Media Release

For Immediate Release

January 31, 2017

COUNCIL ENCOURAGED TO ACCEPT PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES

THUNDER BAY The proposed 2017 municipal budget proposes a 3.07% increase in the net tax levy for
existing taxpayers.
Our members have told us that they want the city to reduce non-essential services and focus on core
municipal duties, to eliminate duplication and look to streamlined processes and new technologies to find
efficiencies, says Charla Robinson, Chamber President. As we reviewed the recommended budget package,
we were pleased to see that many of these strategies have been implemented in a way that helps to reduce
the costs to all citizens while balancing the impacts across the community.
We encourage City Council members to accept the balanced approach that is presented in the budget
package. We believe that the proposed reductions are necessary in order to ensure appropriate resources are
available to continue to provide key City services that are utilized by the majority of citizens, concludes
Robinson.
The Chamber has participated in numerous budget consultations in recent months and will be making a
deputation to City Council regarding the 2017 proposed budget tonight.
- 30 For further information:
Charla Robinson, President
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce
(807) 624-2626