: $3,088,500
- Bruce County: $2,497,900
- Arran-Elderslie: $184,800
- Chatsworth: $189,500
- Georgian Bluffs: $318,000
- Grey Highlands: $335,000
- Hanover: $222,200
- Meaford: $352,600
- Northern Bruce Peninsula: $319,700
- Owen Sound: $622,000
- South Bruce Peninsula: $444,700
- Southgate: $195,300
- West Grey: $359,700
Breakdown of Transit Financial Aid:
- Owen Sound: $172,229
- Hanover: $41,014
- Meaford: $15,587