Questions · 13 so far
We read South River's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 30 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$461per home on council, 2025
South River spent about $461 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $105. Only 2 of 30 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
$4,087per home on long-term debt, 2025
South River spent about $4,087 per home on long-term debt in 2025. The typical similar town spent $961. Only 2 of 30 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.
$1,081,507inventories held for resale at December 31, 2025
The Village's balance sheet lists $1,081,507 of "inventories held for resale" at the end of 2025. A year earlier the same line was $1,105,886, up from almost nothing before 2024. In 2025 council also set aside a new reserve called "saleable inventory" of $1,105,000. The statements do not say which properties these are. Council minutes show several small property sales, but the two sale prices we found add up to a small part of the total.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
8meetings in a row (worked out by us) whose closed-session agenda named 281 Hwy 124, February 10 to May 26, 2026
On April 28, 2026 council passed one by-law to sell 281 Hwy 124 and another for a vendor take-back mortgage, which means the Village lends part of the price to the buyer. Both by-laws say the terms are in a "Schedule A" that is not posted with them. We could not find the price, the amount lent, the interest rate or the repayment dates. Council's closed-session agenda named the property at eight meetings in a row between February 10 and May 26, 2026 (counted by us).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$450,000maximum spending authority for the 309 Hwy 124 renovation, July 14, 2026
On July 14, 2026 council passed a by-law letting staff spend up to $450,000 on renovating 309 Hwy 124 for the district paramedic service. The by-law says the paramedic service will pay the whole cost "through a loan facilitated by the Village of South River". It does not say who is the borrower, who the lender is or what happens if the loan is not repaid.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,756,211bank loan of the Village-owned power company, guaranteed by the Village, at December 31, 2025
The Village owns South River Power Generation Corporation, which runs a hydroelectric plant. The corporation owes a bank $1,756,211, and the Village has guaranteed that loan. The Village's investment in the corporation is $1,929,679, about 70% of its net financial assets of $2,738,459 (worked out by us). The Village's yearly share of the corporation's profit, $91,852 in 2025 against $305,127 in 2024, is counted as revenue but is not cash.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
+8%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, South River collected $114K more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 8% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 5 of 30 similar towns raised theirs by more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+73%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
South River spent $308K on roads and snow in 2019 and $531K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 4 of 30 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
18.36%water budget and rates increase approved November 13, 2025
A new five-year agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) to run the water plant starts January 1, 2026. Council was told it meant about a 50% rise in OCWA's operating cost, and approved water rates 18.36% higher. The statements show the yearly base price rising from $206,207 to $266,511 (worked out by us: about 29% before extras). Council said OCWA was the lowest bid and that running the plant itself would cost more. Council also hired an engineer for plant upgrades.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
3.5%overall 2026 tax increase approved July 14, 2026
The Village's share of the shared fire department budget rose 13.1% and its 2026 police costs rose 11%. Water rates rose 18.36%. Council set an overall tax increase of 3.5%. The minutes show a large drop in the Village's share of the community centre and arena budget (55.89%), which the minutes tie to a finished capital project, so some of the room came from one-time spending ending.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
July 14, 2026date the 2026 budget was recommended and the tax rate by-law passed
The 2026 budget was recommended and the tax rate by-law passed on July 14, 2026, more than half way through the year. Tax rate by-laws in 2025 and 2024 are dated July 22 and July 23, so this is the Village's usual timing. We did not find the budget document posted on the Village's site.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
Council received a "Council Remuneration Report for 2025" on March 24, 2026. We did not find it on the Village's website, so we have not filled in a pay table. The 2024 by-law that sets pay rates is posted.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$590per home on snow ploughing, 2025
South River spent about $590 per home on snow ploughing in 2025. The typical similar town spent $142. None of the 30 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
$461per home on council, 2025
South River spent about $461 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $105. Only 2 of 30 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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: South River $461; typical similar town $105; ranked 3rd highest of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$4,087per home on long-term debt, 2025
South River spent about $4,087 per home on long-term debt in 2025. The typical similar town spent $961. Only 2 of 30 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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Long-term debt per home: South River $4,087; typical similar town $961; ranked 3rd highest of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$1,081,507inventories held for resale at December 31, 2025
The Village's balance sheet lists $1,081,507 of "inventories held for resale" at the end of 2025. A year earlier the same line was $1,105,886, up from almost nothing before 2024. In 2025 council also set aside a new reserve called "saleable inventory" of $1,105,000. The statements do not say which properties these are. Council minutes show several small property sales, but the two sale prices we found add up to a small part of the total.
Over a million dollars, nearly half as much as the Village's cash of $2,485,402, is tied up in property waiting to be sold. Residents should be able to see what it is, what it is expected to fetch, and what happens to the money.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The statement of financial position shows "Inventories held for resale" of 1,081,507 at December 31, 2025 and 1,105,886 at December 31, 2024.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5
The 2024 column of the cash flow statement shows "Inventories held for resale" of (1,104,303) and "Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets" of 1,082,299. The 2024 column of the statement of operations shows a loss on disposal of tangible capital assets of (795,234). The statements do not name the properties. Worked out by us: the two large 2024 amounts are almost the same size, which suggests property was moved from capital assets to held-for-sale rather than sold for cash. The statements do not say so.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, PDF page 9; Statement of Operations, PDF page 6
The continuity of accumulated surplus lists a reserve called "Saleable inventory" that went from nothing to 1,105,000 in 2025.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 16, Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 26
On October 14, 2025 council authorized staff to accept an offer of $30,000 plus HST for the sale of 17 Main St.
Council Meeting minutes, October 14, 2025 · Item 10, In Camera, resolution 301-2025, PDF page 4
On November 25, 2025 council authorized a listing agreement for the vacant property at 68 Riverside Ave "with a listing price of $55,000.00".
Council Meeting minutes, November 25, 2025 · Resolution 340-2025, PDF page 2
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position: "Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4) $ 2,485,402 $ 1,400,575" (2025, 2024).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5
8meetings in a row (worked out by us) whose closed-session agenda named 281 Hwy 124, February 10 to May 26, 2026
On April 28, 2026 council passed one by-law to sell 281 Hwy 124 and another for a vendor take-back mortgage, which means the Village lends part of the price to the buyer. Both by-laws say the terms are in a "Schedule A" that is not posted with them. We could not find the price, the amount lent, the interest rate or the repayment dates. Council's closed-session agenda named the property at eight meetings in a row between February 10 and May 26, 2026 (counted by us).
If the Village is the lender it carries the risk that the buyer does not pay. Residents cannot judge that risk without the terms.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
By-law 31-2026 "to authorize a vendor take back mortgage agreement" for 281 HWY 124 "as in Schedule A attached hereto". The posted by-law has no schedule.
By-law 31-2026, Mortgage 281 HWY 124 · Title and section 1, PDF page 1
By-law 30-2026 authorizes an agreement for the sale of 281 HWY 124 "as per the terms and conditions in Schedule A". The posted by-law has no schedule and prints no price.
By-law 30-2026, Sale of 281 HWY 124 · Section 1, PDF page 1
Council passed By-law 30-2026 and By-law 31-2026 on April 28, 2026, and the same agenda lists "281 HWY 124 Sale of Property" as the closed-session item.
Council Meeting minutes, April 28, 2026 · Item 7 by-laws, PDF pages 3 and 4; item 10, PDF page 5
On November 13, 2025 council authorized staff to negotiate the sale of 281 HWY 124 "as per the terms of RFP-02-2025 as directed in-camera".
Council Meeting minutes, November 13, 2025 · Resolution 331-2025, PDF page 4
$450,000maximum spending authority for the 309 Hwy 124 renovation, July 14, 2026
On July 14, 2026 council passed a by-law letting staff spend up to $450,000 on renovating 309 Hwy 124 for the district paramedic service. The by-law says the paramedic service will pay the whole cost "through a loan facilitated by the Village of South River". It does not say who is the borrower, who the lender is or what happens if the loan is not repaid.
The Village is signing contracts and spending money up front on a building project that is not its own. If repayment fails, the loss could fall on a village with about $2.5 million in cash.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
By-law 42-2026 says "the total costs will be paid by Parry Sound District Paramedic Service through a loan facilitated by the Village of South River", authorizes spending "to a maximum of $450,000" and says "Monthly spending reports be presented to Council until such time as the loan is started."
By-law 42-2026, Spending Authority 309 HWY 124 Renovations · Recitals and sections 2 and 3, PDF page 1
On March 10, 2026 council authorized staff "to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Parry Sound EMS for the renovation and use of 309 HWY 124 as per the terms attached." The terms are not in the posted minutes.
Council Meeting minutes, March 10, 2026 · Closed session, resolution 119-2026, PDF page 5
The August 11, 2026 agenda lists a draft "PSEMS Ambulance Base Lease Agreement" under staff reports. We found no minutes for that meeting.
Council agenda, August 11, 2026 · Item 6.1.2, PDF page 1
$1,756,211bank loan of the Village-owned power company, guaranteed by the Village, at December 31, 2025
The Village owns South River Power Generation Corporation, which runs a hydroelectric plant. The corporation owes a bank $1,756,211, and the Village has guaranteed that loan. The Village's investment in the corporation is $1,929,679, about 70% of its net financial assets of $2,738,459 (worked out by us). The Village's yearly share of the corporation's profit, $91,852 in 2025 against $305,127 in 2024, is counted as revenue but is not cash.
A guarantee means the Village could be asked to repay the bank. The plant's results swing a lot from year to year, so residents should know how well it covers its loan.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"The Corporation has a $1,756,211 (2024 - $1,992,193) term loan with a chartered bank. The loan has been guaranteed by the Municipality."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 7 (continued), PDF page 18
The statement of financial position shows "Investment in South River Power Generation Corporation" of 1,929,679 and net financial assets of 2,738,459.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5
The corporation's revenue was $617,342 in 2025 and $944,128 in 2024, and "During the previous year, the Corporation recognized one-time insurance recovery revenue of $373,867." The Village's share of the annual operating surplus, net of dividends, was $91,852 (2024 - $305,127).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 7, PDF pages 17 and 18
The July 14, 2026 agenda lists "SRPGC 2025 Audited Financial Statements" among the accounts reports, and council received those reports.
Council Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 · Item 5.1.4 and resolution 248-2026, PDF page 1
+8%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, South River collected $114K more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 8% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 5 of 30 similar towns raised theirs by more.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $1.1M |
| 2020 | $1.1M |
| 2021 | $1.2M |
| 2022 | $1.3M |
| 2023 | $1.4M |
| 2024 | $1.4M |
| 2025 | $1.6M |
A big one-year jump usually means something changed: a new cost, a service that grew, savings being rebuilt, or a problem from earlier years being paid for now. Residents should be able to see exactly which. Spread across every home, it is about $224 more each year.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $1,441,219 in 2024, $1,555,402 in 2025.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 30 similar Ontario towns: 4.7%. South River ranks 6th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.1% over the same year.
+73%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
South River spent $308K on roads and snow in 2019 and $531K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 4 of 30 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Roads and snow | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +4% | +1% |
| 2021 | +6% | +4% |
| 2022 | +11% | +11% |
| 2023 | +20% | +16% |
| 2024 | +51% | +18% |
| 2025 | +73% | +21% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
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.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Roads and snow: 2019 $308K, 2020 $319K, 2021 $326K, 2022 $340K, 2023 $368K, 2024 $464K, 2025 $531K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Snow ploughing, from $179K to $301K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 30%. South River ranks 5th of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
18.36%water budget and rates increase approved November 13, 2025
A new five-year agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) to run the water plant starts January 1, 2026. Council was told it meant about a 50% rise in OCWA's operating cost, and approved water rates 18.36% higher. The statements show the yearly base price rising from $206,207 to $266,511 (worked out by us: about 29% before extras). Council said OCWA was the lowest bid and that running the plant itself would cost more. Council also hired an engineer for plant upgrades.
Water is paid for by the households that use it, and the increase is large. The Village gave its reasons, so this is context rather than a concern.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council discussed "a potential rate increase of 22% to compensate for the 50% operating cost increase from OCWA beginning January 2026", said it "was tendered out and OCWA was the lowest option", and noted that working alone "would be more costly and no other community participated in the tender process."
Council Meeting minutes, October 28, 2025 · Item 5.1.1, 2026 Water Budget and Billing, PDF page 1
Council approved "the 2026 Water Budget and Rates with a 18.36% increase as attached." The attached budget is not in the posted minutes.
Council Meeting minutes, November 13, 2025 · Resolution 320-2025, PDF page 1
Note 13 says that since 2020 "the annual base price is $206,207" plus adjustments, and that a new agreement effective January 1, 2026 has "an annual base price of $266,511 in the first year plus a CPI adjustment annually."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 13, Contractual Obligations, PDF page 22
Council awarded RFP 01-2026 for engineering services for water treatment plant upgrades "at the upset limit cost of $179,355 excluding HST".
Council Meeting minutes, March 10, 2026 · Item 6.1, resolution 102-2026, PDF page 2
3.5%overall 2026 tax increase approved July 14, 2026
The Village's share of the shared fire department budget rose 13.1% and its 2026 police costs rose 11%. Water rates rose 18.36%. Council set an overall tax increase of 3.5%. The minutes show a large drop in the Village's share of the community centre and arena budget (55.89%), which the minutes tie to a finished capital project, so some of the room came from one-time spending ending.
Residents see one number, the tax increase, but the lasting pressures are in fire, police and water. The arena drop does not repeat.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The draft fire budget proposed "an increase of $35,328 (14.92%) for each municipality". The draft arena budget showed "a -$501,367 (-90.6%) capital budget decrease" after its capital project ended.
Committee of the Whole minutes, January 28, 2026 · Item 3, PDF page 1
Council supported the fire budget "in the amount of $534,286 with South River's contribution being $267,143 a 13.1% increase from 2025" and the community centre budget "in the amount of $428,088 with South River's contribution being $188,851 a 55.89% decrease from 2025."
Council Meeting minutes, March 24, 2026 · Resolutions 127-2026 and 128-2026, PDF page 1
Council authorized payment of "the 2026 OPP costs of $282,349 an 11% increase over 2025".
Council Meeting minutes, February 10, 2026 · Resolution 35-2026, PDF page 1
Council resolved to "recommend the 2026 Budget and appropriate tax by-law be brought forward with an overall tax increase of 3.5%."
Council Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 · Resolution 252-2026, PDF page 3
Resolution 320-2025: "BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Village of South River does hereby approve the 2026 Water Budget and Rates with a 18.36% increase as attached." Carried.
Council Meeting minutes, November 13, 2025 · Resolution 320-2025, PDF page 1
July 14, 2026date the 2026 budget was recommended and the tax rate by-law passed
The 2026 budget was recommended and the tax rate by-law passed on July 14, 2026, more than half way through the year. Tax rate by-laws in 2025 and 2024 are dated July 22 and July 23, so this is the Village's usual timing. We did not find the budget document posted on the Village's site.
A budget is how residents see what taxes will pay for. If it is only in the minutes as a total percentage, they cannot check it.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
On January 13, 2026 council passed By-law 3-2026, "to authorize the 2026 Interim Tax Levy".
Council Meeting minutes, January 13, 2026 · Item 7 by-laws, PDF pages 2 and 3
On June 23, 2026 "Council reviewed the proposed municipal budget an O Reg report and recommended both come forward for the next meeting of Council."
Council Meeting minutes, June 23, 2026 · Item 5.1, PDF page 1
On July 14, 2026 council passed By-law 40-2026, "to provide for the adoption of tax rates and to further provide for penalty and interest for the year 2026".
Council Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 · Resolution 254-2026, PDF page 3
Council received a "Council Remuneration Report for 2025" on March 24, 2026. We did not find it on the Village's website, so we have not filled in a pay table. The 2024 by-law that sets pay rates is posted.
Ontario councils report each member's pay and expenses every year. Residents should be able to read it.
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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The March 24, 2026 minutes list "Council Remuneration Report for 2025" as item 5.1.3, and council received reports 1 to 4.
Council Meeting minutes, March 24, 2026 · Item 5.1.3 and resolution 130-2026, PDF page 1
$590per home on snow ploughing, 2025
South River spent about $590 per home on snow ploughing in 2025. The typical similar town spent $142. None of the 30 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 South River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Snow ploughing per home: South River $590; typical similar town $142; ranked 1st highest of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy