Today, the Honourable Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, announced approximately $600,000 in funding to support community arenas and pools throughout the province. The funding is intended to assist municipalities which encountered additional expenses and lost revenue as a result of COVID-19.
The funding was approved through the Special Assistance Grant program to provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 for municipalities, registered non-profits, private organizations or partnerships operating arenas or pools.
Each municipality will receive one grant to be distributed at its discretion to this type of facility in its community. The grant will be provided based on reported loss of revenue or operational assistance to arenas and pools depending on lost revenue or additional expenses due to COVID-19.
Registered non-profits will be eligible to apply on their own but must provide proof of their status. Arenas that are privately owned or owned by a partnership will be eligible to apply on their own.
A Special Assistance Grant application is required to be submitted.
The Provincial Government has a number of provincial programs supporting municipalities directly each year. In addition to the Special Assistance Grant program there is approximately $29 million in unconditional Municipal Operating Grants and Provincial Gas Tax, and the Provincial Municipal Capital Works program invests millions annually in municipal infrastructure as well as a multi-year capital works program for larger municipalities.
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“It has been a challenging year for everyone in our province. Our Government is supporting municipalities and organizations during this time by each department working collaboratively as we discuss matters related to municipalities. Through Budget 2020, our Government has maintained funding for communities as we navigate through this pandemic. We know there is much uncertainty this year and we are here to help.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
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Special Assistance Fund
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca