City Hall

The price tag for a significant transformation of Thunder Bay's north core has risen to an estimated $11 million, but city councillors say the investment will pay dividends in a more dynamic downtown.

Thunder Bay residents will have several chances beginning on Thursday to provide feedback on a draft 2023 city budget that's drawn concern over a large proposed tax levy hike.

The Thunder Bay CEDC is spending up to $100,000 on a study examining how the Pool 6 site at the waterfront could best be developed, with further housing or hotels one possibility.

Senior staff looked to defend Thunder Bay's tax rates as they presented a long-term financial overview to city council to open the 2023 budget process on Tuesday.

Spring flooding caused around $3 million in infrastructure damage in 2022, highlighting a need to adapt city infrastructure for an era of greater climate risks.

Thunder Bay’s city council heard an update on a major redesign of north core streets Monday, and awarded nearly $3 million to local non-profits.

The Shelter House will see a major drop in funding through the city’s Community, Youth & Cultural Funding Program, while the art gallery and Community Auditorium are in for significant increases.

User fees for services like transit, city pools, and ice time rentals are set to increase by 3% to 5% on average in 2023.

City council will be asked to approve over $670,000 in additional costs for the final phase of a major reconstruction of Balmoral Street, though the work will still come in below the city's initial $10 million estimate.

Mayor Ken Boshcoff says he’ll look to “hold the line” on the 2023 tax levy increase at two per cent, while others city councillors say they’re more focused on avoiding service cuts.