The provincial government is providing $500 million in new provincial funding to help municipalities cover COVID-19-related operating costs.
The province says the new funding comes in addition to nearly $1.4 billion received from the federal government and given to communities earlier in the pandemic.
It will be split between 444 municipalities in the province.
“Our municipalities have been clear that they need ongoing operating funding in 2021, and it is important that we step up and provide that support so our municipal partners can continue to deliver the services Ontarians rely on each and every day,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Ontario municipalities are not allowed to run deficits by law, so they have laid off thousands of staff and contemplated deep service cuts to offset pandemic-related costs.
Local leaders have said that without continued financial aid from the federal and provincial governments they will be forced to raise taxes.
Hamilton will get $18.6 million, while Halton Region is slated to get $5.3 million with additional funding for Burlington ($2.8 million) and Oakville ($2.8 million).
Niagara Region is getting $6.5 million with additional funds for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Fort Erie and others in the region.
