Aurora mayor 'pleased' with $1.3 million COVID-19 government funding

The impact of pandemic will stretch into 2021, chief administrative officer says

Yorkregion.com
August 19, 2020
Lisa Queen

Aurora is receiving almost $1.3 million from the federal and provincial government to help ease the financial burden of the COVID-19 crisis.

The money is part of funding being given to all of Ontario’s 444 municipalities under the Safe Restart Agreement to address pressures they are facing during the pandemic.

“I am pleased to announce that the province and the federal government, will be supporting the local municipalities in Ontario and providing funding to help alleviate municipal pressures associated with this pandemic,” Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a statement.

“While the town is in a good financial position, we are grateful to accept this funding and help provide some extra financial support for Aurora as we continue to move forward through this global health crisis.”

Chief administrative officer Doug Nadorozny said the funding will help Aurora as the town begins to bring back services to the community and provide relief for interest charged on the late payment of tax and water bills to residents and businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

“This added funding will help our town, as we recognize the impact of COVID-19 will extend into 2021,” he added.

In September, Ontario municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding for municipal operating pressures per household. Additional funding of up to $695 million will be available through Phase 2 for municipalities that have COVID-related financial impacts that exceed the initial per household allocation provided under Phase 1.