Many Ontario communities have been struggling with the current economic climate as the world and much of Canada are faced with rising inflation, increased energy costs, and a housing crisis. Each of these obstacles has caused hardship for many Canadian families and by extension, their municipalities.
Municipal funding allocations for 2023 have been announced by the Ontario government under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). A $500 million program envelope will remain in effect in 2023, and municipalities will be informed of funding allocations in advance of the municipal budget year to allow them to plan accordingly.
“Our government understands the importance of certainty and stability for municipalities across the province particularly during these times of economic uncertainty. We are maintaining the overall structure and program envelope of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, while ensuring the program continues to be responsive to municipal circumstances. Northern and rural municipalities face unique challenges. This is why we have been increasing support to northern and rural municipalities through the doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and introducing the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support Fund.”
Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
The OMPF initiative is designed to help municipalities that are struggling with these current fiscal challenges and need assistance. As part of this program, up to 389 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities will have the means to continue being responsive to municipal circumstances in conjunction with updated annual data and corresponding adjustments to the OMPF initiative.
“Municipalities provide important services that people depend on every day. The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund offers predictable and stable funding to help smaller and northern municipalities deliver these critical services. AMO appreciates the Ontario Government’s commitment to the OMPF, and we continue to work together to ensure we have a strong foundation of municipal services to support growth and prosperity in Ontario.”
President Colin Best, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Increased funding that may range up to 100% will continue to be available to municipalities in all regions of the province which are facing the most challenging fiscal circumstances.
The grants and assistance from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) will likely follow as such:
- Assessment Equalization will be allotted approximately $149 million;
- Northern Communities will be allotted up to $89 million;
- Rural Communities can expect up to $154 million;
- Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances will be permitted up to $93 million; and
- Transitional Assistance will be allotted approximately $16 million.
More Government Funding for Canadian Municipalities
If your municipality is looking for funding support, there are many other government funding opportunities that may be available. To see a comprehensive list of the top programs available today, please visit our Canadian Municipality Funding Directory for more.
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