The Ontario government is announcing 2022 funding allocations under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), the Province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities.
“Our government recognizes the importance of the OMPF to communities across the province,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I am pleased that all the municipalities in our area will continue to benefit from this important provincial program.”
The following funds have been allocated for local municipalities:
North Grenville is receiving $1,043,300, or $143 per household, which is an increase of $14,000 over the 2021 allocation. This amounts to an increase of about .1% of the municipal budget.
Merrickville-Wolford will receive $303,800 for 2022, a decrease of $7,800 over the 2021 allocation. The only other municipalities to have their OMPF funding lowered for 2022 are Augusta and Gananoque.
Ontario has been consulting with municipalities on their priorities for the OMPF. Throughout these discussions, municipal partners have stressed the importance of stability and predictability, particularly during these uncertain times. Ontario is responding by maintaining both the structure of the OMPF and the program envelope at $500 million for 2022, as committed at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference in August 2021.
“Predictable and timely financial support from the Province is essential for budget planning in small and rural municipalities,” said AMO President Graydon Smith. “The early rollout of stable 2022 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocations sets the stage for effective budget planning for the for year ahead.”
The OMPF supports 389 municipalities across the province. The funding provided through the program is unconditional and can be used to support the local priorities and specific needs of each community. The Ontario government recognizes the unique challenges of northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those facing difficult fiscal circumstances. The program supports areas with limited property assessment; and assists municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.
