A guide to the city’s budget process – and how to get involved

THUNDER BAY – After hearing an initial round of public feedback, Thunder Bay’s city council is preparing to set the 2022 municipal budget over a series of meetings in the coming weeks.

The document lays out plans for over half a billion dollars in total spending and a net budget of around $280 million, touching everything from transit, parks and recreation, and long-term care to emergency services and waste collection.

Councillors will review the budget over the course of four virtual meetings running through Feb. 1, debating and voting on proposed changes. A full schedule, including topics for discussion each night, is included below.

An online survey is available until Feb. 3 at the city's Get Involved website, along with the full budget documents, executive summaries, and other resources.

Citizens and organizations also have the opportunity to provide feedback in writing or in the form of a deputation to council at a Feb. 3 meeting. Councillors heard an initial round of public comment on Jan. 13.

Deputation requests must be received by noon on Feb. 1 and can be submitted through an online form, by email at OfficeoftheCityClerk@thunderbay.ca, or by phone at (807) 625-2230

Final approval of the budget is set for Feb. 7, when councillors have one final chance to propose changes.

The meetings are broadcast live at the city’s website, as well as Shaw Spotlight Channel 10 and Tbaytel Digital TV on Channel 110. Meetings are being held virtually due to COVID-19.

The shaping of the 2022 budget is among the final major decisions that will be made by the current version of city council, with about nine months left until the next municipal election on Oct. 24.

BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULE:

Jan. 18: Budget meeting #1

Corporate Services and Long-Term Care, Infrastructure and Operations (includes roads, parks), general corporate revenue and expenditures, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, rate-supported operations (water, wastewater, solid waste)

Jan. 20: Budget meeting #2

Development and Emergency Services (includes planning, licensing and enforcement, fire and EMS services), Community Services (includes transit, recreation and culture), city user fees, Thunder Bay Public Library, Parking Authority, Victoriaville Centre, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB)

Jan. 26: Budget meeting #3

Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Polices Services Board, mayor and council, City Manager’s Office, Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), Waterfront District BIA, Victoria Avenue BIA,

Feb. 1: Budget meeting #4

Overall discussion and review, other council amendments.

Feb. 3: Public post-budget meeting

Citizens and organizations that wish to provide feedback on the budget will have up to 10 minutes each to present to council. Learn more about how to submit deputation requests at the city’s website.

Feb. 7: Budget ratification

Council will take a final vote to approve the budget at a Feb. 7 meeting, where councillors will have a final opportunity to propose changes.