Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocations for 2022 have been announced.
Municipalities in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock are receiving more than $16 million of the $500 million main general assistance grant offered by the Ontario government to 389 municipalities across the province. Haliburton County will receive $7,270,300 of the funding, which is for general assistance and not tied to any particular purpose, and is used to offset operating and capital expenses.
The township of Algonquin Highlands will receive $1,349,000, the equivalent of $294 per household, while the township of Minden Hills will receive $1,857,500, the equivalent of $278 per household. The municipality of Dysart et al’s OMPF allotment is $1,889,200, the equivalent of $239 per household, and the municipality of Highlands East will receive just over $2 million, the equivalent of $428 per household. The upper tier of the county will receive $174,600. Also noted on the release are figures for the City of Kawartha Lakes, which will be funded $7,371,500, the equivalent of $184 per household, and the township of Brock receiving $885,800 while the township of Cavan Monaghan receives $520,200.
An Oct. 29 press release from MPP Laurie Scott’s office noted the government was providing “early notice and much-needed stability” to municipalities for next year.
“This is great news for our local municipalities,” said Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, in the release. “Our government recognizes the importance of stable and adaptable OMPF program funding to communities across the province.”
“Predictable and timely financial support from the province is essential for budget planning in small and rural municipalities,” said AMO President Graydon Smith in the press release. “The early rollout of stable 2022 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocations sets the stage for effective budget planning for the year ahead.”
According to the provincial government’s press release, “The funding provided through the program is unconditional and can be used to support the local priorities and specific needs of each community. The Ontario government recognizes the unique challenges of northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those facing difficult fiscal circumstances. The program supports areas with limited property assessment; and assists municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.”
– Staff
