The City of Thunder Bay unveiled the proposed 2025 Operating Budget today during a presentation at City Hall, highlighting its commitment to strategic growth and fiscal responsibility. With a municipal tax levy increase of 3.7%, Administration has successfully delivered a budget that aligns with City Council’s mandate to balance community needs with financial sustainability.

“The process is a bit different this year, with the separation of the Capital and Operating Budgets.  The 2025 Capital Budget has been presented and approved already, so the full attention will be on the Operating Budget over the next several weeks,” said Keri Greaves, Commissioner Corporate Services and City Treasurer.

“We’ve worked diligently to deliver a budget that achieves our mandate and supports our long-term financial health. The 3.7% municipal tax levy increase demonstrates our commitment to fiscal discipline while enabling investments in the programs and services that residents rely on.”

The proposed budget outlines $385,052,500 in tax-supported operating expenditures and $63,787,100 in rate-supported expenditures, ensuring that the city continues to invest in essential services and strategic initiatives while staying within the budget mandate approved by Council.

Delivering Growth and Stability

While maintaining fiscal discipline, the budget does allow for some key service enhancements including:

  • Investing $1.7 million in projected assessment growth revenue into a newly established Assessment Growth Reserve Fund to support future growth opportunities. 
  • Allocating $1.2 million towards the unsheltered homeless response including staffing, safety and security, and operation of the temporary village.
  • Increasing the contribution to the Superior North EMS Reserve Fund to enable timely replacement of ambulances.
  • Contributing $1.1 million to create a Solid Waste & Recycling Reserve Fund to help manage future levy impacts of the provincially mandated Organics (Green Bin) Program.

“The proposed 2025 budget reflects Administration’s dedication to meeting the needs of our community while staying fiscally responsible,” said John Collin, City Manager. “This year’s financial plan not only meets immediate needs but also prepares Thunder Bay for a prosperous future, and does so with a proposed tax rate increase that is amongst the lowest for cities in Ontario.”

The budget enhances accountability and transparency through a revamped presentation format designed to improve public and Council engagement. The addition of clear summaries, glossaries, and comprehensive appendices make this year’s budget more accessible and easier to understand than ever before.

Greaves added that a lot of work went into changing the format to make the budget document more approachable from a reader’s perspective.

Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

Thunder Bay remains competitive with other municipalities and intends to increase its competitive edge moving forward. Additionally, this budget reflects a commitment to innovation and strategic growth, with targeted funding for growth initiatives and infrastructure investments that align with the City’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

This budget is a testament to the City’s ability to navigate challenges while staying focused on the shared vision for growth and sustainability. It’s about delivering what matters most to residents.

Public Engagement

Residents are invited to participate in the budget consultation process. Opportunities include:

  • A Community Handbook that includes a Survey on the Proposed 2025 Operating Budget available from January 17 to  February 4 at: www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved as well as hard copies at City Hall and all Thunder Bay Public Library locations.
  • A Public Q&A session with City staff on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6:30 pm - 8 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre.

City Council will deliberate the budget at special meetings beginning January 30, with final approval expected on February 10.

For more information on the proposed budget, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/budget

 

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Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-625-3650