The London region is getting more than a $47 million cut of emergency funding to help ease some of the costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province, in partnership with the federal government, announced on Wednesday $695 million in one time financial assistance will be divided up among Ontario's 444 municipalities next month. The money is aimed at helping cities and counties better protect the health of citizens, while also continuing to deliver critical public services, such as public transit and shelters.
London is getting a total of $40,482,958, including $18,523,658 that will go toward transit operations. The London Transit Commission is facing an estimated $8.7 million budget deficit after having to waive fares for nearly five months to allow for rear-only boarding. The cash dedicated to improve public transit can be used to "provide immediate relief from transit pressures" by addressing low ridership, enhancing cleaning practices, and providing masks to staff.
St. Thomas will take a $2,308,557 share of the funds. Of that, $166,751 to support transit operations.
Middlesex County is getting $1,782,700, while Elgin County will see $1,276,000.
Aylmer has been earmarked for $184,400, Bayham for $164,100, and Central Elgin for $344,700. The Dutton Dunwich area is getting $101,000, Malahide $195,100, and Southwold $107,000. Thames Centre and West Elgin will receive $315,200 and $196,547.
“Ontario’s municipalities, including those in Elgin-Middlesex-London, have faced unprecedented pressures as a result of COVID-19,” Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek said in a statement. “I am proud that our government is providing them with the emergency support they need to not only maintain critical service delivery but also support the health and safety of their communities.”
This is the first phase of the emergency funding distribution. Another up to $695 million 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.
Overall, the province secured up to $4 billion in emergency assistance for municipalities through the the federal safe restart agreement.
"Municipalities are on the front lines of a safe restart to our economy. That's why we're working with Ontario, and all the provinces and territories, to ensure communities have the support they need to help Canadians through the next phase of this crisis," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Here in Ontario, this funding will allow municipalities to offer critical public services, like public transportation and shelters, while they help protect against potential future waves of the virus."