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by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date.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 La Vallee'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 · 9 so far
Things worth asking about
We read La Vallee's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 29 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.
$719,539of the 2026 budget comes from the 2025 surplus and reserve funds
The Township's 2026 budget balances at $3,846,045.48 for municipal purposes. Its revenue list includes "2025 Surplus" of $492,539.00 and "Contributions from Reserve Funds" of $227,000.00. Together that is $719,539, or 18.7% of the municipal budget (worked out by us). The 2025 audited statements show the same $492,539 as "Current operations" in the accumulated surplus. The $227,000 is made up of two lines on the revenue page: $107,000.00 from a reserve for land, tables and chairs, and $120,000.00 from the landfill reserve. The budget raises $1,204,287.39 from the municipal levy (the tax on property). Council also adopted a staff report on "Estimated Expenses Excluded from 2026 Budget" on June 10, 2026, which we did not find posted.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$437,741.00contract price for the Devlin Hall work after Change Order No. 2 (March 31, 2026)
At a special meeting on March 31, 2026, council approved radiators for Devlin Hall (the community hall) at $10,079.60 including taxes, and a change order that brought the current contract price to $437,741.00. The 2026 budget has $481,067.68 for Devlin Hall capital spending, against $87,000.00 budgeted and $33,009.02 spent in 2025. The Township's own explanation of funding is partial. On March 11, 2026 it dropped a $200,000 application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for kitchen equipment and renovations and applied to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) instead. On April 8, 2026 it passed By-law 1390 for a Conditional Contribution Agreement with NOHFC. No amount from the agreement is printed in the minutes.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$763,621surplus in 2025, against a planned deficit of $220,285
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2025 budget shown in the statements planned a deficit of $220,285. The audited statements show revenue of $2,791,515 (budget $2,279,070) and spending of $2,027,894 (budget $2,499,355), which leaves a surplus of $763,621. By our own sums, revenue came in $512,445 above the budget and spending $471,461 below it. The statements explain that the budget was written on a different basis from the statements. The two biggest gaps are user fees (see the garbage revenue question) and transportation spending, $582,444 against a budget of $956,734.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$626,000.47garbage disposal revenue in 2025, against a budget of $1,200.00
The 2026 budget package prints the 2025 budget and 2025 actuals beside each line. "Garbage Disposal Revenue" was budgeted at $1,200.00 for 2025 and came in at $626,000.47. The 2026 budget expects $15,000.00. The audited statements show the same jump in a wider line: user fees and service charges were budgeted at $29,150, came in at $665,766, and were $69,283 in 2024. We did not find the Township's own explanation. The 2026 budget also takes $120,000 from the landfill reserve fund for operations, and sets landfill spending at $109,000.00, including a new $75,000.00 landfill capital line.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$763,201.002026 budget for drainage expense, against a $243,800.00 contract (before tax)
A municipal drain is a ditch or pipe built to carry water for several properties, usually paid for in part by a grant and in part by the landowners who benefit. The 2026 budget has $763,201.00 for drainage expense (2025: budget $45,000.00, actual $100,622.00) and $759,936.00 of drainage grant revenue (2025: $439.61). On August 12, 2026 council accepted a quotation of $243,800.00, excluding tax, for the Hayman Creek Municipal Drain Works. The budget is much larger than the one contract we can see.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$20,511.50council remuneration in 2025 (budget $28,500.00); the member-by-member report was not found
On January 14, 2026 council passed a resolution accepting "the 2025 Council Remuneration and Mileage report". The Financial Information page, where the Township posts its statements and budget, links only the 2025 financial statements and the 2026 budget. We did not find the report on the Financial Information, council or minutes pages. The budget package does show totals: council remuneration was budgeted at $28,500.00 for 2025 and came in at $20,511.50, with $22,000.00 budgeted for 2026, and council mileage came in at $1,178.80.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
An Integrity Commissioner looks into complaints that a council member broke the code of conduct. A closed meeting investigator looks into complaints that council met in private when it should not have. On June 10, 2026 council gave written notice that it intended to end its agreement for these services. The administration reports on June 10, July 8 and August 12 list the subject as discussed. On August 12, 2026 council approved staff proceeding with "Agreements for Integrity Commissioner/Closed Meeting Investigator Services". The minutes name no new appointee and no cost, and we found no reports from either office.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
The Township's Council Minutes page lists 11 sets of 2026 minutes, from January 14 to August 12. On March 11, 2026 council accepted the minutes of the "January 12, 2026, Special Meeting" and on June 10, 2026 it accepted the minutes of "the May 13, 2026 Regular Meeting". Neither set is on the minutes page. The January 12 special meeting agenda lists a landfill item and a closed session on a property matter. The agenda for May 13 is posted. All the minutes that are posted are scanned images.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$719,539of the 2026 budget comes from the 2025 surplus and reserve funds
The Township's 2026 budget balances at $3,846,045.48 for municipal purposes. Its revenue list includes "2025 Surplus" of $492,539.00 and "Contributions from Reserve Funds" of $227,000.00. Together that is $719,539, or 18.7% of the municipal budget (worked out by us). The 2025 audited statements show the same $492,539 as "Current operations" in the accumulated surplus. The $227,000 is made up of two lines on the revenue page: $107,000.00 from a reserve for land, tables and chairs, and $120,000.00 from the landfill reserve. The budget raises $1,204,287.39 from the municipal levy (the tax on property). Council also adopted a staff report on "Estimated Expenses Excluded from 2026 Budget" on June 10, 2026, which we did not find posted.
Why it matters
Using savings to pay for one-time projects is ordinary. Using savings to pay for things that come back every year can push taxes up later, when the savings are gone. With about a fifth of the budget coming from savings, residents can fairly ask which spending is one-time and which will repeat in 2027.
It could be because…
Reserves exist so a small township can pay for large one-time projects (the Devlin Hall renovation and the Hayman Creek drain) without a big tax jump in one year.
The Township holds $1,996,674 in reserve funds and $2,337,575 in reserves at the end of 2025, so the draw is small next to what it has saved.
Note 17 shows the 2025 budget also planned to use prior-year surplus ("Budgeted use of prior year surplus funds"), so this is not new.
Questions you could ask
Which 2026 costs paid for from the $719,539 are one-time, and which will repeat in 2027?
What does the staff report on estimated expenses excluded from the 2026 budget list, and will the Township post it?
What is the Township's plan for the 2027 levy if the 2026 surplus is smaller than $492,539?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Schedule "A" to By-law 1393, Statement of Revenue and Expenditures: "Contributions from Reserve Funds" 227,000.00; "2025 Surplus" 492,539.00; "Grants/Gas Tax" 1,361,146.84; "Sub-Total" $2,641,758.09; "Municipal Levy" 1,204,287.39; "Sub-Total" $3,846,045.48; "Education Levy" 136,135.00; "Total Municipal/Education Revenue" $3,982,180.48. Expenditures sub-total $3,846,045.48.
Resolution 130 (June 10, 2026): council adopts a staff report regarding "Estimated Expenses Excluded from 2026 Budget", carried. Resolution 129: By-Law No. 1393, to adopt the estimates of all sums required during 2026, passed.
$437,741.00contract price for the Devlin Hall work after Change Order No. 2 (March 31, 2026)
At a special meeting on March 31, 2026, council approved radiators for Devlin Hall (the community hall) at $10,079.60 including taxes, and a change order that brought the current contract price to $437,741.00. The 2026 budget has $481,067.68 for Devlin Hall capital spending, against $87,000.00 budgeted and $33,009.02 spent in 2025. The Township's own explanation of funding is partial. On March 11, 2026 it dropped a $200,000 application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for kitchen equipment and renovations and applied to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) instead. On April 8, 2026 it passed By-law 1390 for a Conditional Contribution Agreement with NOHFC. No amount from the agreement is printed in the minutes.
Why it matters
The hall project is the biggest single capital item in the 2026 budget. Residents should be able to see what grants will cover, what comes from reserves and what the levy pays, and whether more change orders are expected.
It could be because…
Most of the cost may be covered by the NOHFC agreement and other grants. The budget's provincial grants line rises from $458,170.21 (2025 budget) to $547,709.64 (2026 budget).
Older buildings often need extra work once walls and heating are opened up, which is a common reason for change orders.
The 2026 capital line may cover work that began in 2025 and continued into 2026.
Questions you could ask
How much has the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation agreed to give for the Devlin Hall work, and on what conditions?
What is the full expected cost of the Devlin Hall project, and how much will come from grants, from reserves and from the levy?
Are more change orders expected beyond Change Order No. 2?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Resolution 67 (March 31, 2026): accepts a quote for replacement of all radiators at the Devlin Hall Community Hall in the amount of $10, 079.60 (including taxes) and authorizes staff to sign Change Order No. 2, which "brings the current contract price to $437,741.00". Carried.
Resolution 54 (March 11, 2026): rescinds Resolution 35, an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant Program for equipment and renovations for the kitchen at the Devlin Hall "in the amount of $200,000", and instead approves applying to NOHFC for the same. Carried.
Resolution 78 (April 8, 2026): By-law No. 1390 "to authorize the execution of a Conditional Contribution Agreement between THE NORTHERN ONTARIO HERITAGE FUND CORPORATION and the Corporation of the Township of La Vallee" passed. No amount is printed.
La Vallee spent $247K on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $387K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Why did the cost of police, fire and safety grow 57% in 6 years?
Police, fire and safety
Prices (inflation)
+0%+20%+40%+60%
+57%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Police, fire and safety
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
+19%
+1%
2021
+1%
+4%
2022
+8%
+11%
2023
+26%
+16%
2024
+14%
+18%
2025
+57%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
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 $140K a year pay for?
Why did fire department go from $89,955 to $171K?
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. How to reach council.
Speak for La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $247K, 2020 $294K, 2021 $249K, 2022 $268K, 2023 $311K, 2024 $281K, 2025 $387K.
$763,621surplus in 2025, against a planned deficit of $220,285
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2025 budget shown in the statements planned a deficit of $220,285. The audited statements show revenue of $2,791,515 (budget $2,279,070) and spending of $2,027,894 (budget $2,499,355), which leaves a surplus of $763,621. By our own sums, revenue came in $512,445 above the budget and spending $471,461 below it. The statements explain that the budget was written on a different basis from the statements. The two biggest gaps are user fees (see the garbage revenue question) and transportation spending, $582,444 against a budget of $956,734.
Why it matters
A budget is the promise made to taxpayers about what the year will cost. When the result is far from the promise, residents cannot tell how much of the gap is a planning habit, how much is work that was put off, and how much is one-time money. The Township carried $492,539 of its 2025 result into its 2026 budget, so the gap does reach next year's taxes.
It could be because…
The statements say the budget was prepared on a different basis (modified accrual, with no amortization), so the planned deficit is partly an accounting difference.
Planned road and bridge work may not have been finished in 2025, which would lower spending and move the cost into 2026.
Grants and one-time revenue can arrive above plan without any change in how the Township is run.
Questions you could ask
Which road, bridge and drainage projects budgeted for 2025 were not done, and how much of the $471,461 of lower spending has moved into the 2026 budget?
Why was the budget adopted on June 18, 2025, partway through the year, and how does the Township plan to bring its budget onto the same basis as its statements?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Operations and Accumulated Operating Surplus, 2025: total revenue budget 2,279,070, actual 2,791,515 (2024 actual 2,058,761). "Total expenditures" budget 2,499,355, actual 2,027,894 (2024 actual 1,940,044). "Operating surplus" budget (220,285), actual 763,621 (2024 actual 118,717). "Transportation Services" budget 956,734, actual 582,444. "User fees and service charges" budget 29,150, actual 665,766.
Note 17, Budget: the Financial Plan (Budget) By-Law adopted by Council on June 18, 2025 "was not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results". The note reconciles a surplus (deficit) per the by-law of nil to the budget in the statements: tangible capital asset additions 202,700, amortization (268,838), budgeted transfers from reserve and reserve funds (98,536), budgeted use of prior year surplus funds (55,611), total (220,285).
Schedule "A" to By-Law No. 1393, Statement of Revenue and Expenditures, Revenue, 2026 Estimates: "2025 Surplus 492,539.00". The revenue detail on PDF page 3 lists "Prior Year Surplus 492,539.00".
$626,000.47garbage disposal revenue in 2025, against a budget of $1,200.00
The 2026 budget package prints the 2025 budget and 2025 actuals beside each line. "Garbage Disposal Revenue" was budgeted at $1,200.00 for 2025 and came in at $626,000.47. The 2026 budget expects $15,000.00. The audited statements show the same jump in a wider line: user fees and service charges were budgeted at $29,150, came in at $665,766, and were $69,283 in 2024. We did not find the Township's own explanation. The 2026 budget also takes $120,000 from the landfill reserve fund for operations, and sets landfill spending at $109,000.00, including a new $75,000.00 landfill capital line.
Why it matters
This one line is more than a fifth of the Township's 2025 revenue (worked out by us). If it was a one-time payment, taxpayers should know it will not come again. If it was a new source of income, the budget should say so. The Township also holds $783,763 in a landfill reserve fund and carries a $129,139 landfill closure liability, so how landfill money is earned and spent matters for years ahead.
It could be because…
A one-time payment, such as fees for waste from a large outside project or a cleanup, which the Township could not have known about when it set the budget.
A change in how landfill fees are billed or recorded between years.
The extra money may be set aside for landfill closure, which would explain the growth in the landfill reserve fund.
Questions you could ask
Who paid the $626,000.47, and for what? Was it a one-time payment?
Why does the 2026 budget take $120,000 from the landfill reserve fund while landfill spending is $109,000.00?
Why is the 2026 budget for garbage disposal revenue $15,000.00 if the fee base has changed?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
$763,201.002026 budget for drainage expense, against a $243,800.00 contract (before tax)
A municipal drain is a ditch or pipe built to carry water for several properties, usually paid for in part by a grant and in part by the landowners who benefit. The 2026 budget has $763,201.00 for drainage expense (2025: budget $45,000.00, actual $100,622.00) and $759,936.00 of drainage grant revenue (2025: $439.61). On August 12, 2026 council accepted a quotation of $243,800.00, excluding tax, for the Hayman Creek Municipal Drain Works. The budget is much larger than the one contract we can see.
Why it matters
A grant that matches the budget line is only safe if the money is spent. If the work costs less than budgeted, the grant may be smaller, and the gap shows up in the budget and the levy. Residents who live along the drain also need to know their share.
It could be because…
The budget line may include engineering, inspection, taxes, landowner work and other drains, not only the construction contract.
The budget was passed on June 10, 2026, before the tender came in, so the lower contract may simply reflect bids.
The grant may be paid out as costs are claimed, so it may fall with the final cost.
Questions you could ask
What is the total expected cost of the Hayman Creek drain, including engineering and tax, and how is it shared between the grant, the Township and landowners?
What else is in the $763,201.00 drainage budget?
What happens to the unspent budget and the grant if the project comes in under cost?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Planning and development lines: "Drainage Expense" (1-07-7000-6235) 2025 Budget 45,000.00, 2025 Actuals 100,622.00, 2026 Budget 763,201.00. "Totals" for the group 2026 $ 843,555.39.
Resolution 159 (August 12, 2026): accepts the engineer's recommendation to accept the quotation on a contract for the Hayman Creek Municipal Drain Works "in the amount of $243,800.00(excluding tax)". Carried.
$20,511.50council remuneration in 2025 (budget $28,500.00); the member-by-member report was not found
On January 14, 2026 council passed a resolution accepting "the 2025 Council Remuneration and Mileage report". The Financial Information page, where the Township posts its statements and budget, links only the 2025 financial statements and the 2026 budget. We did not find the report on the Financial Information, council or minutes pages. The budget package does show totals: council remuneration was budgeted at $28,500.00 for 2025 and came in at $20,511.50, with $22,000.00 budgeted for 2026, and council mileage came in at $1,178.80.
Why it matters
Ontario municipalities report what each member was paid, so voters can see the cost of their council. The report was accepted in public, but residents cannot read it from the Township's site. We have left out any per-member table because we have not seen the report.
It could be because…
The report may be kept at the municipal office or posted somewhere we did not look.
Small townships often post it only on request or in the annual report.
Questions you could ask
Will the Township post the 2025 Council Remuneration and Mileage report, and the reports for earlier years, on its website?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Resolution 17 (January 14, 2026): "the Township of La Vallee accepts the 2025 Council Remuneration and Mileage report." Carried.
An Integrity Commissioner looks into complaints that a council member broke the code of conduct. A closed meeting investigator looks into complaints that council met in private when it should not have. On June 10, 2026 council gave written notice that it intended to end its agreement for these services. The administration reports on June 10, July 8 and August 12 list the subject as discussed. On August 12, 2026 council approved staff proceeding with "Agreements for Integrity Commissioner/Closed Meeting Investigator Services". The minutes name no new appointee and no cost, and we found no reports from either office.
Why it matters
Residents need to know who they would complain to, especially close to an election. The Township has said what it is doing in public, so this is a request for the result, not for an explanation of the decision.
It could be because…
The Township may be moving to a shared or regional service, or a different provider, and the new agreement may have been signed after August 12.
Changing providers is routine when a contract comes up for renewal.
Questions you could ask
Who has been appointed, from what date, and what does the agreement cost?
Will the Township post its Integrity Commissioner's contact details and any reports on its website?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Resolution 124 (June 10, 2026): council agrees to provide written notice of the Township's intention to terminate its agreement for Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator services. Carried. The administration report that evening lists "Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator" as discussed.
Council minutes, June 10, 2026 · Administration Report, PDF page 1; Resolution 124, PDF page 2; scanned pages read by eye
Administration Report, July 8, 2026: "Integrity Commissioner/Closed Meeting Investigators were discussed."
Resolution 162 (August 12, 2026): council approves staff to proceed with Agreements for Integrity Commissioner/Closed Meeting Investigator Services. Carried. The administration report lists "Integrity Commissioner" among its items.
The Township's Council Minutes page lists 11 sets of 2026 minutes, from January 14 to August 12. On March 11, 2026 council accepted the minutes of the "January 12, 2026, Special Meeting" and on June 10, 2026 it accepted the minutes of "the May 13, 2026 Regular Meeting". Neither set is on the minutes page. The January 12 special meeting agenda lists a landfill item and a closed session on a property matter. The agenda for May 13 is posted. All the minutes that are posted are scanned images.
Why it matters
Minutes are the public record of what council decided. Residents can only read what the Township posts, and a gap in a public record is hard to see unless someone counts.
It could be because…
The two files may have been left off the page by mistake and can be added.
The January 12 minutes may be short if the meeting was mostly closed.
Questions you could ask
Will the Township post the minutes of the January 12 special meeting and the May 13 regular meeting?
Will it post text versions of its agendas and minutes, so they can be searched and read by screen readers?
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 La Vallee?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Resolution 42 (March 11, 2026): "we accept the January 12, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes and February 11, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes as presented." Carried.
Special Meeting Agenda, January 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m.: item 4, "Roads Department re: Landfill (Memo from Reeve)"; item 5, In Camera-Closed Meeting Session, 5.1 "Proposed or pending acquisitions or disposition of real property".
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