Community Choice Project Fund

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is launching the Community Choice Project Fund, a new participatory budgeting pilot. This program gives residents the opportunity to directly decide how $20,000 of municipal funds will be spent on a community project in 2026.

Funded through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), this initiative is about trust, transparency, and giving residents a greater voice in shaping Sioux Lookout’s future.

Step 1: Idea Collection (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2025)

• Residents submit project ideas using the application form. 
• Municipal staff are available to help:
  • By appointment
  • At two open house sessions:
    • October 8, 2025 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Recreation Centre
    • October 22, 2025 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Recreation Centre

Step 2: Proposal Development (Nov. 2025)

• Staff review submissions for eligibility.

Step 3: Community Voting (Nov. 2025)

• All residents will have the chance to vote for eligible projects during a three-week period.
• Voters must provide their full name and age.

Step 4: Results & Implementation (Dec. 2025 – Jan. 2026)

• Results will be compiled in December.
• The winning project will be presented to Council in January 2026 for approval and implementation by December 2026.

To be considered, projects must:

• Cost no more than $20,000 (all costs included) with no ongoing unfunded costs or maintenance.
• Be under Municipal jurisdiction, take place on Municipal property, and not duplicate existing services.
• Be achievable by December 15, 2026, with required permits/approvals attainable.
• Provide a clear public benefit, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
• Align with at least one Municipal guiding document:
  • Sioux Lookout Official Plan
  • Sioux Lookout 2020-2025 Strategic Plan
  • Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan
• Identify any outside contributions (funding, labour, materials) with written confirmation.

Only projects that meet these requirements will move forward to the community voting stage. Staff will document the rationale for eligibility to ensure accountability.

For the full evaluation process, please see the Feasibility Evaluation Checklist on the application form.

• Email the completed application form to [email protected]. 
• Review the Eligibility Checklist on the application form before submitting.
• Submit your completed application by October 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office, 25 Fifth Avenue, Sioux Lookout, ON.

Contact Jennifer Esposito, Manager of Strategic Initiatives
807-737-2700 ext. 9005
[email protected]