Richmond Street in Downtown London. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)Richmond Street in Downtown London. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)
London

Municipalities getting more pandemic cash

Ontario taxpayers are again going to help municipalities in Ontario get through the pandemic.

The Ontario govenrment announced Thursday that it is sending another $500-million dollars to municipalities "hardest hit by the pandemic and can be used to address the unique needs of each community based on COVID-19 related operating pressures," according to a statement from the province.

"Our government continues to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves, and we know our municipal partners are on the front lines of this effort — providing the critical services people depend on every day," said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark. "Our municipalities have been clear that they need ongoing operating funding in 2021, and it's important that we step up and provide more financial relief."

Over $15 million is coming to communities in the London area, with the City of London getting the lion's share.

London is getting approximately $11.7 million, while St. Thomas is getting $1.14 million. The remainder of the funding is being allocated as follows:

Town of Aylmer - $117,981

Municipality of Bayham - $104,962

Municipality of Central Elgin - $220,509

Municipality of Dutton Dunwich - $65,110

County of Elgin - $544, 266

Township of Malahide - $124,818

County of Middlesex - $760,371

Municipality of Thames Centre - $201,656

Municipality of West Elgin - $115,045

“Throughout the pandemic, our municipalities have done an incredible job in serving the community and adapting operations in order to uphold public safety,” said Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek. “I am proud that the provincial government continues to support delivery of the services that matter most to our shared constituents.”

The money comes from both Queen’s Park and Ottawa. Finance Minister Peter Bethanfalvy told reporters some of it comes from the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government, and some of it is strictly cash from the province.

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