Chatham-Kent is getting its regular annual financial boost from the province.
The Government of Ontario is investing just over $20 million in 2020 under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). That's just below last year's funding by nearly $400,000. This year's allocation is the equivalent of $416 per household.
The province said this is the earliest ever that municipalities have received their funding.
This funding can be used for local priorities, to support the specific needs of each community. Many municipalities put the OMPF money into their budgets and rely on it to reduce the tax burden on residents.
"Municipalities told us that they need information early to plan their budgets, and we listened. That's why we're announcing the allocations for the 2020 OMPF today — the earliest they have ever been announced," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Today, we are confirming that building strong local partnerships with municipalities is an important part in our plan to build Ontario together."
The OMPF is grant money to assist northern and rural municipalities. The funding recognizes the challenges of northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those with more challenging fiscal circumstances, supports areas with limited property assessment, and helps municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.
The province is investing $500 million in 389 municipalities across Ontario this year through the OMPF program.