City council finalizes $611 million municipal budget for 2025 Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay - The city's 2025 budget is now finalized.

With the approval of the operating budget on Monday, this year's total budget of $610.6 million has been set.

All 11 councillors in attendance voted in favor.

Councillor Trevor Giertuga was absent, and Councillor Brian Hamilton was on leave, running in the Thunder Bay-Superior North provincial election.

"The budget strikes a balance between maintaining the services residents currently rely on and planning for the future," said Keri Greaves, Commissioner of Corporate Services and City Treasurer, in a news release. "By keeping the increase below 3.8%, we have acted responsibly while laying the groundwork for Thunder Bay's long-term sustainability."

Before the approval vote, council did not discuss the results of the city's public consultation study.

According to the operating budget survey report, the city received only 79 responses , which cannot represent the city's entire population. Therefore, the survey is not statistically significant.

"Although the survey numbers were lower than expected, we remain committed to finding the best ways to engage the community. We know municipal budgets affect everyone, and we want all residents to have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share their priorities," Greaves told The News Watch.

"Public engagement is an evolving process, and we are always evaluating how, when, and where we connect with people - offering in-person opportunities and online options to meet different needs. We will continue to explore ways to make participation easier and more meaningful."

Greaves said the city recognizes that "municipal budgets can feel complex." The city is working to break 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 ensuring everyone's voice has a chance to be heard," Greaves said.

This year, the city's total operating budget is $448.8 million. Nearly half of that, $219 million, will be raised through this year's taxes. That is an increase of $10.4 million, or 4.5%, over last year. Excluding the $1.7 million contribution to the city's new growth assessment fund, the operating budget increase is 3.7%.

The $161.8 million 2025 capital budgetwas approved in November.

Looking ahead, city staff are developing a communication and engagement plan for next year's budget process.

"The budget process takes a year, and we are eager to implement new, creative ways to make it easier for everyone to participate," Greaves said.

This story has been updated with new comments from the city.

Source:  https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/city-finalizes-611m-municipal-budget-for-2025-10215516