As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put a financial strain on Londoners and local businesses, additional relief measures are being put in place by the city.
Council approved on Tuesday night a total of nine new supports, the bulk of which will ease pressure on low-income families in London. The new measures include a 60-day rent deferral program for those in city-owned properties, subsidized internet for London Middlesex Community Housing tenants, and subsidized food boxes through the London Good Food Box program and Harvest Bucks Contribution program. Additional funding for the housing stability bank program, which helps those struggling to pay rent and utility costs, was given the green light.
The city will also coordinate the delivery of fresh, healthy food to Londoners under quarantine or who are self-isolating due to the virus.
For businesses, the city is extending payment terms to 60 days on City of London invoices issued in May, June, and July.
“This is an unprecedented situation that continues to have wide-reaching ramifications across all aspects of our society,” Mayor Ed Holder said in a statement. “London families and businesses are counting on all levels of government to work closely together to address the financial impacts of COVID-19. We have responded by acting quickly, with the best interests of Londoners and businesses in mind, to identify local measures to provide immediate relief.”
The nine newly approved relief measures will cost approximately $400,000. Work to implement them will begin immediately with more details expected once the programs are launched.
City staff predict COVID-19 will leave a $33 million hole in this year's budget by the end of August due to a combination of lost revenue and increased costs associated with the pandemic. London has now joined other municipalities across the province in lobbying the federal government for financial assistance.
