By Cecilia Nasmith
The Government of Ontario has announced extended funding over two years through the Community Transportation Grant Program for communities providing transportation services.
As part of this two-year extension, the County of Northumberland – which is set to receive up to $73,188.45 per year through 2023 – will now receive that amount an additional two years. This will allow the county more time to establish their transportation services fully as the COVID recover proceeds, as well as to build these services up to a sustainable level that will put municipalities in a better position to continue operating after the program has completed.
“This additional funding support will help ensure people have access to transportation services that are needed in our community,” Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini said in the announcement.
“As we recover from COVID-19, reliable transportation services will be key for accessing life's essentials and for supporting the local economy.”
Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said the program is aimed at those living in areas with few transportation options.
“The additional investment in local and inter-community transportation will help residents – including Indigenous people, seniors and people with disabilities – get to work, school or appointments, and will give communities added security as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and plan for the future,” Mulroney said.
Province-wide, the program is providing up to $30-million over five years to 38 municipalities in support of 43 projects, such as bus service, on-demand shared rides and door-to-door transportation services that support various population groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities.
