KENORA–RAINY RIVER — Today, MPP Greg Rickford announced the Ontario Government’s investment, in partnership with the federal government, to deliver urgently needed emergency assistance to the municipalities in Kenora-Rainy River. Communities 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 Safe Restart Agreement provides financial support and flexibility to local governments 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.
Funding details for Kenora-Rainy River Municipalities:
- Alberton, $45,600
- Chapple Township, $44,800
- Dawson Township, $37,000
- Dryden, $433,400, and an additional $15,770 to support transit operations
- Emo Township, $70,000
- Fort Frances, $463,100, and an additional $26,600 to support transit operations
- Ignace Township, $92,100
- Kenora, $911,600, and an additional $47,623 to support transit operations
- La Vallee Township, $48,300
- Lake of the Woods Township, $81,500
- Machin Municipality, $82,500, and an additional $15,273 to support transit operations
- Morley Township, $31,000
- Rainy River Township, $55,200
- Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, $159,900
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put an extraordinary strain on our local municipalities and the services they provide our communities and residents,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River. “Our government’s financial support will protect local government’s vital public service delivery and better the health and well-being of Kenora-Rainy River residents.”
Ontario has committed up to $4 billion dollars to support Ontario’s 444 municipalities with one-time financial assistance. Funding will be delivered in two phases with this first round of funding for municipalities this fall. 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 COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted day to day life as we once knew it. Adapting to necessary changes to keep everyone safe has been not only been challenging but has added additional unexpected costs to the taxpayers,” said Mayor Daniel Reynard, City of Kenora. “This funding is a demonstration of the great partnership between the Federal and Provincial governments and the Province of Ontario continuing to support the City of Kenora and our municipal partners throughout Northwestern Ontario during the COVID 19 crisis.”
In addition to the support for municipalities, the government is providing support for the 110 municipalities with transit systems. The funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff. In the second phase, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.
