Nearly $14 million in provincial funds is being given to towns across Parry Sound.
Last week, the Ontario government announced it is providing municipalities with $500 million through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund – which will provide much-needed stability and support.
The OMPF is the Province’s main general assistance grant, used to support local priorities and specific needs of 389 municipalities.
In the District, the $13,860,400 in funding is being allocated as follows:
- Township of The Archipelago – $1,365,800
- Armour Township – $709,900
- Burk’s Falls – $577,000
- Callander – $576,700
- Carling – $719,600
- Kearney – $710,100
- Magnetawan – $1,121,700
- McDougall – $780,400
- McKellar – $757,600
- McMurrich/Monteith – $570,900
- Seguin – $1,987,000
- Sundridge – $462,200
- Strong – $517,600
- Parry Sound – $2,015,800
- Whitestone – $988,100
Mayor of Parry Sound Jamie McGarvey says this will help towns across the district deal with their operating costs.
“It will go to help offset policing costs, social services and a variety of other costs the municipality has that are out of the town’s control,” McGarvey said. “Things like courtroom security and things of that nature.”
Maintaining the structure of the program for next year was a promise made by Premier Doug Ford during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference back in August.
McGarvey says the overall funding will be felt throughout the District.
“Other towns will likely use the funding the same way. Making sure bills are paid and that external pressures are looked after. Certainly, it will greatly support the ratepayers and what they might end up having to pay if we didn’t have funding like that.
The OMPF recognizes the unique challenges of northern and rural municipalities while targeting funding to those facing difficult fiscal circumstances.
The program also supports areas with limited property assessment; and assists municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.
To take a look at how the funding has been allocated by the province, you can head here.