Chatham-Kent is getting a good chunk of cash from upper levels of government to keep delivering critical public services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first round of emergency funding previously promised by the province and the federal government is just over $5.8 million and will help the municipality safely operate and address pressures related to the virus as the local economy tries to get back on its feet.
“This funding is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together,” said Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls. “In partnership with the federal government, we are able to provide much-needed funding to increase safety measures and protect our local communities in the face of COVID-19.”
Ontario previously received up to $4 billion in emergency assistance from the federal government for municipalities and public transit providers. Nicholls said the money will start flowing to municipalities in September. Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 to help municipalities protect the health and well-being of their residents. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available in Phase 2 for municipalities that have COVID-related financial impacts that exceed the initial funding. The second phase of funding will be provided based on expenses to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.
Nicholls added Chatham-Kent will get an extra $236,381 to support transit operations. The transit funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership and for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff.
Ontario is also providing municipalities with an additional $212 million to help protect vulnerable people from COVID-19. The funding can help them protect homeless shelter staff and residents, expand rent support programming and create longer-term housing solutions but Chatham-Kent didn't receive any of it.
"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," said 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."