Espanola council and town staff met with a special visitor at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex yesterday.
Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, was in town to meet Mayor Doug Gervais, CAO Clerk Joseph Burke and council to announce an increase in funding to help assist the town with its financial challenges.
Thompson announced the municipality is receiving $1.94-million dollars through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Grant program for 2025, an 11% increase over last year.
Mayor Gervais says with the budget process beginning and the challenges the closure of the mill creates on the tax base, the funds are much needed, much appreciated and will go a long way in assisting the town in meeting its obligations this year.
Following the announcement, Thompson headed out for a tour of Manitoulin Island to Providence Bay and will be visiting Massey and the City of Elliot Lake today.
