THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s city council made a number of significant financial decisions at its meeting Monday, as it gears up for the weeks-long process to set the 2021 city budget.
That process officially begins Tuesday evening, as councillors receive a long-term financial overview. Residents can watch budget deliberations online.
Council approves lead pipe loan program
City council approved a program that will offer $1.3 million in interest-free loans to local homeowners. Residents will be able to apply for loans of up to $3,000, repaid interest-free over five year terms (with 10-year terms available for those on low income).
The city hopes the program will help speed the removal of lead service connections still present in an estimated 8,700 Thunder Bay homes, potentially leading to unsafe levels in drinking water.
Questions linger over city-run golf services
Councillors continued to question the wisdom of the city operating two golf courses, despite financial improvements reported Monday.
City staff cited major reductions in operating deficits over recent years, though operating courses at Chapples and Strathcona still cost the city around $370,000 in 2020.
Fort William Gardens set for $1.1 million facelift
The aging Fort William Gardens is set to receive more than $1 million in upgrades that will help it host major events, including the 2022 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
The bulk of the project costs will be covered by grants from the NOHFC and FedNor, leaving the city to contribute approximately $250,000.
Improvements include ice deck flooring, a video scoreboard and digital screens, a rigging system to suspend speakers, lighting, and cameras from the ceiling, electrical and ice plant improvements, and upgrades to curling club washrooms.
Read our full coverage.
City awards nearly $3 million to non-profits
Councillors approved 18 local non-profit organizations for grants under the 2021 Community, Youth & Cultural Funding Program.
A total of nearly $3 million was approved for the program, including more than $56,000 in emergency COVID-19 funds that can be allocated throughout the year.
Read our full coverage.
City purchases six low-floor buses
Council approved the purchase of six new low-floor buses for its LIFT+ fleet, replacing four vehicles aging out of service, and providing an additional two buses that will help expand the number of trips offered by the city’s specialized transportation service.
Total costs of around $1.3 million will largely be borne by senior levels of government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
With around $470,000 in federal dollars and $394,000 from the province, the city is left to kick in around $315,000, or 26 per cent of the total cost. The city’s portion was already allocated in its 2020 capital budget.
