Questions · 12 so far
We read Red Lake's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 22 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+71%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Red Lake spent $1.7M on running the town office in 2019 and $2.9M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 22 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$130per home on council, 2024
Red Lake spent about $130 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $71. Only 1 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$1,647,958deficit in 2024, against a budgeted deficit of $331,716
A deficit is the amount by which a year's spending is more than its revenue. The audited statements for 2024 show total expenses of $20,615,638 against a budget of $20,089,675, and total revenue of $18,967,680 against a budget of $19,757,959. The Municipality's own budget book shows the same pattern on the day-to-day (operating) side: it planned to break even and spent more than it took in. The Municipality has explained part of this: the statements count capital spending differently from the budget, and money for building projects arrives only as the projects are done.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$482,283.50spent on Administration "Other Expenses" in 2024, against a budget of $36,000.00
The budget book prints the cost of running Administration (the office side of the Municipality). For 2024 it budgeted $1,612,077 and spent $2,242,322.18. Most of the gap sits in one line, "Other Expenses": a budget of $36,000.00 and an actual of $482,283.50. The book does not say what is in it. The 2025 figures to date, which the book says are subject to change, show the line at $196,189.99 against a budget of $41,000.00, and the 2026 budget plans $41,200.00. The audited statements show General government spending of $2,937,700 against a budget of $2,348,251.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$7,293,310new long-term debt in the 2026 budget, on top of $12,288,397.46 owed on January 1, 2026
Long-term debt is money the Municipality has borrowed and is paying back over years. At December 31, 2024 the audited statements show $12,392,662, nearly all of it in loans from one bank, each listed as a "demand instalment loan" that the bank can in principle call at any time and many at prime (the bank's lending rate, which moves). Principal due in 2025 is $1,996,460. The 2026 budget plans $7,293,310 of new debt, mostly for water and sewer work and the arena. The Municipality also has a $2,000,000 credit line; we did not see a drawn balance for it in the statements.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$17,977,240planned capital spending in 2026, against $2,764,745.65 spent in 2024
Capital spending is money for things that last: roads, pipes, buildings. In 2024 the budget planned $5,054,284 and the books show $2,764,745.65 spent. The 2025 budget planned $9,738,933; the 2025 figures to date, which the book says are subject to change, show $2,017,100.75. The 2026 budget plans $17,977,240, including $6,400,000 for the Cochenour arena (renovations of $4,000,000 and an ice pad replacement of $2,400,000).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$7,215,767in reserves at the end of 2024, down from $7,847,844
Reserves are money the Municipality has set aside for later, like a savings account for repairs and new equipment. The audited statements show reserves and reserve funds of $7,215,767 at the end of 2024, down from $7,847,844. The Public Works reserve fell from $609,140 to $168,499 and the General Government reserve from $1,548,945 to $1,271,856. The part of the accumulated surplus described as "Current" fell from $2,690,989 to $1,105,468. The 2026 budget plans to take $1,868,710 out of reserves.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$7.2Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Red Lake had $7.2M saved at the end of 2024, up from $5.9M in 2019. That is 44% of one year's spending. Only 4 of 22 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$6,526per home on long-term debt, 2024
Red Lake spent about $6,526 per home on long-term debt in 2024. The typical similar town spent $2,028. Only 3 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$90,000difference between the note ($1,293,162) and the statement ($1,203,162), worked out by us
The statement of operations shows Other income of $1,203,162 for 2024. Note 12, which breaks it down, ends with a total of $1,293,162. The lines in the note add up to the note's total, by our own sum. The segment table on page 27 uses $1,203,162. The difference is $90,000, worked out by us.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
The Municipality's agendas and minutes page says that minutes and agendas from its previous provider are being converted and will appear in a historical section as that is completed. For Council and Committee of the Whole meetings from April 2022 to March 2026 it asks people to email the Municipality. That covers most of the current term of Council. We did not read any minutes.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$480per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Red Lake spent about $480 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $289. Only 1 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
+71%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Red Lake spent $1.7M on running the town office in 2019 and $2.9M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 22 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Running the town office | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +21% | +1% |
| 2021 | +12% | +4% |
| 2022 | +40% | +11% |
| 2023 | +45% | +16% |
| 2024 | +71% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
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.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Running the town office: 2019 $1.7M, 2020 $2.0M, 2021 $1.9M, 2022 $2.4M, 2023 $2.4M, 2024 $2.9M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Senior management, from $1.4M to $2.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 23%. Red Lake ranks 2nd of 23.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 22 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$130per home on council, 2024
Red Lake spent about $130 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $71. Only 1 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Red Lake $130; typical similar town $71; ranked 2nd highest of 23.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 22 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$1,647,958deficit in 2024, against a budgeted deficit of $331,716
A deficit is the amount by which a year's spending is more than its revenue. The audited statements for 2024 show total expenses of $20,615,638 against a budget of $20,089,675, and total revenue of $18,967,680 against a budget of $19,757,959. The Municipality's own budget book shows the same pattern on the day-to-day (operating) side: it planned to break even and spent more than it took in. The Municipality has explained part of this: the statements count capital spending differently from the budget, and money for building projects arrives only as the projects are done.
A budget is the promise made to taxpayers about what the year will cost. A gap of this size between the promise and the result is worth understanding before a new council sets the next 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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "Annual surplus (deficit)" budget (331,716), 2024 (1,647,958), 2023 3,602,791. "Total expenses" budget 20,089,675, 2024 20,615,638. Total revenue budget 19,757,959, 2024 18,967,680.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 6, Consolidated Statement of Operations
Note 8 says the budget "expensed all tangible capital expenditures rather than including amortization expense" and reconciles the "Budget Surplus (Deficit) per Bylaw" of $ - to a "Budget per Statement of Operations" of $ (331,716), with amortization of (3,849,010).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 20, Note 8, Budget Amounts
Note 9: "Total Tangible Capital Asset Transfers" budget 1,610,979, 2024 664,354, 2023 4,459,168.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 21, Note 9, Government Transfers
General operating fund: "Total Operating Revenue" for 2024 budget 15,493,427.00, 2024 actual 14,760,600.02 (page 8). "Total Expenses" for 2024 budget 15,493,427.00, 2024 actual 15,637,786.94 (page 10). The difference of $877,186.92 is worked out by us.
Annual Budget 2026, revenue detail and operating expenditures by department · pages 8 and 10
$482,283.50spent on Administration "Other Expenses" in 2024, against a budget of $36,000.00
The budget book prints the cost of running Administration (the office side of the Municipality). For 2024 it budgeted $1,612,077 and spent $2,242,322.18. Most of the gap sits in one line, "Other Expenses": a budget of $36,000.00 and an actual of $482,283.50. The book does not say what is in it. The 2025 figures to date, which the book says are subject to change, show the line at $196,189.99 against a budget of $41,000.00, and the 2026 budget plans $41,200.00. The audited statements show General government spending of $2,937,700 against a budget of $2,348,251.
A line the budget treated as small turned out to be one of the larger items in the office. Without a note, a reader cannot tell whether it was a one-time payment, a grant passed on, or something that will come back.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Administration expenses: "Other Expenses" 2026 budget 41,200.00, 2025 budget 41,000.00, 2025 to date 196,189.99, 2024 budget 36,000.00, 2024 actual 482,283.50. "Total Expenses" 1,945,169.00, 2,380,905.00, 2,266,887.16, 1,612,077.00, 2,242,322.18 in the same five columns. The page footnote says "2025 actuals are subject to change pending the year end audit".
Annual Budget 2026, Admin expenses · page 13, Admin Expenses (read from text extraction in row order; the lines add up to the printed total)
Statement of operations: "General government" budget 2,348,251, 2024 2,937,700, 2023 2,510,894.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 6, Consolidated Statement of Operations
$7,293,310new long-term debt in the 2026 budget, on top of $12,288,397.46 owed on January 1, 2026
Long-term debt is money the Municipality has borrowed and is paying back over years. At December 31, 2024 the audited statements show $12,392,662, nearly all of it in loans from one bank, each listed as a "demand instalment loan" that the bank can in principle call at any time and many at prime (the bank's lending rate, which moves). Principal due in 2025 is $1,996,460. The 2026 budget plans $7,293,310 of new debt, mostly for water and sewer work and the arena. The Municipality also has a $2,000,000 credit line; we did not see a drawn balance for it in the statements.
Debt is a promise to pay out of future taxes and fees. Loans at a moving rate cost more if rates rise, and a council that has just been elected will inherit the payments.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 3: "revolving credit facility with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce for $2,000,000. Advances under this facility are due on demand and bear interest at prime".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 14, Note 3, Bank Indebtedness
Note 6, Long Term Liabilities: total $12,392,662 at 2024 and $14,385,409 at 2023, made up of one OMEFA advance, one FCM loan and a list of loans each described as a "CIBC demand instalment loan". Principal payments for the next five years: 2025 $ 1,996,460, 2026 1,881,664, 2027 1,560,112, 2028 1,511,188, 2029 1,445,014, "Thereafter" 3,998,224.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · pages 16 and 17, Note 6, Long Term Liabilities
Capital cash sources: "Proceeds from Long Term Debt" 2026 budget 7,293,310.00, 2025 budget 3,627,646.00, 2025 to date 981,696.00, 2024 budget 1,934,521.00, 2024 actual -.
Annual Budget 2026, capital cash sources · page 4, Capital Cash Sources
Long term debt principal repayments: "2026" total 2,091,065.02; all years total 12,288,397.46.
Annual Budget 2026, long term debt principal repayments · page 56, Long Term Debt Principal Repayments
$17,977,240planned capital spending in 2026, against $2,764,745.65 spent in 2024
Capital spending is money for things that last: roads, pipes, buildings. In 2024 the budget planned $5,054,284 and the books show $2,764,745.65 spent. The 2025 budget planned $9,738,933; the 2025 figures to date, which the book says are subject to change, show $2,017,100.75. The 2026 budget plans $17,977,240, including $6,400,000 for the Cochenour arena (renovations of $4,000,000 and an ice pad replacement of $2,400,000).
A plan that is much larger than what has been delivered can mean the grants and debt in the budget are not all drawn, or that costs and taxes will land in a later year. The arena is the largest single item.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Capital expenditures by department: "Total Capital Expenditures" 2026 budget 17,977,240.00, 2025 budget 9,738,933.00, 2025 to date 2,017,100.75, 2024 budget 5,054,284.00, 2024 actual 2,764,745.65. "Arena" 1790: 6,400,000.00 for 2026. The page footnote says "2025 actuals are subject to change pending the year end audit".
Annual Budget 2026, capital expenditures by department · page 60, Capital Expenditures by Department (read from text extraction in row order)
Detailed capital expenditures, Arena: "Cochenour Arena Renovations" 4,000,000.00, "Ice Pad Replacement" 2,400,000.00, "Total Arena" 6,400,000.00.
Annual Budget 2026, detailed capital expenditures · page 65, Detailed Capital Expenditures, Arena
Statement of changes in net debt: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" budget (5,054,284), 2024 (2,766,793), 2023 (7,160,633).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 7, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Debt
$7,215,767in reserves at the end of 2024, down from $7,847,844
Reserves are money the Municipality has set aside for later, like a savings account for repairs and new equipment. The audited statements show reserves and reserve funds of $7,215,767 at the end of 2024, down from $7,847,844. The Public Works reserve fell from $609,140 to $168,499 and the General Government reserve from $1,548,945 to $1,271,856. The part of the accumulated surplus described as "Current" fell from $2,690,989 to $1,105,468. The 2026 budget plans to take $1,868,710 out of reserves.
Reserves are what a town falls back on when a year goes badly or a machine breaks. Using them is what they are for, but it is worth knowing how fast, and whether a new council will have any left.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 10, Accumulated Surplus: "Reserves and Reserve Funds, End of Year" $ 7,215,767 (2024) and $ 7,847,844 (2023). "Public Works" 168,499 and 609,140. "General Government" 1,271,856 and 1,548,945. "Current" $ 1,105,468 and $ 2,690,989.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 22, Note 10, Accumulated Surplus
Reconciliation of budget to O. Reg. 284/09: "Transfers from Reserves" 2026 1,868,710.00, 2025 701,136.00, 2024 1,508,784.00.
Annual Budget 2026, reconciliation of budget to O. Reg. 284/09 · page 69, Reconciliation of Budget to O.Reg 284/09
$7.2Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Red Lake had $7.2M saved at the end of 2024, up from $5.9M in 2019. That is 44% of one year's spending. Only 4 of 22 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5.9M |
| 2020 | $6.8M |
| 2021 | $8.1M |
| 2022 | $7.5M |
| 2023 | $7.8M |
| 2024 | $7.2M |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real 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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $5.9M, 2020 $6.8M, 2021 $8.1M, 2022 $7.5M, 2023 $7.8M, 2024 $7.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 58% of a year's spending. Red Lake: 44%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 22 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$6,526per home on long-term debt, 2024
Red Lake spent about $6,526 per home on long-term debt in 2024. The typical similar town spent $2,028. Only 3 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Long-term debt per home: Red Lake $6,526; typical similar town $2,028; ranked 4th highest of 23.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 22 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$90,000difference between the note ($1,293,162) and the statement ($1,203,162), worked out by us
The statement of operations shows Other income of $1,203,162 for 2024. Note 12, which breaks it down, ends with a total of $1,293,162. The lines in the note add up to the note's total, by our own sum. The segment table on page 27 uses $1,203,162. The difference is $90,000, worked out by us.
Small mismatches in audited statements are usually typing errors, but it is the kind of thing the Municipality can fix in a sentence, and a reader cannot tell which figure is right.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "Other income (Note 12)" budget 510,991, 2024 1,203,162, 2023 1,633,974.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 6, Consolidated Statement of Operations
Note 12, Other Income: lines for 2024 are "Penalties and Interest" 234,907, "Investment Income" 542,949, "Licences and Permits" 283,249, "Donations" 14,615, "Other Revenues" 217,442. Total $ 510,991 (budget), $ 1,293,162 (2024), $ 1,633,974 (2023).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · page 23, Note 12, Other Income
The Municipality's agendas and minutes page says that minutes and agendas from its previous provider are being converted and will appear in a historical section as that is completed. For Council and Committee of the Whole meetings from April 2022 to March 2026 it asks people to email the Municipality. That covers most of the current term of Council. We did not read any minutes.
Minutes are how residents see how each member voted and what was decided before an election on October 26, 2026.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The Municipality says: "Agendas and minutes from our previous provider are being converted and will appear in the historical agenda and minutes section as the process is completed." It adds that for "Council or Committee of the Whole meetings held between April 2022 and March 2026" people should email the Municipality.
Agendas, Minutes and Videos page · Online Agendas section
$480per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Red Lake spent about $480 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $289. Only 1 of 22 similar towns spent more.
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
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 Red Lake? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Garbage, dump and recycling per home: Red Lake $480; typical similar town $289; ranked 2nd highest of 23.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 22 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy