Today, Mayor Don Mitchell released the following statement about the 2021 Ontario Budget — Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

“We remain committed to supporting our residents and businesses through this pandemic and on a strong economic recovery post-COVID-19. We welcome the continued financial support to address COVID-19-related operating pressures. We also welcome the targeted support for small business, local tourism and broadband infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Province to build a strong, healthy and resilient local economy.”

Town staff are reviewing Ontario’s 2021 Budget in further detail to identify opportunities for Whitby going forward. Highlights of the proposed budget that align with local priorities include:

• Support for municipalities - $500 million of additional funding to support municipal operating pressures and recovery in 2021.

• Support for local businesses – $1.7 billion for the local economy, including a second round of Small Business Support Grant funding of up to $20,000 per business.

• Funding in healthcare – $1 billion toward the vaccine effort and an additional $2.3 billion for testing and contact tracing. A new program to provide safe, accessible transportation will make it easier for the most vulnerable to get to and from vaccine appointments.

• Support for local tourism – $400 million over four years to support tourism and hospitality businesses. Impacted local businesses will be eligible for one-time payments between $10,000 and $20,000.

• Funding larger sport and community infrastructure projects - $200 million to support new build multi‐purpose facilities for community, culture and recreation purposes and to support the renovation and rehabilitation of sport and community infrastructure.

• Enhanced broadband – $2.8 billion to improve broadband access and help provide residents and businesses in rural communities with a more stable internet connection.

• Job creation – a new Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit will provide up to $2,000 for residents between 26 and 65. This will help residents access post-secondary education and training programs.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erin Mikaluk, Communications Lead
Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca