The City of Thunder Bay has released its proposed operating budget for 2025, which — if approved — would see a municipal tax levy increase of 3.7 per cent.
The proposed tax-supported operating budget totals $385.1 million, with a municipal tax levy of $217.4 million — an increase of $7.8 million — over last year, according to the city.
The levy is the amount the city needs from taxpayers to fund services and capital infrastructure programs. Last year’s budget saw a 5.4 per cent tax levy increase.
Part of city council’s budget mandate was to keep the 2025 tax levy at no more than 3.8 per cent before growth, “for programs and services within the city’s direct control.”
The proposed budget includes total gross spending of $448.8 million, an increase of $17.8 million (4.1 per cent) compared to 2024.
“The 2025 budget does not include any significant reductions to existing services. It also prioritizes strategic investments in key areas that will support sustainable growth, enhance our quality of life, and strengthen Thunder Bay’s position as a thriving and vibrant city,” city manager John Collin said in a statement in the proposed budget report.
While budget submissions from agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs) in town were $1 million higher than the city’s budget mandate, the report says “a significant increase in the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund enabled the overages from the ABCs to be absorbed and allowed for additional enhancements in the 2025 budget.”
How property taxes are spent
The proposed budget document includes a breakdown of how property taxes are spent on city services.
According to the chart, the biggest chunk goes toward police services, at more than 22.1 per cent. Next is fire rescue services at 14.5 per cent and general government at 11.5 per cent.
A series of meetings and consultations are being held before the budget is approved by city council, including an in-person question and answer session on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Italian Cultural Centre.
Other upcoming events include:
- Jan. 28: Long-term financial overview at council chambers at city hall, starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Jan. 30, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5: City council reviews the proposed operating budget at council chambers at city hall, starting at 5 p.m.
- Feb. 10: The budget is scheduled to be ratified by city council at council chambers at city hall, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The city is holding a media briefing about the proposed budget on Friday at 11:30 a.m.
More information about the budget process can be found on the city’s website.
Superior Morning4:50Marc Doucette: Proposed Budget
The City of Thunder Bay will be releasing its proposed budget today.We took to the streets to hear how city residents would like their tax dollars spent.
