The City of Windsor is getting some support from the provincial and federal governments to help cover costs incurred through the pandemic.
As part of the latest funding through the Safe Restart Program, the city has been awarded $19-million.
A large portion of the funding, $14,406,000 will cover the gaps in the 2020 operating budget. The major losses are associated with the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel operations, Windsor International Airport and reduced casino revenues.
The remaining $5,086,000 will go toward the 2021 budget pressures.
“There is no way around it, this is great news for the City of Windsor,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Doug Ford and Steve Clark have recognized the unique challenges that our border community faced as a result of this public health emergency, which dried up revenues from the tunnel, airport and casino while increasing costs associated with keeping our staff and residents safe. We know that the 2021 budget is going to be very challenging and that difficult decisions lie ahead for council, but ten days before Christmas, there is no denying that the provincial government has come through for Windsor in a big way.”
The funding is part of $695 million allocated to municipalities throughout the province to assist with operating deficits. Only two other municipalities, Toronto and Brampton, received more funding than Windsor.
