Residents can now review the latest updates to the city’s proposed spending plan after the City of Thunder Bay posted an addendum to the Special Committee of the Whole agenda for the Jan. 26, 2026 budget meeting. The addendum arrives as city leaders prepare to review a proposed 2026 operating budget of $638.7 million that would result in a 4.0 per cent municipal tax-levy increase.
The City of Thunder Bay released the additional documents to help councillors and the public prepare for two days of line-by-line spending reviews on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28. The current tax proposal is higher than the 2.6 per cent target Council set in 2025, according to reporting by TBNewsWatch.
Much of the added pressure on the tax levy comes from outside agencies, including the Thunder Bay Police Service. CBC News reports that the police service is seeking about a 9.1 per cent increase — part of an operating budget proposal of roughly $64 million — largely to hire additional officers and cover capital needs such as vehicle and equipment replacement and upgrades to the Balmoral Street station.
City staff say the proposed 2026 budget aims to align with the community’s long-term goals for growth and safety while balancing rising costs. Residents can watch the budget discussions live on the city’s website on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28, 2026. The budget is expected to be ratified by Council on Feb. 3, 2026.
