The Ontario government will be providing $500 million to provide support and stability to municipalities across the province including Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham, and Wainfleet.
The funding is provided through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), a grant that gives financial assistance to municipalities across the province, particularly northern and rural municipalities to recognize challenges many of these municipalities face and help support local needs.
Funding allocations for 389 municipalities eligible for this grant were released yesterday on the OMPF website.
West Niagara municipalities have been allocated a total of $1.7 million of the funding. Grimsby is receiving $46,000. Lincoln is receiving $224,300. West Lincoln is receiving $925,900. Pelham is receiving $40,900. Wainfleet is receiving $510,600.
“Our government recognizes the importance of certainty and stability for municipalities, particularly in these challenging times,” said Ontario Minister of Finance Rod Phillips. “Our government will continue to work together with municipal governments to build a strong foundation for Ontario’s long-term economic recovery, and improve the quality of life for the people across the province.”
OMPF will also be providing an additional $5 million to further support northern and rural municipalities, with $3 million to the Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances Grant and $2 million to the Rural Communities Grant.
The funding fulfills the commitment made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford during this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference in August 2020.