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THUNDER BAY — The city's 2025 budget is now final.
The $610.6 million total budget for this year was locked in with the ratification of the operating budget on Monday.
The 11 councillors who attended the meeting voted unanimously to ratify.
Coun. Trevor Giertuga was absent, and Coun. Brian Hamilton is on leave while campaigning to represent Thunder-Bay Superior North at the provincial level.
"The budget strikes a balance between maintaining the services residents rely on today and planning for the future," said Keri Greaves, commissioner of corporate services and city treasurer in a release. "By keeping the increase under 3.8 per cent, we are acting responsibly while setting Thunder Bay up for long-term sustainability."
Council did not discuss the results of the city's public consultation study before the ratification vote.
According to the report on the operating budget survey the city received only 79 responses and was not representative of the city’s entire population. Therefore, it is not considered statistically significant.
“While survey numbers were lower than anticipated, we remain committed to finding the best ways to engage our community. We know that municipal budgets impact everyone, and we want all residents to have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share their priorities," Greaves told Newswatch.
"Public engagement is an evolving process, and we are always evaluating how, when, and where to connect with people—offering both in-person opportunities and online options to meet diverse needs. We continue to explore ways to make participation more accessible and meaningful.
Greaves said the city recognizes that a "municipal budget can feel complex." The city is working towards breaking down those barriers.
"Whether it’s simplifying budget information, expanding digital engagement tools, or meeting people where they are at-community centres, libraries, and local events—we are committed to making sure that every voice has a chance to be heard," said Greaves.
The city’s total operating budget for this year is $448.8 million. Just under half of that, $219 million, will be raised through this year’s taxes. That’s up $10.4 million over last year, a 4.5 per cent increase. Not including a $1.7 million contribution to the city's new growth assessment fund, the increase to the operating budget comes to 3.7 per cent.
The $161.8 million 2025 capital budget was approved in November.
Moving forward, city staff are planning communications and engagement for next year's budget process.
"The budget process is a year-long journey, and we’re eager to implement new and creative approaches that make it easier for everyone to be involved,” said Greaves.
This story has been updated with new comment from the city.
