North Bay city council approves 3% tax increase

North Bay city council has approved the city's 2025 operating and capital budgets, with a tax increase set for three per cent.

The budget was passed at a meeting on Monday night.

"This budget balances the financial realities of today with the investments needed to secure North Bay's future — ensuring essential services, supporting economic growth and enhancing out community's quality of life," said Maggie Horsfield, the deputy mayor and budget chief.

"We've worked hard to keep the tax increase as low as possible while still investing in services and infrastructure our community depends on."

The budget totals $167 million, with a tax levy of about $114 million. The city said for a homeowner with a property assessed at $300,000, the approved budget translates to a monthly increase of about $11.61.

Close to half of the tax levy is allocated to various service providers, including the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, the North Bay Police Service, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority among others.

The budget passed by 7-3, with Councillors Sara Inch, Tanya Vrebosch and Jamie Lowery voting against the operating budget. Coun. Gary Gardiner was not in attendance.

'Cost is unaffordable'

Coun. Mac Bain supported the budget, but had questions about the funding allocated for the police department, which saw an increase of $3.1 million.

"The increases that we're seeing at this particular point are too high. They're unaffordable," he said.

"I know the new police chief is doing an excellent job. He has a hard job to do and I wish him well. But the reality is this cost is unaffordable for the average taxpayer to maintain."

Mayor Peter Chirico defended that increase.

"The only way that you're doing to feel safe is with our police services," he said.

"The men and women of our police service do a superb job. Our new police chief has implemented a number of programs to increase visibility in our city."

Vrebosch pointed out this is the third budget in a row she hasn't supported.

She said she has put forward several ideas to council that have not been heard. Vrebosch pointed to the example of the city's approach to recruiting doctors.

"Many of us were at ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipality Association). Some of us heard right from the minister saying infrastructure is very important," she said. 

"And I put out saying maybe we need to look at a building. Maybe we need to do something such as like our communities East Ferris, South River, Bonfield, they own the infrastructure, they work in partnership with Ontario Health, but there are ways to do something like that so we can address the doctor shortage and compete with smaller communities."

In December, Greater Sudbury city council approved a 4.8 per cent tax increase. City council in Timmins increased its budget by 3.43 per cent and Sault Ste. Marie city council has approved a 3.68 per cent increase.