Ontario government providing $695 million to municipalities to cover more pandemic expenses “This funding will provide not only the city but all of the townships surrounding the Peterborough community with the supports needed to continue delivering critical services that we all rely on everyday,” said MPP Dave Smith.Smith noted he hopes the announcement will convince Peterborough city council to reconsider the all-inclusive 2.99 per cent tax increase approved Monday night.“The timing of this announcement coincides with the budget process of our largest municipality and it is my sincere hope that this will help persuade Peterborough council to consider reducing the municipal tax increase from the 2.99 per cent that council endorsed to the.