The quest to ratify the 2023 budget begins today and what will follow is a month long exercise that will test the newest additions to Thunder Bay city council, along with its veterans, during its latest term.

At 11 a.m. City Manager Norm Gale along with Treasurer Linda Evans, who also serves as General Manager for Corporate Services and Long-Term Care will be unveiling the budget at city hall at 11 am.

This will also serve as Evans’ final budget following the announcement of her retirement last month, which will take effect after the budget is ratified.

After the proposed budget is released members of the public will be able to read a copy, which will be made available in both physical copies and online.

Here is what to expect over the next month,

On January 10th a full presentation will be made from staff to city council laying out a long term financial overview.

That will be followed up by a public pre-budget meeting two days later in Council chambers, there members of the public will be able to provide their thoughts.

On its website deputation requests must be received by the Office of the City Clerk no later than noon on January 11th. Those who wish to speak will have three options as to how they can appear:

• By sending a letter to Council
• In person
• Virtual deputation via MS Teams (either video or audio however that avenue must be arranged prior to the meeting)

“Walk-in” deputations are allowed, however no Powerpoint presentations will be permitted.

Four Council budget review meetings will take place on January 17th, 19th, 25th and 31st respectively, and on February 2nd a public post-budget meeting will be held and again the public will be allowed to speak to the budget’s provisions.

The same rules for the pre-budget meeting apply for those wishing to make a deputation on the budget.

Then on Monday February 6th, Council will then ratify the 2023 budget.

An expanded breakdown of the 2023 budget process, along with dates and times can be found here on the City of Thunder Bay’s website.