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by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date.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 Fort Frances'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 · 8 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Fort Frances' financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 4 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.
$9,957,528in bond funds, principal protected notes and mutual funds at December 31, 2024, against none listed in 2023 (worked out by us)
At the end of 2023 the Town's investments were almost all in savings accounts and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs, a bank deposit locked in for a set time). At the end of 2024 the notes to the statements list three new kinds of holding: bond funds, principal protected notes and mutual funds. Together they come to about $9,957,528 (worked out by us). The statements also report $11,100 of unrealized losses, which are drops in value that have not been locked in by selling.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,165,778unrestricted cash at the end of 2024, down from $1,616,110
Cash and cash equivalents fell from $4,485,825 to $2,821,984. The part that was not set aside by council fell from $1,616,110 to $1,165,778. At the same time the Town's investments rose from $16,651,545 to $23,450,887. The Town has a $4,000,000 line of credit with its bank, and none of it was used.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$7,159,317of capital assets added in 2024, against a budgeted $20,188,973
The 2024 budget expected $12,536,706 in provincial transfers. The Town received $6,069,338. The budget also planned to buy or build $20,188,973 of capital assets (roads, water pipes, buildings and equipment). The statements show additions of $7,159,317. The Town's own note explains the budget was set up differently from the statements, so the two cannot be lined up exactly.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,626,493rents and financial expenses in 2024, against $1,101,236 in 2023
The line called "Rents and financial expenses" was $1,111,739 in 2022 and $1,101,236 in 2023. In 2024 it was $1,626,493, about 47.7% higher than 2023 (worked out by us). The segment table shows the rise in several services, including transportation ($92,219 to $207,370) and general government ($539,345 to $690,965).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$797,072spent on planning and development in 2024, against a budget of $441,105
Planning and development spent $797,072 in 2024 against a budget of $441,105, and $611,801 in 2023. The segment table shows contracted services in this area at $239,281 in 2024, about double the $121,510 in 2023 (worked out by us).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,061,628in unpaid taxes at the end of 2024, up from $748,402
Taxes receivable (tax bills sent out but not yet paid) rose from $748,402 to $1,061,628 in 2024, about 41.9% (worked out by us). Penalties and interest on taxes rose from $112,540 to $160,111. The 2023 statements show it was $89,536 in 2022.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
June 9, 2025the date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements
The 2024 statements were audited by MNP LLP, with a clean opinion dated June 9, 2025. The auditor's report says the 2023 statements "were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on May 27, 2024". A new auditor is normal after a set term, but the public record we read does not say how the choice was made.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$9,957,528in bond funds, principal protected notes and mutual funds at December 31, 2024, against none listed in 2023 (worked out by us)
At the end of 2023 the Town's investments were almost all in savings accounts and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs, a bank deposit locked in for a set time). At the end of 2024 the notes to the statements list three new kinds of holding: bond funds, principal protected notes and mutual funds. Together they come to about $9,957,528 (worked out by us). The statements also report $11,100 of unrealized losses, which are drops in value that have not been locked in by selling.
Why it matters
The money in these accounts belongs to residents and includes reserves set aside for water, the landfill and other projects. Savings accounts keep their value. Funds and notes can go up or down, and some cannot be cashed out quickly. Councils usually choose these holdings under a written investment policy, so residents can ask what that policy says.
It could be because…
Savings account rates were falling (from 5.465% to 4.275% at year-end), so moving some money into higher-paying holdings may have been a sensible choice.
The Town may have a written investment policy approved by council that allows these holdings, with a bank adviser managing them.
Principal protected notes are designed to return the original amount if held to the end, so the risk may be low.
Questions you could ask
Does council have a written investment policy, and when did it approve holding bond funds, notes and mutual funds?
How much of the reserve fund money (Note 9 lists $24,813,857) is held in these funds, and can it be cashed out quickly if a project needs it?
Who advises the Town on these investments, and does council get a regular report on how they are doing?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 2, Investments: "Bond funds held in a Canadian Bank (interest rates ranging from 4.829% to 6.534%)" $5,968,628 for 2024 and "-" for 2023; "Principal protected notes" $2,500,000 for 2024 and "-" for 2023; "Mutual funds held in a Canadian Bank" $1,488,900 for 2024 and "-" for 2023.
The same note: the interest bearing savings account fell from $14,476,174 in 2023 to $11,258,153 in 2024, with a rate at year-end of 4.275% (2023 - 5.465%). Total internally restricted investments were $21,967,532 (2023 - $15,191,834).
"There are $11,100 of recognized unrealized losses on the Municipality's investments." The note also says "Fair market value for recognition and measurement purposes is based on the quoted prices."
$1,165,778unrestricted cash at the end of 2024, down from $1,616,110
Cash and cash equivalents fell from $4,485,825 to $2,821,984. The part that was not set aside by council fell from $1,616,110 to $1,165,778. At the same time the Town's investments rose from $16,651,545 to $23,450,887. The Town has a $4,000,000 line of credit with its bank, and none of it was used.
Why it matters
Unrestricted cash is what pays the bills between tax bills and grant payments. A low balance next to a large investment balance can be a sign that money is tied up in investments, or just a choice. Residents can ask how the Town makes sure it can pay its bills on time.
It could be because…
The Town may have chosen to keep less idle cash and more in interest-bearing investments, which is normal practice.
Some of the drop is cash held for reserve funds (restricted cash fell from $2,869,715 to $1,656,206), which may have moved into investments.
The Town may time its cash needs against its undrawn $4,000,000 line of credit.
Questions you could ask
How low did unrestricted cash get during 2024 and 2025, and did the Town ever come close to using its $4,000,000 line of credit?
Does council set a minimum cash balance, and is it reported to council?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Financial Position: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1) $ 2,821,984 for 2024 and $ 4,485,825 for 2023; Investments (Note 2) 23,450,887 and 16,651,545.
$7,159,317of capital assets added in 2024, against a budgeted $20,188,973
The 2024 budget expected $12,536,706 in provincial transfers. The Town received $6,069,338. The budget also planned to buy or build $20,188,973 of capital assets (roads, water pipes, buildings and equipment). The statements show additions of $7,159,317. The Town's own note explains the budget was set up differently from the statements, so the two cannot be lined up exactly.
Why it matters
Capital projects are often paid mostly by grants. When grants and projects both come in far below plan, projects may have been delayed or cancelled, or grants may not have arrived. Residents can ask which projects slipped and when they will happen.
It could be because…
Large projects often start late because of weather, tendering or supply delays, and carry over to the next year.
The Town says its budget was prepared on a different basis (Note 16), so some of the gap is accounting rather than a shortfall.
Grants are often paid after work is done, so some money may arrive in 2025.
Questions you could ask
Which budgeted 2024 capital projects were not finished, and are they in the 2025 or 2026 capital plan?
Was any grant money for 2024 projects still owing to the Town at the end of 2025?
Why was the 2024 budget adopted on April 8, 2024, more than three months into the year?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Operations: Government transfers - Provincial (Note 11) Budget 2024 12,536,706, Actual 2024 6,069,338, 2023 8,237,589.
Note 11: Total provincial tangible capital asset transfers 2,355,388 (2023 4,266,482). Largest lines: Northern Ontario Heritage Fund 1,066,477 and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 953,914.
Note 16, Budget: the Financial Plan (Budget) By-Law "adopted by Council on April 8, 2024" was "not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results". Budgeted tangible capital asset additions 20,188,973. Note 8 shows 2024 additions of 7,159,317.
$1,626,493rents and financial expenses in 2024, against $1,101,236 in 2023
The line called "Rents and financial expenses" was $1,111,739 in 2022 and $1,101,236 in 2023. In 2024 it was $1,626,493, about 47.7% higher than 2023 (worked out by us). The segment table shows the rise in several services, including transportation ($92,219 to $207,370) and general government ($539,345 to $690,965).
Why it matters
The statements do not say what is in this line. It could be things like bank charges, insurance, leases and interest, which move with prices and borrowing. A jump of more than half a million dollars after two flat years deserves a plain answer.
It could be because…
Insurance costs have risen sharply for many Ontario municipalities.
The line may include new lease or financing costs for equipment or vehicles.
The Town may have reclassified some costs into this line from another one in 2024.
Questions you could ask
What are the main items in "rents and financial expenses", and which ones rose in 2024?
Did the Town's insurance premiums or lease payments change in 2024?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 13, Expenses by Object: Rents and financial expenses 1,626,493 (2023 1,101,236). Contracted services fell from 5,632,544 to 5,010,498.
Note 20, Segmented Information, 2024: Rents and financial in Transportation Services 207,370 and General Government 690,965. The 2023 table on the next page shows 92,219 and 539,345.
$797,072spent on planning and development in 2024, against a budget of $441,105
Planning and development spent $797,072 in 2024 against a budget of $441,105, and $611,801 in 2023. The segment table shows contracted services in this area at $239,281 in 2024, about double the $121,510 in 2023 (worked out by us).
Why it matters
Planning covers zoning and planning for municipal projects. It is a small part of the Town's spending, but a line that doubled over budget is worth a short explanation, especially in an election year.
It could be because…
The Town may have hired consultants for a one-time study, plan or by-law update.
The budget is not prepared on the same basis as the statements (Note 16), so part of the gap may be accounting.
Some staff or project costs may have been moved into this area from another in 2024.
Questions you could ask
What studies or projects made up the contracted services in planning and development in 2024?
Were they approved by council, and were they in the 2024 budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Operations: Planning and development Budget 2024 441,105, Actual 2024 797,072, 2023 611,801.
Fort Frances spent $2.5M on running the town office in 2019 and $4.5M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Why did the cost of running the town office grow 79% in 6 years?
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
−20%+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%
+79%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
−6%
+1%
2021
+7%
+4%
2022
+14%
+11%
2023
+35%
+16%
2024
+31%
+18%
2025
+79%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
Money spent running the office is money not spent on roads, water or safety. When office costs grow much faster than the services people see, it is fair to ask what the extra money is buying.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $2.0M a year pay for?
Why did council go from $316K to $1.9M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Running the town office: 2019 $2.5M, 2020 $2.4M, 2021 $2.7M, 2022 $2.9M, 2023 $3.4M, 2024 $3.3M, 2025 $4.5M.
$1,061,628in unpaid taxes at the end of 2024, up from $748,402
Taxes receivable (tax bills sent out but not yet paid) rose from $748,402 to $1,061,628 in 2024, about 41.9% (worked out by us). Penalties and interest on taxes rose from $112,540 to $160,111. The 2023 statements show it was $89,536 in 2022.
Why it matters
Unpaid taxes can point to households under pressure, and they mean the Town waits longer for money it has already counted. The amounts are small next to $14,082,535 of taxation revenue, but the direction is worth watching.
It could be because…
A change in billing dates can raise the balance at December 31 without more people being behind.
A few large accounts can move the total, and the Town may be dealing with them through its normal tax collection steps.
The Town may have changed how often or how firmly it chases overdue accounts.
Questions you could ask
How much of the unpaid tax at the end of 2025 was more than a year overdue?
Does the Town offer payment plans, and how many households use them?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Financial Position: Taxes receivable 1,061,628 for 2024 and 748,402 for 2023.
June 9, 2025the date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements
The 2024 statements were audited by MNP LLP, with a clean opinion dated June 9, 2025. The auditor's report says the 2023 statements "were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on May 27, 2024". A new auditor is normal after a set term, but the public record we read does not say how the choice was made.
Why it matters
The auditor is the independent check on the Town's books. Residents can ask how the auditor is chosen, how long they serve, and whether council hears from them directly.
It could be because…
Councils often tender the audit every few years, and a change after a competitive process is a good practice.
The previous auditor may have reached the end of a term set in the Town's policy.
The Town may have explained the change in a council report we could not read.
Questions you could ask
When did council appoint MNP LLP, for what term, and was the audit put out to tender?
Why are the 2025 statements posted as an image of a page rather than a searchable file, and will a searchable copy be posted?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Fort Frances?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Independent Auditor's Report: "In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects". Other Matter: "The consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2023 were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on May 27, 2024." Signed Fort Frances, Ontario, June 9, 2025.
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