The provincial government has issued a call for applications for the new $23.4 million COVID-19 Stimulus Program for communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The COVID-19 Stimulus Program has been created for projects not normally captured under our existing capital works programs and is an excellent complement to funding provided under the Safe Restart Agreement, ensuring communities have the ability to continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic,” said Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities. “We encourage communities to apply for this funding which will support potential projects, helping to create employment opportunities and economic activity.”
The COVID-19 Stimulus Program was created to help provide short-term employment and to stimulate economic activity through community projects. The program is targeted at small to medium scale municipal enhancement projects, and COVID-19 municipal infrastructure upgrades such as repairs, maintenance and minor upgrades to municipal buildings, fire halls, recreation centres, and community property.
One application per community is permitted and approved projects will be based on a 90/10 cost shared ratio with submissions capped at $150,000.
The COVID-19 Stimulus Program encourages municipalities to find opportunities to support health and well-being in infrastructure improvements such as:
- Upgrading existing walking trails;
- Supporting accessibility, new families and building healthy communities; and
- Engaging residents in the revitalization of their communities.
The COVID-19 Stimulus Program is in addition to the $27.4 million announced under the Safe Restart Agreement in response to COVID-19. The federal government portion of the Safe Restart Agreement is being matched on a 50/50 cost share basis with provincial government expenditures retroactive to April 1, 2020.
“Municipalities are major economic drivers in our province. Supporting them through the pandemic and into 2021 is critical. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased with today’s announcement,” said Sheila Fitzgerald, president of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. “It will create local jobs, improve our communities and fuel economic growth. Our members are ready to help drive Newfoundland and Labrador’s recovery and we are encouraging them to apply.”
The deadline to submit an application is December 7, 2020. Program guidelines and applications are available online.
