FORT ERIE (August 18, 2020) The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is providing up to $4 billion in urgently needed assistance to Ontario’s 444 municipalities in the Fall 2020. Fort Erie will be receiving $953,500 in municipal funding under Phase 1 of the program, and $53,271 in Phase 1 transit funding.

“We are grateful to be receiving this funding for our Town. Similar to most businesses, the Town of Fort Erie lost revenues and incurred unexpected expenses due to COVID-19. Recognizing the financial impact this pandemic had on our residents and local businesses, Town Council provided relief during the pandemic in a number of ways such as waiving penalty and interest on payments; eliminating certain fees and delaying the final tax due dates. This additional funding will help to address financial shortfalls the pandemic left us with as well as assist in continuing our measures in helping to keep residents of the Town of Fort Erie safe and well,” says Mayor Wayne Redekop.

This funding was provided on a per household basis to support COVID-19 operating costs and pressures.

“This first round of funding is very welcomed news for the Fort Erie community. It will help mitigate the financial impacts that the Town experienced due to COVID and mitigate budget impacts that are expected beyond 2020. Our top priority since the beginning has been the health and safety of our staff and community. These additional funds will assist us with maintaining this as our top priority without having to take on 100 percent of the financial burden,” says Chief Administrative Officer, Tom Kuchyt.

To read more about the Town’s COVID-19 response, please visit https://covid19.forterie.ca.

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