Today, the Honourable Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, is pleased to announce that payments to all municipalities under the Safe Restart Agreement have been issued. Municipalities will receive their payments in the coming days.
Newfoundland and Labrador received $27.4 million in funding from the federal agreement in response to COVID-19. This Federal Government portion of the Safe Restart Agreement is being matched on a 50/50 cost share basis with Provincial Government expenditures retroactive to April 1, 2020. Funding distribution was guided by a per capita basis allocation based on 2016 census data.
The Safe Restart Agreement supports critical needs of municipalities to protect public health and safety, prepare for future waves of COVID-19, and further support the safe reopening of economies in Canada.
The Provincial Government has supported communities with initiatives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In November, $23.4 million was announced for the new COVID-19 Stimulus Program for Communities which helps provide short-term employment and economic activity through community projects. The program is targeted at small to medium scale municipal enhancement projects, and COVID-19 related municipal upgrades such as repairs, maintenance and minor upgrades to municipal buildings, fire halls, recreation centres, and community property.
In October, the province unveiled $600,000 in funding to support community arenas and pools throughout the province. Through the Special Assistance Grant Program, the one-time funding, assists municipalities which encountered additional expenses and lost revenue as a result of COVID-19.
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“Municipalities are the backbone of our province and we continue to support our local leaders during this time. This funding will assist municipalities as they forge ahead providing services for residents in the province. The dedication of municipal leaders cannot by understated and we are thankful for their efforts during a year of unprecedented change.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
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Learn more
News Release: Provincial Government Announces Safe Restart Funding for Municipalities
News Release: Provincial Government Announces Funding for Arenas and Pools in Response to COVID-19
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca