December 17, 2020
This week, the Government of Ontario announced Phase 2 of Municipal Operating funding as part of the Safe Restart Agreement between the federal government and the provinces and territories. The City of Mississauga is receiving $20.968 million in 2021 as part of the second round of funding through the municipal relief stream. This funding will offset the 2020 deficit, and the remainder will be used to offset anticipated 2021 pressures. This investment builds upon the first phase of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement announced this summer and will help municipal partners deliver critical services during COVID-19.
“I want to give my sincerest thanks to both the provincial and federal governments for supporting not only our City, but cities across the province and across Canada,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Cities like Mississauga have been on the frontlines of the crisis and we know that we will continue to face financial pressures over the next few years. This funding goes a long way in allowing us to maintain the services that our residents expect.”
“COVID-19 has shown that the role of local government has never been more important,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “We still face challenges and difficult decisions will need to be made but as we implement our recovery, this funding will help us continue to provide the essential services residents and businesses need.”
Additional funding is anticipated for the Phase 2 transit portion of the Safe Restart Agreement.
“We continue to work on our 2021 Budget to manage the deficit from the pandemic while providing services and programs,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Additional funding allocated through the Safe Restart Agreement will ensure that the City’s 2020 operating deficit is tackled and provides additional relief for the 2021 fiscal year. We will continue to seek partnerships and advocate for long-term sustainable funding as we must also move forward with investments in transportation, fire and road safety, climate change and infrastructure.”
Background
To date, under the Safe Restart Agreement Program the City of Mississauga has been allocated $67.1 million.
On August 12, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced the City of Mississauga would receive $46.1 million in Phase 1 Safe Restart Agreement funding: $15 million through the municipal relief stream and $31 million through the transit relief stream.
On November 4, 2020, Council approved Mississauga’s submission to the Government of Ontario for Phase 2 of the Safe Restart Agreement Funding to help meet municipal operating shortfalls as a result of COVID-19 pressures.
For the latest updates on the City of Mississauga’s COVID-19 recovery and response visit: mississauga.ca/recovery.