The Kenora District Services Board has approved what it calls a well planned and proactive budget.
Total operating and capital spending this year comes in at $73.1 million.
Just over $33 million is being spent on wages and benefits, which is the largest portion of the fiscal document.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says the 2022 budget demonstrates a balanced approach.
“Being very intentional on ensuring that the financial impacts to the unincorporated and municipalities that we at least kept it at a zero impact.”
The overall budget reflects at 0.30% decrease in the 2021 local levy.
Wall says the financial plan will lead to more affordable housing, more EMS land ambulance services, and stronger child care programs.
He notes, “It’s probably one of the more difficult budgets that I’ve been part of, that our team has put together, just recognizing the financial pressures that our municipalities are under, that our communities are in.”
Highlights of KDSB’s 2022 budget include:
-Early Learning and Care: Expansion of francophone services in Red Lake and Dryden
-KDSB Northwest EMS: Development and implementation of a Community Paramedicine Program District-wide
-Housing and Homelessness: Enhancement of emergency shelter operations throughout the District, and the implementation of KDSB’s updated Ten Year Housing and Homelessness Plan
-Infrastructure: Oversee final planning and construction on Student and Family Housing in Sioux Lookout and 40-unit mixed market supported seniors housing development in Dryden
-Infrastructure: Finalize planning and commence construction of 54-unit mixed market supported seniors building development in Kenora
-Infrastructure: Plan and evaluate feasibility of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls and Ear Falls Accessible Seniors Units as well as Red Lake Norseman Hotel Seniors Housing Conversion, and Safe Bed Group Home
-Continue to invest $130,000 to support local child poverty reduction programs
-Enhancement of service levels while keeping the Net Local Share levy impact viable
The detailed budget can be found at KDSB Finances
