Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Alberton's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 7 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Alberton's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 31 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$54,500.73rise in the 2026 tax line, which is 4.09% (worked out by us), against "3%" printed in the same budget
The budget's own opening page says "For 2026, the proposed property tax increase is 3%." The budget summary shows the tax line (municipal plus education) going from $1,332,250.13 in 2025 to $1,386,750.86 in 2026, up $54,500.73. That is 4.09 percent (worked out by us). If the education part is taken out, using the education levy line in the operating expenses, the Township's own share goes from $1,100,923.89 to $1,149,229.40, up 4.39 percent (worked out by us). The budget does not say what explains the difference between 3 percent and the size of the line.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$373,419CCBF money held unspent at the end of 2025, with a five-year limit stated in the notes
The Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) is federal money that must be spent on approved infrastructure projects. At the end of 2025 the Township was holding $373,419 of it. The Township's own note says the fund "can be deferred for a maximum of 5 years." The 2026 budget plans to use $80,000 of CCBF money on a culvert replacement on Frog Creek, and $22,500 for a new Official Plan and zoning by-law. The same $80,000 culvert is in the 2025 budget, and the roads department's page shows $0.00 spent on it in 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,419,293spent on capital assets in 2025, against a budget of $1,135,919
In 2025 the Township spent $1,419,293 on tangible capital assets (roads, buildings, equipment) against a budgeted $1,135,919. Government transfers were $1,105,134, which is 47.6 percent of its $2,321,571 revenue (worked out by us), and $746,121 of the provincial money was for capital projects. The Township drew down investments by $421,838 and its cash fell to $10,573. For 2026 the budget plans capital spending of $359,951.85, down from $1,248,406.69 in the 2025 budget. The budget explains why: projects such as the rink roof, the playground and the asphalt project were finished in 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
July 20, 2023Council received the Ombudsman's report and approved by-law changes that drop the name requirement
The Ontario Ombudsman investigated a complaint about the Township's May 11, 2022 council meeting. A member of the public watching over Zoom was removed after being asked several times for their name and not giving it. The Ombudsman's July 2023 report found that removing them broke the open meeting rules, because asking every observer for their name was more than was needed to stop disruptions. It recommended that Council amend its procedural by-law to drop the requirement. On July 20, 2023, Council received the report and approved changes to the by-law that remove the requirement.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
May 15, 2025date Council adopted the 2025 budget by-law, according to the audited statements
The audited statements say the Township's 2025 budget by-law was adopted on May 15, 2025, more than four months into the year. The 2026 budget by-law is dated March 19, 2026, about two and a half months in. The statements also say the budget was prepared in a way that is not consistent with public-sector accounting standards: on a modified basis, planning to use past surpluses so that spending equals revenue, and without amortization. The statements adjust the budget figures so they can be compared with the actual results.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$438,069paid to the Rainy River Services Board and the Northwestern Health Unit in 2025, 26.6% of spending (worked out by us)
In 2025 the Township paid $438,069 to two boards it does not run: $385,246 to the District of Rainy River Services Board (land ambulance, social services, housing) and $52,823 to the Northwestern Health Unit. That is 26.6 percent of its $1,644,342 of spending (worked out by us). The 2026 budget says these costs rose: social services and land ambulance by 4.63 percent, health unit by 4 percent and OPP policing by 11 percent. The budget's own lines agree with those percentages (worked out by us: $385,244.89 to $403,081.73 is 4.63 percent; policing $120,511.86 to $133,510.38 is 10.8 percent).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$10,573cash at the end of 2025, with $1,428,231 in portfolio investments
Cash was $10,573 at the end of 2025, down from $83,846. The Township also held $1,428,231 in portfolio investments, almost all in savings accounts and term deposits. It reports $580,400 in reserve funds and $636,847 in reserves, for $1,217,247 together (worked out by us). Reserve funds are matched by $580,400 of investments held for them. The reserves ($636,847) are not matched by a separate investment, and the unrestricted investments are $450,021. The Township has a $150,000 bank line of credit, unused.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$54,500.73rise in the 2026 tax line, which is 4.09% (worked out by us), against "3%" printed in the same budget
The budget's own opening page says "For 2026, the proposed property tax increase is 3%." The budget summary shows the tax line (municipal plus education) going from $1,332,250.13 in 2025 to $1,386,750.86 in 2026, up $54,500.73. That is 4.09 percent (worked out by us). If the education part is taken out, using the education levy line in the operating expenses, the Township's own share goes from $1,100,923.89 to $1,149,229.40, up 4.39 percent (worked out by us). The budget does not say what explains the difference between 3 percent and the size of the line.
Why it matters
Residents will read "3%" as what their own bill will rise by. The tax line can rise by more than the rate for ordinary reasons, but the budget does not say which one applies here, and the rise is paid for by property owners as a group.
It could be because…
The 3% may be the rate increase on an existing property. New buildings or a higher property assessment add to the tax line without raising anyone's rate.
The tax line also includes the school board levy, which the Township collects for the school boards. That levy rises by $6,195.22 in the budget, and the Township does not set it.
The 3% may have been written for an early draft and not updated. The budget page and the tables are in the same document that Council adopted on March 19, 2026.
Questions you could ask
What explains the difference between the 3% in the budget and the 4.09% rise in the tax line: new assessment, supplementary taxes, or something else?
What will the municipal tax bill on an average home in Alberton be in 2026, compared with 2025?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
2026 Budget Process: "The operating budget is largely funded by tax dollars and user fees. For 2026, the proposed property tax increase is 3%." The page also lists increases in costs the Township does not control: "Social Services/Land Ambulance increase of 4.63%, OPP Policing increase of 11%, Northwestern Health Unit Health services increase of 4%".
$373,419CCBF money held unspent at the end of 2025, with a five-year limit stated in the notes
The Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) is federal money that must be spent on approved infrastructure projects. At the end of 2025 the Township was holding $373,419 of it. The Township's own note says the fund "can be deferred for a maximum of 5 years." The 2026 budget plans to use $80,000 of CCBF money on a culvert replacement on Frog Creek, and $22,500 for a new Official Plan and zoning by-law. The same $80,000 culvert is in the 2025 budget, and the roads department's page shows $0.00 spent on it in 2025.
Why it matters
A culvert is a pipe that carries a stream under a road. Replacing one that is failing can be urgent. Federal money that is waiting past its five years may have to be handed back, and residents on that road care when the work will be done.
It could be because…
A culvert is often replaced in one season, in the summer, once engineering and permits are done. Permits near a creek can take more than a year.
The CCBF balance may be earmarked for larger projects the Township is saving toward. The 2025 balance is the result of a small yearly payment of $62,487 that builds up.
The "2025 Actual" column of the budget pages may have been taken before the year was finished, since the budget was prepared in early 2026.
Questions you could ask
When will the Frog Creek culvert be replaced, and what held it up in 2025?
Which year's CCBF money is the oldest the Township still holds, and when does its five years run out?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 4, Deferred revenue, Canada Community Building Fund: balance at the beginning of the year 369,237, contributions received 62,487, externally restricted investment income 12,287, revenue recognized 70,592, balance at the end of the year 373,419. The note adds: "This funding must be spent on approved infrastructure projects. The funding can be deferred for a maximum of 5 years."
Income schedule: "Use of CCBF funds for big culvert replacement on Frog Creek" 80,000.00 in the 2025 budget and 80,000.00 in the 2026 budget. "CCBF reserve funds for CCBF Project - New Official Plan and ZBL" 0.00 in 2025 and 22,500.00 in 2026.
Roads Department Budget Detail: "Frog Creek Capital Expenditures" 2025 budget $80,000.00, 2025 actual $0.00, 2026 budget $80,000.00, note "Culvert replacement".
$1,419,293spent on capital assets in 2025, against a budget of $1,135,919
In 2025 the Township spent $1,419,293 on tangible capital assets (roads, buildings, equipment) against a budgeted $1,135,919. Government transfers were $1,105,134, which is 47.6 percent of its $2,321,571 revenue (worked out by us), and $746,121 of the provincial money was for capital projects. The Township drew down investments by $421,838 and its cash fell to $10,573. For 2026 the budget plans capital spending of $359,951.85, down from $1,248,406.69 in the 2025 budget. The budget explains why: projects such as the rink roof, the playground and the asphalt project were finished in 2025.
Why it matters
A small township that gets half its revenue from grants lives on whether the next grant arrives. The budget shows a plan that fits a quiet year. Residents may want to know what is needed to look after what was built, since grants pay for building and often not for upkeep.
It could be because…
Most of the capital money was grant money that had to be spent on named projects, which is how these programs work. The Township did not spend its own tax dollars on them.
The budget notes mark the large 2025 projects as "completed in 2025", so the fall in 2026 is by design.
The accumulated surplus still rose by $677,229 in 2025.
Questions you could ask
What is the plan to look after the buildings, roads and equipment built with grant money in 2025, and what will it cost each year?
How much of the $1,419,293 spent on capital in 2025 came from grants, how much from reserves and how much from taxes?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of change in net financial assets: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" budget 1,135,919, actual 2025 (1,419,293) (2024 (94,920)). "Net change in net financial assets" (123,756). Statement of cash flows: "Disposal of portfolio investments" 421,838; "Cash resources, end of year" 10,573 (2024 83,846).
Note 9, Government transfers - Provincial: "Total tangible capital asset transfers" 746,121 (2024 291,721), including "Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation" 286,871, "Northern Ontario Resource Development Support" 320,376 and "Ontario Trillium" 100,200. "Total provincial transfers" 1,034,542. Note 8 federal transfers total 70,592. Statement of operations: "Government transfers - federal and provincial" 1,105,134 of total revenue 2,321,571.
2026 Annual Budget summary: capital expenses "Sub-total Capital Expenditures" 2025 budget $1,248,406.69, 2026 budget $359,951.85, difference -$888,454.84. Capital Expenses page: "Rink Roof Project - 100% complete in 2025" 386,749.00 (2026: 0.00); "CCBF Roads Projects" 80,000.00 in both years; "Total Capital Expenses" 1,248,406.69 and 359,951.85.
Township of Alberton 2026 Budget (by-law of March 19, 2026) · Budget summary, PDF page 4; Capital Expenses, PDF page 7; Income schedule, PDF page 5, where the playground and asphalt projects are marked "completed in 2025" (scanned images; read twice; the capital lines add to the printed totals)
July 20, 2023Council received the Ombudsman's report and approved by-law changes that drop the name requirement
The Ontario Ombudsman investigated a complaint about the Township's May 11, 2022 council meeting. A member of the public watching over Zoom was removed after being asked several times for their name and not giving it. The Ombudsman's July 2023 report found that removing them broke the open meeting rules, because asking every observer for their name was more than was needed to stop disruptions. It recommended that Council amend its procedural by-law to drop the requirement. On July 20, 2023, Council received the report and approved changes to the by-law that remove the requirement.
Why it matters
Anyone is allowed to watch a council meeting. A rule that makes a person name themselves can keep people away, especially in a small township where everyone knows everyone. The Township fixed its by-law within days of the report, which is the right answer. This is context for voters, not a current problem.
It could be because…
The Township cooperated: the Ombudsman's report says the Ombudsman's office "received full co-operation", and Council acted in July 2023, the month of the report.
The name rule began as a guest book at in-person meetings, carried onto Zoom early in the pandemic, to keep out disruptions.
Questions you could ask
Can a person watch a council meeting online today without giving a name, and are meeting videos kept online afterwards?
Does the current procedural by-law, as amended by By-Law #22/23, say so in plain words?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Ombudsman report, paragraph 31: "the Township of Alberton contravened the open meeting rules in the Municipal Act, 2001" by removing the complainant from the May 11, 2022 virtual meeting for refusing to identify themselves. Paragraph 24: "the Township still requires, as a condition of access to its open meetings, that members of the public identify themselves."
Recommendation 3: "Council for the Township of Alberton should amend its procedural by-law to remove the requirement that all attendees of open meetings identify themselves for the purposes of the meeting record." Paragraph 10: "My Office received full co-operation in this matter."
Minutes of July 20, 2023, item 10.1: "The final report from the Ontario Ombudsman was received and accepted." Resolution #2023-199 approves revisions to the Procedural By-law #26-20, including "Section 23 (b) to remove the requirement that all attendees of open meetings identify themselves for the purposes of the meeting record", to be passed as By-Law #22/23. Resolution #2023-198 directs staff to make the report public on the Township website.
May 15, 2025date Council adopted the 2025 budget by-law, according to the audited statements
The audited statements say the Township's 2025 budget by-law was adopted on May 15, 2025, more than four months into the year. The 2026 budget by-law is dated March 19, 2026, about two and a half months in. The statements also say the budget was prepared in a way that is not consistent with public-sector accounting standards: on a modified basis, planning to use past surpluses so that spending equals revenue, and without amortization. The statements adjust the budget figures so they can be compared with the actual results.
Why it matters
Until a budget is adopted, a township spends on an interim basis. Residents are best served when the plan comes before the money is spent. A late budget is common in small northern townships that wait for provincial grant decisions, but residents deserve to know whether that is the reason.
It could be because…
The Township may wait for the provincial funding announcement (Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund) and the final assessment before setting its budget.
The 2026 budget booklet says the 2026 draft was reviewed in November and December 2025 and January 2026, so the process moved earlier.
An election year and a staff change can also push the calendar.
Questions you could ask
Why was the 2025 budget adopted on May 15, 2025, and does Council aim to adopt the 2027 budget earlier?
Will the 2027 budget be prepared on the same basis as the statements, including amortization?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 14, Budget: "The Financial Plan (Budget) By-Law adopted by Council on May 15, 2025 was not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results (Canadian public sector accounting standards)." The note adds that the budget did not include amortization expense and reconciles "Surplus (deficit) per Financial Plan (Budget) By-Law" of "-" to a "Budget surplus per statement of operations" of 603,646.
By-Law No. 25/26, "Being a By-law to approve and adopt the 2026 Township of Alberton Budget document": "READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND PASSED THIS 19th DAY OF MARCH 2026." The budget process page lists "November & December 2025" and "January 2026" for draft budgets and line-by-line reviews.
$438,069paid to the Rainy River Services Board and the Northwestern Health Unit in 2025, 26.6% of spending (worked out by us)
In 2025 the Township paid $438,069 to two boards it does not run: $385,246 to the District of Rainy River Services Board (land ambulance, social services, housing) and $52,823 to the Northwestern Health Unit. That is 26.6 percent of its $1,644,342 of spending (worked out by us). The 2026 budget says these costs rose: social services and land ambulance by 4.63 percent, health unit by 4 percent and OPP policing by 11 percent. The budget's own lines agree with those percentages (worked out by us: $385,244.89 to $403,081.73 is 4.63 percent; policing $120,511.86 to $133,510.38 is 10.8 percent).
Why it matters
Most of the pressure on the tax rate in a small township comes from bills it cannot change. It is helpful when a budget says so plainly, and this one does. Residents may still want to know who speaks for Alberton at those boards.
It could be because…
These boards set their bills by formulas that count each municipality's population and property values. A small township has little room to bargain.
Policing costs are set by the province for each municipality that uses the OPP.
Questions you could ask
Does Alberton's council have a say in the Rainy River Services Board's budget, and who represents it there?
What are the OPP policing costs expected to be in 2027, and is the Township planning for them?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 13, Contributions to unconsolidated boards: "Northwestern Health Unit" 52,823 (2024 44,557); "District of Rainy River Services Board" 385,246 (2024 361,780); total 438,069 (2024 406,337). Statement of operations: total program expenses 1,644,342.
2026 Budget Process: "2026 proved challenging due to increases in uncontrollable costs specifically: Social Services/Land Ambulance increase of 4.63%, OPP Policing increase of 11%, Northwestern Health Unit Health services increase of 4%".
$10,573cash at the end of 2025, with $1,428,231 in portfolio investments
Cash was $10,573 at the end of 2025, down from $83,846. The Township also held $1,428,231 in portfolio investments, almost all in savings accounts and term deposits. It reports $580,400 in reserve funds and $636,847 in reserves, for $1,217,247 together (worked out by us). Reserve funds are matched by $580,400 of investments held for them. The reserves ($636,847) are not matched by a separate investment, and the unrestricted investments are $450,021. The Township has a $150,000 bank line of credit, unused.
Why it matters
A reserve is a promise to keep money aside. If the money is in savings accounts that can be cashed any day, that is fine. Residents may want to know it is not spent day to day.
It could be because…
High interest savings accounts are as good as cash for paying bills. The Township counts them as investments, not cash.
Money owed to the Township on December 31 ($221,454 in taxes and bills) also supports the reserves.
The unused bank line is there for short gaps.
Questions you could ask
Where is the $636,847 in reserves held, and does Council receive a report on it?
Why did the stabilization reserve fall by $44,419 in a year when the Township ran a surplus?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Alberton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of financial position: "Cash and cash equivalents" 10,573 (2024 83,846); "Portfolio investments" 1,428,231 (2024 1,850,069); "Accounts receivable" 214,317; "Taxes receivable" 7,137; "Total of assets" 1,660,258.
Can we count your visit? With your OK, we use Google Analytics to see which pages help people. It sets cookies and sends visit data to Google. Nothing loads unless you say yes. Privacy