North Bay, ON – April. 2, 2024 – North Bay Council has approved the City’s 2024 operating and capital budgets, with a focus on core services and strategic investments in infrastructure.
The operating budget, totaling nearly $160 million, includes a tax levy of approximately $110 million. This represents a levy change of 3.97 per cent, or a tax rate increase of 2.74 per cent. The difference between the total budget and taxpayer levy contribution is balanced by grants, user fees, and other ancillary revenues.
For a homeowner with a property assessed at $300,000, the approved budget translates to a monthly increase of approximately $10.35.
"This budget reflects Council’s commitment to maintaining essential services, investing in critical infrastructure, and making strategic investments for North Bay's future," said Coun. Maggie Horsfield, the City’s Budget Chief. “We also continue to support the vital work of our Service Partners – organizations like the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board and North Bay Police Service – as they continue to deliver important services to the community.”
Approximately 45 per cent, or $49.8 million, of the tax levy is designated to support service partners, such as the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, North Bay Police Service, North Bay Public Library, Capitol Centre, Cassellholme, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, and North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
In anticipation of a 2023 year-end surplus, a portion of City reserves totalling $2.6 million is being utilized as part of the approved budget to alleviate the tax impact on residents and businesses amidst high inflation and other economic challenges.
"We understand the difficulties residents are encountering, and with an estimated surplus from last year, we're utilizing reserves to alleviate some of the burden,” said Coun. Horsfield. “We also recognize that the City is experiencing similar cost pressures and cannot rely on reserves indefinitely. That's why Council is committed to implementing a strategy to gradually phase out the use of reserves to support ongoing operational costs over the next five years."
Operating Budget Highlights:
The approved operating budget not only maintains current municipal service levels, including essential services such as roads maintenance, garbage and recycling collection, and emergency services, but also includes support for new or expanded community initiatives and strategic investments, such as:
- $100,000 to extend the Peer Outreach and Security Team program, enhancing patrols in the Downtown Waterfront and Cassells Street areas.
- $19,758 to support lifeguard recruitment, extending the beach lifeguard season by one month from July to August to June to August
- $51,615 allocated for public recycling programs in downtown areas, arenas and parking facilities.
- $10,000 earmarked for third-party compliance software to aid staff in effectively implementing short-term rental regulations.
The approved operating budget also includes a proposed increase in transit fares, which is projected to generate an estimated $55,351 in revenue in 2024. This fare adjustment, which is contingent upon a public meeting and subsequent Council approval, would mark the first increase in nine years. It is aimed at helping to address escalating vehicle operating costs, fuel, and material costs incurred over that period. Under the proposed change, cash fares would remain below the provincial average, rising to $3.25 from the current $3 rate.
Capital Budget Highlights:
The gross general capital budget totals $56.5 million and includes investments in core infrastructure and community assets, such as:
- The widening of McKeown Avenue between Gormanville Road and Cartier Street
- Construction of sidewalks for transit routes in various locations
- Premier Road sidewalk extension and road resurfacing
- Laurentian Heights stormwater management pond construction
- Community and Recreation Centre
- Asphalt resurfacing in various locations
- Municipal vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacement
- Capital needs of service partners such as Cassellholme, North Bay Police Services, and North Bay Public Library
Water and Wastewater Capital Budget:
The gross water and wastewater capital budget totals $19.6 million and includes key infrastructure investments to support the ongoing delivery of sustainable services, including the operation of the water and wastewater treatment plants, such as:
- The widening of McKeown Avenue between Gormanville Road and Cartier Street (water and wastewater portion)
- Replacement of the intake chamber at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Relining of sanitary sewer in various locations throughout the City
- Rehabilitation of a large size watermain at Lee Park
Learn more about the budget process, review documents and look for updates at https://northbay.ca/Budget2024:
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