Niagara West communities will receive more than $2 million in emergency funding to address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Niagara Region will receive an additional $12.7 million.
Working with the federal government, the province of Ontario has allocated $4 billion in emergency assistance for 444 municipalities through the Safe Restart Agreement.
The funds will help municipal governments to protect the health and well-being of their communities while continuing to deliver critical public services during the COVID-19 economic recovery.
“We’ve been working closely with our local communities from day one to understand the financial impacts of COVID-19. This historic agreement will ensure municipalities have the funding needed to address their most urgent local priorities,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
In addition, the Ontario government is providing over $660 million in the first phase for transit funding to the 110 municipalities with transit systems.
Municipalities in Niagara West will receive 50% of their funds in Phase 1 of the allocation in September as follows:
Grimsby – $682,100 (No transit funding)
Lincoln – $580,500 ($15,200 for transit)
Pelham – $ 446,834 (includes $18,334 for transit)
Wainfleet- Total-$195,100 (No transit)
West Lincoln – Total-$329,800 (No transit)
Niagara Region – $ 12,794,293 (includes $609,693 for transit)
Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 of the plan for municipalities that have COVID-related financial impacts that exceed the initial per household allocation provided under Phase 1.
In terms of transit funding, Lincoln will receive $15,200, and Pelham will receive $18,893. The Niagara Region will receive $609,693 in transit funding.
The emergency funds can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff.
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