Timmins gets first look at 2025 city budget

Timmins officials released the first draft of the 2005 budget at a recent council meeting.

It takes into account the advice from nearly 1,300 residents, and the result of a recent survey has roads, sidewalks and safety topping the priority list, followed by recreation, parks, water and sewer management.

A photo of Timmins' municipal building on Algonquin Boulevard East. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Officials went through the budget line by line, pointing out areas to watch and the projected tax rate, which so far is at a 3.79 per cent increase.

However, the treasurer warns that number could change once budgets come in from various administrations, boards and committees.

"We did already hear from the province that the education rates are going to stay the same in 2025 and that they'll be the same as in 2024 so no increased education tax rate," said Natalie Moore, treasurer of the City of Timmins.

"So that's really good for the residents."

"This is a good start," said Ward 3 Coun. Bill Gvozdanovic.

"This is good work and you know, we can tinker with it a little bit and keep it reasonable and not play games with the public. That's what I like. Not here to play games."

Ward 2 Coun. Lorne Feldman said he hopes one day the tax rate could be shouldered by more than just current residents.

"We know residential homeowners -- many seniors, many working families -- are absorbing 75, 80 per cent or whatever the number is of that tax base or whether we're collecting more taxes or more people," Feldman said.

"It's that proportion that I'm hoping we can find some solutions or options."

CAO Dave Landers said the municipality has few options to increase revenue other than to expand the tax base.

"Assessment growth will take off," said Landers.

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"In talking with our industry partners, it does appear to be the case. We are meeting with Canada Nickel through our economic development team on at least a monthly basis as they continue to move their project forward and they're not the only one. There are other, you know, significant activities in the critical minerals file."

Two new budget items city council will need to debate for next year include $200,000 for physician recruitment initiatives and $180,000 for the Firekeepers program, which was previously covered by the Municipal Accommodation Tax Fund.