Atikokan, Ontario

Committee-of-the-Whole

Regular Council

The Town of Atikokan Council approved a change order for road reconstruction on Burns Street, Gorrie Street, and part of MacKenzie Avenue. Additionally, the council passed a by-law to fund a museum intern through the Canadian Museums Association.

• $3,594,325 plus HST road reconstruction project for Burns Street, Gorrie Street, and part of MacKenzie Avenue
• By-Law No. 30-26: Delegate authority to CAO during 'Lame Duck' period
• By-Law No. 31-26: Agreement with Canadian Museums Association for a Museum Intern
• By-Law No. 32-26: Amendment to Cemetery fees
• By-Law No. 33-26: Repeal of memorial bench purchase and placement by-law

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole will review the 2024 consolidated financial statements presented by MNP LLP. The agenda includes status updates on the Splashpad & Public Washroom Project, Ball Park Revitalization, and various public works and airport agreements.

• 2024 Financial Statements presentation by Jon Evans & Harsha Thompson (MNP LLP)
• Splashpad & Public Washroom Project status and next steps
• Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) - Ball Park Revitalization Project
• In-camera discussion regarding a Public Works Labourer position
• In-camera discussion regarding Fire Chief/CBO/CEMC/Manager of By-Law Enforcement position

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole is receiving department updates on major infrastructure projects, including the MacKenzie Bridge replacement, O'Brien Roadworks, and a road paving project report noting that construction cost increases have reduced the work achievable under the original grant. They will also discuss a museum funding application and community programs.

• MacKenzie Bridge replacement: demolition nearing completion, sheet piling underway
• O'Brien Roadworks paving rescheduled to week of June 22
• New fire truck arrived and put into service June 16
• Pool to close July and August for major renovations
• Road paving project under ICIP grant sees scope reduced due to cost increases

Regular Council

This regular council meeting will discuss and potentially pass several by-laws, including a delegation of authority to the CAO during the lame duck period (By-law No. 30-26), a roads paving project resolution, an agreement with the Canadian Museums Association for a museum intern (By-law No. 31-26), amendments to cemetery fees (By-law No. 32-26), and repeal of the memorial bench by-law (By-law No. 33-26). An in-camera session is scheduled to discuss the Fire Chief/CBO/CEMC/Manager of By-Law Enforcement position.

• By-law No. 30-26 - Delegate Authority to CAO during 'Lame Duck' Period
• Roads Paving Project resolution
• By-law No. 31-26 - Agreement Canadian Museums Association - YCW-BCH (Museum Intern)
• By-law No. 32-26 - Amend Schedule 'B' (Cemetery) of Fees By-Law No. 16-12
• By-law No. 33-26 - Repeal By-law No. 38-18 - Purchase & Placement of Memorial Benches for Atikokan Cemetery & Little Falls Cemetery

Regular Council

Council will vote on By-Law No. 20-26 to adopt estimates, tax rates, and tax ratios for 2026. Also up for discussion are declaring surplus property, adjusting cemetery fees, and considering a new residential property tax class. A follow-up on tailgate event permits and an in-camera session regarding personnel are also scheduled.

• By-Law No. 20-26 - Adopt Estimates, Tax Rates and Tax Ratios
• Declare Surplus Property
• Proposed Increase to Non-Resident Cemetery Fees, Addition of After-Hours Interment Fees and Repeal of Memorial Bench Policy
• Small Northern New Residential Property Tax Class
• Follow-up to Updates to 'Tailgate Event' Permits

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole will receive a delegation from Hornepayne's CAO urging support for a provincial amendment to create a Small Northern New Residential Property Tax Class. Council will also discuss direction on public washroom facilities for the proposed splash pad and downtown projects, review financial reports, and consider surplus property sales.

• Delegation by CAO Manuela Batovanja on proposed Small Northern New Residential Property Tax Class
• CAO report seeking Council direction on public washroom facilities for splash pad and downtown projects
• 2026 budget, tax rates, and ratios to be reviewed
• Surplus goods and assets sale and surplus property report
• Report on 2025 Bass Classic municipal expenditures

Atikokan OPP Detachment Board

Atikokan Cemetery Board

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole will hear a delegation from Detachment Commander Inspector Jim Mills and S/Sgt. Dereck McLean presenting the 2025 annual Ontario Provincial Police report, including crime statistics. The committee will also discuss a CAO update and an MNRF Airport Lease Agreement. Other reports from finance, public works, fire, and community services are on the agenda.

• Delegation: Detachment Commander Inspector Jim Mills & S/Sgt. Dereck McLean - 2025 Annual Ontario Provincial Police Report
• MNRF Airport Lease Agreement
• CAO Update
• Administration & Employee Relations report
• Finance report

Regular Council

Council will vote on resolutions including an MNRF lease agreement, a splash pad and public washroom project, and proclaiming June as Seniors Month. A delegation and discussion on NORDS funding are also scheduled. An in-camera session will address an identifiable individual HR matter.

• MNRF Lease Agreement - resolution
• Splash Pad and Public Washroom Project - resolution
• Proclaim Seniors' Month 2026 - resolution
• NORDS (Northern Ontario Resource Development Support) Funding discussion
• In-Camera: identifiable individual HR matter update

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive reports from Administration & Employee Relations, Finance, Public Works, Fire & Property, Community Services, and Economic Development. It will consider a recommendation to adopt By‑Law No. 26‑26 to appoint members to a Joint Compliance Audit Committee under the Municipal Elections Act. The meeting also includes appointing a new board member to the Museum of Atikokan and discussing a NOHFC grant for the museum.

• Adopt By‑Law No. 26‑26 to appoint members to a Joint Compliance Audit Committee for municipal elections
• Appoint a new board member to the Museum of Atikokan Board
• Consider a NOHFC grant for the Museum of Atikokan
• Present financial statements for the period ending April 30 2026
• Reports from Administration & Employee Relations, Finance, Public Works, Fire & Property, Community Services, Economic Development

Regular Council

Council adopted a Community Investment Grant Program funded up to $25,000 for 2026, administered by the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation. The Council also resolved to self‑identify Atikokan as a local community in the federal Impact Assessment process and to notify the Impact Assessment Agency before the May 10 deadline. In‑camera items include the disposition of property at 564 O'Brien Street and 507 MacKenzie Avenue West. By‑Law No. 26‑26 was approved to appoint members to the Compliance Audit Committee.

• Community Investment Grant Program – up to $25,000 pilot funding
• Resolution to self‑identify in the federal Impact Assessment process
• Disposition of property at 564 O'Brien Street
• Disposition of property at 507 MacKenzie Avenue West
• By‑Law No. 26‑26 – appointment of Compliance Audit Committee members

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive departmental updates on administration, finance, public works, fire, and community services. Council will discuss a proposal for Atikokan to formally self‑identify as a local community in the federal Impact Assessment for the NWMO Deep Geological Repository project. Additional items include a doctor appreciation celebration and routine procedural business.

• Proposal to have Atikokan self‑identify in the federal Impact Assessment for the NWMO Deep Geological Repository (Project #88774)
• O’Brien Roadworks/Watermain work scheduled to be completed by the end of June
• MacKenzie Bridge Replacement: temporary bridge in place and new watermain drilled under the river
• Approval and order of a new sewer truck, expected delivery by end of summer
• Progress on Splash Pad and Public Washroom projects, including finalizing the RFP and funding application

Regular Council

The April 27 council meeting will consider several resolutions, including approval of a $25,000 Community Investment Program that offers matching grants up to $5,000 per business. A resolution to purchase a new sewer truck from Joe Johnson Equipment for $557,198.56 plus HST will also be presented. The council will adopt By‑law No. 24‑26 to enter an agreement with the Minister of Transportation for $24,184 of provincial gas‑tax funding for transit. Additional items include repealing By‑law No. 12‑18 (municipal election recount policy) and discussing municipal engagement in the Regional Impact Assessment Process.

• $25,000 Community Investment Program – matching grants up to $5,000 per business
• Purchase of new sewer truck from Joe Johnson Equipment for $557,198.56 plus HST
• By‑law No. 24‑26 agreement with Minister of Transportation for $24,184 gas‑tax transit funding
• Repeal of By‑law No. 12‑18 – Municipal Election Recount Policy
• Discussion of municipal engagement in the Regional Impact Assessment Process

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider rescinding the Municipal Election Recount Policy because the town now uses electronic voting. It will decide whether to purchase a new sewer truck, with the recommended vendor being Joe Johnson Equipment at $557,198.56. The body will also review an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation to receive up to $24,184 in Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for public transportation. Additional items include a task‑force update and a signage program presentation.

• Rescind the Municipal Election Recount Policy (applicable only to paper ballots)
• Approve purchase of a new sewer truck from Joe Johnson Equipment for $557,198.56
• Enter into agreement with the Ministry of Transportation for up to $24,184 in Dedicated Gas Tax Funds
• Centennial Canoe Task Force provides an update and discusses next steps
• Mayor Ferguson presents the CIP Signage Program

Regular Council

The Atikokan Town Council will discuss a resolution to support the Bike Park project, identifying Centennial Park as the preferred location. The meeting also includes a resolution on the purchase of a new sewer truck and a by‑law to formalize an agreement with the Minister of Transportation on the provincial gas tax. Standard agenda items such as approvals of minutes, disclosures of pecuniary interest, and committee reports will also be addressed.

• Resolution to support the Bike Park at Centennial Park (Other Business)
• Resolution for Sewer Truck Purchase (Public Works, Airport, Waste Management)
• By‑Law No. 24‑26 – Agreement with Minister of Transportation on Provincial Gas Tax (Community Services)
• Bike Park Project update and discussion in Committee‑of‑the‑Whole reports

Atikokan OPP Detachment Board

Regular Council

The Town Council will meet to decide on a by-law agreement with LH North Ltd. and the hiring of Public Works employees. The meeting will also include reports from various municipal departments and supplementary committees.

• By-Law No. 23-26: Agreement with LH North Ltd.
• Hiring of Public Works employees
• Reports from Administration, Finance, Public Works, Fire & Property, and Community Services

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee‑of‑Whole will review updates on the Northwood Splash Pad, including design, funding and procurement steps. The agenda notes a total design‑and‑construction cost of $500,000 for the splash pad and $261,000 for an associated flood‑mitigation facility, with the latter 50% funded by a third party. A draft RFP prepared by Kresin Engineering is under review before moving to procurement. Additional reports cover CAO updates, bike‑park progress and other departmental items.

• Northwood Splash Pad design & construction budget $500,000, fully funded by municipal contributions
• Flood‑mitigation facility design & construction budget $261,000, 50% third‑party funded
• Draft RFP for splash pad prepared by Kresin Engineering, pending procurement
• $50,000 first‑year servicing/planning budget and $450,000 second‑year construction budget for splash pad
• Ongoing Indigenous consultation and community engagement for the splash pad project

Regular Council

The Town of Atikokan Council will review and vote on several by‑law resolutions, including a Community Support Agreement with Hydro One Networks Inc. and a merger agreement for properties at 131 & 133 Burns Street. The agenda also includes the presentation of the 2025 Annual Drinking Water Report and updates from the Committee‑of‑the‑Whole. Delegations and supplementary committee reports will be heard before adjournment.

• By‑Law No. 22‑26 – Community Support Agreement with Hydro One Networks Inc.
• By‑Law No. 19‑26 – Repeal of By‑Law No. 16‑21 and Merger Agreement for 131 & 133 Burns Street
• Annual Drinking Water Report 2025
• By‑Law No. 16‑26 – Salary Administration for Non‑Unionized Staff Policy

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole will receive the 2025 Annual Report for the Atikokan Drinking Water System and consider a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Hydro One Waasigan Community Benefit Fund.

• 2025 Atikokan Drinking Water System Annual Report
• Hydro One Waasigan Community Benefit Fund - MOU
• Wassigan Funding Ad Hoc Committee Update
• Alternative Revenue Ideas - Councillor Martin
• Bike Park Update

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee-of-the-Whole will hear a proposal from the Atikokan Bike Park Committee to build a youth-led bike skills park. The body will also review reports on municipal infrastructure updates and a salary administration policy for non-unionized staff.

• Proposal for a dirt pump track at the southeast area of Dunbar Heights field
• Over $90,000 spent on five Water Treatment Plant projects, including chlorinator replacements
• Salary Administration for Non-Unionized Staff Policy review
• Circular Materials Depot Agreement
• After School Program Grant Agreement

Regular Council

The Town of Atikokan Council will vote on a resolution to award the MacKenzie Avenue Bridge Replacement tender to LH North Ltd for $5,575,000 plus HST. A separate resolution will shorten the 30‑day amendment period for the 2026 budget, which includes a 2 % tax increase. The meeting will also consider by‑laws to appoint Lottery Licensing Officers and to formalize a non‑union employee agreement, and a request to align the town’s time zone with Thunder Bay.

• Award MacKenzie Avenue Bridge Replacement contract to LH North Ltd – $5,575,000 + HST
• Resolution to shorten the 30‑day budget amendment period
• 2026 budget proposal includes a 2 % property tax increase
• By‑law to appoint Lottery Licensing Officers
• By‑law to enter into an agreement with non‑union employees

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee‑of‑Whole will consider two key actions: approving By‑Law 14‑26 to appoint new Lottery Licensing Officers, and awarding the MacKenzie Avenue Bridge replacement tender to LH North Ltd. The bridge project is budgeted at $5,575,000 plus HST and is funded from a $5.4 million allocation in the draft 2026 budget. Additional items include discussion of the 2026 budget, a proposal to change the town’s time zone by Councillor Martin, and other routine business.

• Approve By‑Law 14‑26 to appoint Lottery Licensing Officers
• Award MacKenzie Avenue Bridge replacement contract to LH North Ltd. ($5,575,000 + HST)
• Discuss 2026 municipal budget (including $5.4 M for bridge project)
• Consider Atikokan time‑change proposal by Councillor Martin
• Review other routine agenda items (delegations, reports, other business)

Regular Council

Council will meet to decide on the award for the MacKenzie Avenue Bridge Replacement. The body will also consider by-laws regarding lottery licensing officers and a non-union agreement.

• Award for MacKenzie Avenue Bridge Replacement
• By-Law No. 14-26: Appoint Lottery Licensing Officers
• By-Law No. 15-26: Non-Union Agreement

Special Council

The Special Council will discuss the Town of Atikokan's 2026 preliminary budget, which totals $29,356,890, an increase of $7,324,534 over the prior year. The budget follows the mayor's direction to keep the tax increase at or below a 2% cap, with the municipal levy set to rise 1.63% ($148,484). Council members can either accept the draft budget or propose revisions.

• Total preliminary budget $29,356,890, a $7,324,534 increase over last year
• Municipal levy increase of 1.63% ($148,484), staying under the 2% tax increase limit
• Capital projects include Mackenzie Bridge replacement ($5,500,000) and Road improvements ($3,460,000) for ICIP, crack seal, and street scan
• Water Treatment Plant upgrades ($275,000) and Sewer Main work ($1,600,000) funded in the capital budget
• Agenda options: accept the draft preliminary budget or propose revisions

Atikokan OPP Detachment Board

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider extending Ms. Rosalie Evans as an Integrity Commissioner and appointing Mr. Reese Little and Mr. Robin Dunn to five‑year terms, with no retainer fee. Separate by‑laws for these appointments will be presented. The meeting also includes reports on finance (budget timelines, temporary borrowing, interim tax levy), public works projects such as the MacKenzie Bridge tender, and a fire protection grant.

• Integrity Commissioner agreements – extend Ms. Evans, appoint Little and Dunn for five‑year terms, no fee
• Closed Meeting Investigator agreements – retain Ms. Evans, appoint Little and Dunn for five‑year terms, no fee
• Finance reports – budget timelines, temporary borrowing, interim tax levy
• Public Works – MacKenzie Bridge tender closed Jan 21, recommendation to Council
• Fire & Property – discussion of fire protection grant

Regular Council

Council will decide on new water and sewer rates, an interim tax levy, and temporary borrowing. The meeting includes approving agreements for an Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator.

• By-Law No. 03-26: Water & Sewer Rates (proposed 4.5% increase)
• By-Law No. 05-26: Interim Tax Levy
• By-Law No. 13-26: Ministry of Transportation Pothole Prevention & Repair Program agreement
• By-Law No. 12-26: Solicitor General Fire Protection Grant agreement
• Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator agreements for Reese Little, Robin Dunn, and Rosalie Evans

Committee-of-the-Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review and decide on the 2026 water and wastewater rates for Atikokan. A recommendation is to raise the residential rate by $50 per year, a 4.5% increase expected to generate about $78,685 in additional revenue. The meeting will also include reports from administration, finance, public works, fire, and community services, as well as discussion of economic development and other business such as the upcoming NOMA AGM.

• Proposed $50/year increase to residential water and wastewater rates (4.5% rise) generating approx $78,685 revenue
• Presentation of 2026 water and wastewater rate tables showing water $660 and sewer $440 per category with monthly increases of $4.17 and $3.33 respectively
• Review of financial statements for the period ending December 31, 2025, including revenues, expenditures, and surplus/deficit
• Committee reports from Administration & Employee Relations, Finance, Public Works, Fire & Property, and Community Services
• Other Business item: NOMA AGM scheduled for April 22‑24, 2026

Regular Council

The Town of Atikokan Council will vote on By‑Law No. 01‑26 to permit alternate voting methods (internet and telephone) for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. A second by‑law, No. 02‑26, covering an agreement with Simply Voting Inc., will also be considered. The agenda includes routine approvals of previous meeting minutes, departmental reports, and supplementary committee updates. An in‑camera session will address a personal matter involving an identifiable individual and a non‑union labour agreement.

• By‑Law No. 01‑26 – alternate voting method (internet & telephone) – resolution
• By‑Law No. 02‑26 – agreement with Simply Voting Inc. – resolution
• Approval of agenda – resolution
• Approval of Committee‑of‑the‑Whole and Council minutes from November 24, 2025 – resolutions
• In‑camera discussion: identifiable individual matter and non‑union labour agreement