The City of Prince George's financial situation going into 2021 is looking a little less dire, thanks to more than $6.1 million in relief money from the federal and provincial governments.
On Nov. 5, the city received confirmation that it is eligible for $6.11 million in grants through the COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant for Local Governments. As of the last financial update provided to city council, the city is facing a roughly $6.8 million budget shortfall for 2021, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's been a very good day," Mayor Lyn Hall said. "This will be a big part of our budget deliberations next year."
Hall said it was good to see the provincial and federal government listened to the concerns raised by local governments, and responded with a grant program that allows local leaders decide where the money is most needed.
Acting city manager Walter Babicz said the funding can be used to cover things like revenue shortfalls due to the pandemic, facility reopening and operating costs, emergency planning and response costs, and other costs linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The timing is very good... The city will be entering its budget process," Babicz said.
The eligible uses for the money are quite broad, he added. Other than the city is required to report annually on what is uses the funding for, there are few other restrictions.
The grant is part of a $2 billion joint program between the province and federal government to support municipalities, which was announced in September.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said she was meeting with other members of the North Central Local Government Association, and the grants were a hot topic of conversation.
"Many community around B.C. are struggling right now," Ramsay said. "It's going to have a huge impact on our taxpayers."
City council will debate the 2021 budget in meetings scheduled for Jan. 25 and Jan. 27.
