THUNDER BAY – Since 2009, municipal benefits have been calculated as a combination of both OMPF grants and provincial uploads. Consistent with this approach, starting in 2012, the combined benefit includes the upload of court security and prisoner transportation costs, as well as additional Ontario Works administration funding provided by the Province. Ontario is providing $63,150,400 to municipalities in Northwestern Ontario to help them focus on local priorities, including investments in infrastructure and economic development that support a stronger economy.
“I’m proud of our government’s strong record of supporting and working with municipalities here in Northwestern Ontario, and by continuing to upload these costs despite the fiscal challenges we face, we can help our communities focus on other local priorities to strengthen their economies,” states Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle.
“Today’s announcement continues to build on the strong relationship we have with municipalities in Ontario. We are fulfilling our commitment to upload the costs of services downloaded by previous governments, and provide financial assistance to help our cities deliver quality public services,” commented Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
Through the combined benefit of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and provincial uploads, the province is providing municipalities more than $1.8 billion this year. The OMPF will total $583 million in 2012 and combined with the $1.2 billion in provincial uploads, this is almost three times the level of funding provided under the previous program. The OMPF assists municipalities with their social program costs, supports areas with limited property assessment, addresses challenges faced by rural and northern communities, and responds to policing costs in rural communities. The fund is Ontario’s main transfer payment to municipalities.
The provincial government continues the phased upload of Ontario Works benefit costs and begins to phase in the upload of court security and prisoner transportation costs in 2012. This builds on the previous uploads of Ontario Drug Benefits and Ontario Disability Support Program costs. The province has also uploaded more than $170 million in support of municipal Ontario Works administration costs.
Provincial uploading of programs like Ontario Works, Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) ensure that more property tax dollars are available for important municipal priorities, including investments in infrastructure and economic development.
Continuing to upload municipal costs is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build stronger communities for our families, while creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
QUICK FACTS: OMPF Allocations Announced in Northwestern Ontario
Conmee Township $317,100
Dorion Township $217,200
Gillies Township $252,300
Greenstone $3,519,600
Kenora $5,940,100
Marathon $2,353,500
Neebing $1,214,100
Nipigon $1,194,200
O’Connor $326,900
Oliver Paipoonge $2,622,900
Red Rock $724,300
Schreiber $905,100
Shuniah $2,346,300
Thunder Bay $41,213,900