Providing Municipalities With the Support They Need

Emergency funding will help ensure the delivery of critical public services during COVID-19

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our PC government has had the backs of Ontario’s municipalities and has been working hand-in-hand with our municipal partners and local public health units to chart a path forward towards renewal, growth and economic recovery.

We recognize that the success of Ontario’s municipalities is vital to the province’s economy recovery. That’s why our PC government is providing $4 billion in emergency assistance to Ontario’s municipalities to help address the most urgent needs of our communities and transit systems as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Through the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government, municipalities will be provided with up to $1.6 billion as part of the first round of emergency funding, which will give them the support and flexibility they need to protect the health and well-being of their communities, while continuing to deliver the critical services people rely on every day, like transit and shelters.

This Fall, municipalities will receive the following support under Phase 1 of funding:

• $695 million to help municipalities address operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Over $660 million to support transit systems;
• $212 million through the Social Services Relief Fund to help vulnerable people find shelter.

Additional funding will be available through Phase 2 in 2021 to further support municipalities and public transit systems across Ontario.

Through this historic agreement, municipalities will have the support and flexibility they need to address budget shortfalls related to COVID-19, help limit the spread of the virus, and chart a path to a strong recovery for their communities. We will continue to work in partnership with municipalities to ensure they can emerge stronger than ever and help lead Ontario’s economic recovery.