Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Nicholls says Chatham-Kent will benefit largely from joint government emergency assistance.
Communities in Chatham-Kent-Leamington 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.
According to Nicholls, Chatham-Kent will receive $5,817,800 and an additional $236,381 to support transit operations
Leamington will see $676,600 and an additional $36,956 to support transit operations
Ontario secured up to $4 billion in emergency assistance for municipalities through the Safe Restart Agreement, which gives them the support and flexibility they need 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.
“This funding is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together,” said MPP Rick Nicholls, Chatham-Kent Leamington. “In partnership with the federal government, we are able to provide much needed funding to increase safety measures and protect our local communities in the face of COVID-19.”
In September, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding for municipal operating pressures. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in 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 office of the MPP says in addition to the support for municipalities, the government is providing over $660 million in the first phase of transit funding to 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. As part of the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government, up to $2 billion is being provided to support public transit in Ontario.
![]()
