March 4, 2021 – Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are encouraged by today’s announcement from the provincial government. The additional $500 million in COVID-19 relief funding for municipalities is vital to ensuring our cities can continue providing essential services to residents.
Municipalities remain under immense financial pressure because of the effects of the pandemic. Many are facing budget shortfalls that will require difficult decisions due to municipal revenues remaining low and the continued need for day-to-day services, capital investments and operating costs. Ontario’s Big City Mayors are appreciative of the continued cooperation with the municipal sector to solve these challenges.
“On behalf of the OBCM caucus, we are grateful to the province, Ministers Clark and Bethlenfalvy for recognizing the ongoing need for support as we continue working together towards economic recovery,” said OBCM Chair and Mayor of Barrie Jeff Lehman. “We look forward to continued collaboration and support throughout the remainder of 2021 and the pandemic.”
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), formerly known as the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario, includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70 per cent of Ontario’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contact:
Mayor Jeff Lehman, Chair
officeofthemayor@barrie.ca
705-792-7900