HRM/EAST HANTS: Nova Scotians count on local governments to provide essential programs and services. That is why the province and the federal government are making sure municipalities have the resources they need during the pandemic.
As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, municipalities in the province will receive $67.5 million today, Nov. 4, to help meet operating costs while impacted by lower revenue from transit and fees, as well as increased costs associated with COVID-19 infection prevention measures.
“We know the pandemic has presented challenges to our municipalities and supporting our communities is critical if we are going to restart our economy while staying safe and healthy,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter. “I am grateful to the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia for working closely with us to understand the impact the pandemic is having on local governments, and to help address those needs.”
In June, the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities published the COVID-19: Lost Revenue Report. Through a survey of municipal leaders, the report indicated local governments could have a $66.5 million revenue shortfall because of the pandemic.
Quote:
“Everyone worked hard on this outcome. Members of the federation worked hard to identify the dramatic revenue losses created by COVID-19 and the three levels of government pulled together in the best interest of the people we all serve. When we all work together, this is the success that is possible to support the growth and success of our communities.”
– Pam Mood, president, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Quick Facts:
— since April 1, government has invested more than $100 million in Nova Scotia municipalities, not including the funding announced today
— funding includes $10 million for road paving and $500,000 for personal protective equipment
— the province has also created a $380 million low-cost operating loan program for municipalities Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)
Additional Resources:
List of funding for municipalities: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/docs/safe-restart-fund.pdf
COVID-19: Lost Revenue Report: https://www.nsfm.ca/1586-nsfm-covid-19-lost-revenue-report/file.html
Safe Restart Agreement News Release: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200916006
Municipal Affairs and Housing Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/dma_ns
