Beaver Staff
The Ontario Government has announced funding for five municipal transit systems in Hastings-Lennox and Addington to help keep transit riders and operators safe amid the ongoing pandemic.
The funding of almost $58,000 will help these community transit systems reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by providing for additional cleaning costs. This funding is part of $15 million in provincial support for 110 municipalities across the province towards enhanced transit cleaning as the province gradually re-opens.
In a press release, Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Daryl Kramp welcomed the provincial assistance for Bancroft, Belleville, Deseronto, Loyalist Township and Marmora and Lake.
“This is a difficult time for municipalities as they work diligently to keep their residents safe,” said Kramp. “This will help them when they really need it.”
Deseronto will receive $8,298 in funding while Loyalist is set to receive $7,967. Belleville, the largest of the centres, will get $32,876 while Bancroft gets $4,849 and Marmora and Lake $8,269.
“We recognize that municipal transit agencies across the province are facing significant financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “That is why we are providing funding for enhanced cleaning on public transit systems and continuing to work closely with our municipal partners to support safety on public transit.”