Council considering 1.75 percent tax rate increase 

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout Municipal Council is considering a proposed 1.75 percent increase to the Municipal levy to support the 2026 Operating Budget.
A special council meeting was held on Jan. 27 at the Town Office where Municipal Treasurer Carly Collins presented council with the 2026 Draft Municipal Budget.
Municipal CAO/Clerk Brian MacKinnon shared the following message with council on behalf of himself and the Municipal management team, “The 2026 Draft Municipal Budget represents the recommended budget of the CAO and Management Team, developed to support stable service delivery, long-term sustainability, and alignment with the Municipality’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. This budget has been prepared in a constrained financial environment, characterized by minimal assessment growth resulting from the ongoing provincial freeze on reassessments, alongside continued cost pressures affecting both municipal operations and provincially legislated services. 
“Significant operating pressures in 2026 include rising costs for hydro (and an anticipated lower Hydro dividend), municipal audit services, insurance, and other essential inputs, as well as increasing contributions to Provincially Legislated Agencies and Services (PLAS), including the Kenora District Services Board, Northwestern Health Unit, and the Kenora District Home for the Aged. The recommended budget reflects careful financial planning to manage these pressures through expenditure control, strategic use of reserves, and targeted reallocations. 
He continued, “At the same time, the budget maintains investment in priority initiatives that support community well-being, safety, and economic vitality. Policing cost savings have been redirected to strengthen community safety through a review of and reimplementation of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the introduction of Community Navigators, and continued support for the Sioux Lookout OPP Detachment Board, including its role in advancing community safety objectives. Capital projects supported by the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) include improvements to tourism infrastructure, waterfront and public space enhancements, and upgrades to community and visitorserving facilities, all of which contribute to economic development and community vibrancy. 
“Overall, this recommended budget reflects a balanced and responsible approach— maintaining essential services, addressing unavoidable cost pressures, and investing in people, infrastructure, and community safety—while remaining aligned with the Municipality’s strategic priorities and long-term financial resilience.”
The Municipality shared the following day on its social media platforms, “We are now in the public review and comment part of the budget process. You can download a copy of the 2026 Draft Municipal Budget to review and find a link to the full presentation to Council last night on our website at slkt.me/budget.
“Comments on the 2026 Draft Municipal Budget will be accepted until Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. by email to [email protected]. They may also be dropped off in person, in writing, during office hours at the Municipal Office, 25 Fifth Avenue, attention Carly Collins, Treasurer.”
The proposed 1.75 percent tax levy, equal to $237,445, would support the Municipal Operating Budget of $42,580,469.