Ontario Investing in Northern and Rural Municipalities

Municipalities Receive Provincial Funding Allocations Earlier Than Ever Before

News.ontario.ca
October 25, 2019

Ontario's government is listening to municipalities and delivering on its commitment to maintain the structure of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) for the 2020 municipal budget year.

Next year, the Province will invest $500 million in 389 municipalities across Ontario through the OMPF, which is the Province's main general assistance grant to municipalities. The program primarily supports northern and rural communities. This funding can be used for local priorities, to support the specific needs of each community.

"Municipalities told us that they need information early to plan their budgets, and we listened. That's why we're announcing the allocations for the 2020 OMPF today -- the earliest they have ever been announced," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Today, we are confirming that building strong local partnerships with municipalities is an important part in our plan to build Ontario together."

This news fulfils a commitment made by Premier Doug Ford during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's annual conference in August to maintain the structure of the OMPF program for 2020.

Quick Facts

• The main objectives of the OMPF are to:
• recognize the challenges of northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those with more challenging fiscal circumstances
• support areas with limited property assessment, and
• assist municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.
• For 2020, the government is maintaining the OMPF structure as it was in 2019, while allowing for annual data updates and adjustments.