King Township will receive $775,972 from the Government of Ontario this year to help offset expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made by MPP (King-Vaughan) and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce on behalf of Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board.
The Government of Ontario is providing $500 million to municipal governments to support municipal operations. This new funding is on top of Safe Restart funding King has received in the past (Phase 1 - $574,400 in 2020; Phase 2 - $243,000 in 2021). In 2020, King also received Ontario Community Infrastructure Funds of $608,548 to make repairs and upgrades to the municipal water system in Schomberg.
“On behalf of King Township council, I’d like to thank Minister Lecce and the Government of Ontario for providing these much-needed funds,” said King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “Council and staff have worked hard during the pandemic to streamline operations and cut costs where possible to offset revenue shortfalls resulting from closed or cancelled community facilities, programs and events.”
The funds will help offset additional expenses in offering different recreational opportunities, maintenance of Township facilities, offset revenue shortfall due to closures and additional costs related to COVID-19.
“Being able to continue offering new and safe recreational opportunities is a council priority,” said Mayor Pellegrini. “It’s important that we look for innovative and safe ways for the community to continue being active. We’ve been able to accomplish this with upcoming programs like King Photo Bingo, Hike to the Sugar Bush and the DIY Earth Hour Lantern Craft Kit.”
For more information on King’s recreation programs, visit www.king.ca.