November 25, 2015
Province Announces Support to Municipalities for Amalgamation Costs
The Manitoba government will provide $1 million in funding to municipalities for costs related to amalgamation, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell announced today.
"The province is committed to building stronger municipalities together with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities," said Minister Caldwell. "This funding supports amalgamated municipalities, recognizing that by working together we are all stronger."
There have been 47 amalgamations in Manitoba in 2015, involving 107 municipalities. The new Amalgamation Costs Funding Support Program will provide up to $1 million of one-time funding to these 47 municipalities, the minister said, adding the program will support incremental capital costs resulting from amalgamation including computer hardware and software upgrades and office expansions.
“The AMM appreciates the province’s willingness to co-operate with us by covering some of the hard costs resulting from municipal amalgamations,” said Chris Goertzen, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “This initiative acknowledges the challenges faced by amalgamated municipalities.”
“This program reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring all amalgamated municipalities can move forward and build strong communities for their citizens,” said Minister Caldwell.
Municipalities will be able to submit applications for funding starting on Nov. 30.
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