NEWS RELEASE
DOUG DOWNEY, MPP BARRIE–SPRINGWATER–ORO-MEDONTE
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COVID-19 has increased demand for social services and reduced revenues in municipalities across Ontario.
In response, the Province of Ontario has negotiated a multi-billion-dollar emergency support program with the federal government that will allow local governments to continue providing the essential services residents expect and depend on.
Today, $1.6 billion of this relief program is being released through the Safe Restart Agreement. Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte has been allocated over $10 million in support for social services and transit projects in this first wave of funding, with the County of Simcoe receiving over $9 million and the Town of Innisfil receiving over $1 million.
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is delivering on its promise to provide emergency assistance to our municipalities. Communities in Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte, Barrie – Innisfil and Simoce County will receive funding to address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the first round of emergency funding under the Safe Restart Agreement.
The government of Ontario has secured up to $4 billion in emergency assistance for municipalities through the Safe Restart Agreement, which provides municipalities with the support and flexibility they need to protect the health and well-being of their communities, while continuing to deliver critical public services as the province continues on the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery.
Municipalities receiving funding include:
- The City of Barrie, $6,601,400, and an additional $2,556,418 to support transit operations. Total phase one funding, $9,157,818
- Town of Innisfil, $1,038,300, and an additional $79,397 to support transit operations. Total phase one funding, $1,117,697
- Township of Oro-Medonte, $579,400
- County of Simcoe $9,064,800, and an additional $52,360 to support transit operations. Total phase one funding, $9,117,160
- Township of Springwater, $489,900
Additional to the support for our municipalities, the government of Ontario is providing the City of Barrie with $2,556,418, the Town of Innisfill with $79,397 and the County of Simcoe with $52,360 in the first phase of transit funding.
This funding will be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressure, such as lower ridership, as well as for the new costs incurred by COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning measures and protective equipment for staff. In the second phase of this funding, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of the municipalities.
“Public services are the lifeblood of our communities. They are at the heart of our road to recovery, and continue to assist essential workers, who keep our communities moving. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, it has become abundantly clear that all levels of government need to work together and support one another in order to safely reopen our province and our country,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte.
“This funding is proof that the municipal, provincial and federal governments are able to work together in order to put the needs of Ontarians at the forefront. This funding for municipalities shows that we are listening and want to help them continue to operate smoothly, and to serve the people of this riding," said Downey
“Responding to this pandemic and ensuring a strong economic recovery requires that, now more than ever, all levels of government work together,” said MPP Andrea Khanjin. “This emergency funding will help municipalities provide relief to the residents of Barrie and Innisfil, while being transparent on how the funds will be allocated."
In September, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding for municipal operating pressures. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 for municipalities that have COVID-related financial impacts that exceed the initial per household allocation provided under Phase 1.
The government is committed to working in partnership with municipalities to ensure they can emerge stronger than ever and help lead Ontario’s economic recovery.
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