Niagara submits joint request for COVID-19 financial relief

Niagara’s 12 municipalities submitted a joint request to the Federal and Provincial governments for financial relief for the costs incurred by COVID-19.

“The financial effects of COVID-19 on municipalities is significant and will likely have a lasting impact for some time,” says Jim Bradley, Regional Chair of the Region of Niagara. “As a full picture of the ‘new normal’ emerges, I am confident that the region will continue to work in close partnership with all 12 municipalities to ensure we are speaking with one voice to decision makers in Toronto and Ottawa.”

Local officials say the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted municipal budgets with unexpected expenses such as costs related to PPE, required overtime, staff redeployment and pandemic pay.

Municipalities in the area also report lost revenue from facility rental income, transit fares and business licensing.

Despite taking steps to mitigate, the region projects a deficit of close to $50 million by the end of June.

They says that securing a commitment for financial relief will be a key component to planning the 2021 budget and beyond.