Hamilton to get more than $44 M in first phase of COVID-19 relief funding

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Published August 13, 2020 at 12:33 pm

On Wednesday (August 12), the City of Hamilton announced that the Province has provided more than $44 million in emergency funding for the city to aid in pandemic recovery.

On Wednesday (August 12), the City of Hamilton announced that the Province has provided more than $44 million in emergency funding for the city to aid in pandemic recovery.

Up to $4 billion has been earmarked for Ontario municipalities through a partnership between the Federal and Provincial level of government as part of the Safe Start Agreement.

The funding will go to the province’s 444 municipalities and 110 public transit providers and will be allocated this Fall on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities.

Approximately $212 million of the $4 billion is earmarked for the Social Services Relief Fund to help vulnerable people find shelter.

“This funding is essential as municipalities continue to deliver public services including transit, public health, child care, housing and social services during the COVID-19 emergency,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger in a statement issued Wednesday evening.

At last accounting, Hamilton was facing a COVID-19-related funding deficit of more than $60 million. That number could soar if a second wave forces closures again.

Hamilton will receive $27,614,200 under the Municipal Funding Relief and $17,211,723 for transit bringing our funding total to $44,825,923.

“Municipalities including Hamilton that have experienced greater financial impacts arising from the pandemic can apply for second phase funding,” Eisenberger said in his statement.

Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 to eligible municipalities after municipalities have provided the province with information on their estimated COVID-19 related financial pressures, a press release from the Province says.

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