Let’s Talk Budget 2023
Friday, February 3, 2023
Each year, the City of Sault Ste. Marie reviews its annual budget to ensure there are funds to support City operations and deliver the programs and services needed to keep the high quality of life citizens enjoy.
Budgets are more than dollars and cents and impact residents directly through the many City programs and services. Every time your street is plowed, your garbage or recyclables picked up, you visit the park, cool off in the splash pad, lace up at the skating trail, take a bus or borrow a book from the library, you are witnessing your tax dollars at work.
The proposed 2023 budget is focused on planning ahead and protecting the City’s future. Ahead of the 2023 municipal budget, residents and business owners are invited to participate in the budget engagement process and provide feedback on priorities and key considerations. Beginning today until February 7, residents will be informed on how the budget process works, how tax dollars are used, and the value tax dollars bring to the City of Sault Ste. Marie. The input received will assist City Council with their discussions and deliberations. Suggestions and comments can be submitted in several ways including virtually by visiting
saultstemarie.ca/budget2023
“The information we receive is important in helping staff further their understanding of the priorities of residents,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “I encourage everyone to participate in the budgetary process. We have several ways to engage and City Council and staff look forward to discussing our efforts with the community over the coming weeks.”
Feedback and ideas can be submitted in number of ways including:
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An online Budget feedback survey is available at publicinput.com/ssmbudgetconsultation. Paper copies of the survey can be completed at the Seniors Centre, Northern Community Centre, Accessibility office at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the North Branch Library and the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library. Copies can also be obtained from the lobby of the Civic Centre.
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Participate in a Virtual Town Hall facilitated with local media partner Village Media Inc. on February 3. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing Frank Rupnik, Editor at frank@sootoday.com.
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Watch for posts on the City’s social media sites and provide feedback on Facebook and Twitter using the handles @CitySSM #saultbudget.
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Email comments and questions to budgetinput@cityssm.on.ca.
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Call the Finance Department office at 705-759-5350.
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Mail suggestions to: City of Sault Ste. Marie – Finance Department, 99 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5X6
“We are facing new economic realities including skyrocketing inflation, cost increases due to supply chain issues and emerging from the pandemic. Despite these challenges staff have prepared a budget that maintains current services levels while balancing the need for reasonable rate increases,” says CAO Malcolm White. “The budget process brings the City’s strategic plan to life providing the necessary funds to move action plans forward. Citizens rely on the City’s many services that keep our homes and neighbourhoods safe and vibrant, encourage business growth and investments and make Sault Ste. Marie a welcoming community”.
The budget is about setting our collective goals and building a great city – together. All ideas gathered throughout the consultation process will be considered as part of the 2023 budget development. Have your say in the 2023 municipal budget by visiting
saultstemarie.ca/budget.