The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is excited to announce the launch of the Community Choice Project Fund, a new participatory budgeting pilot giving residents the chance to decide how to spend $20,000 of municipal funds on local projects in 2026.
Funded through the Municipal portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), this initiative is about trust, transparency, and empowering residents to shape Sioux Lookout’s future by choosing the projects that matter most.
How It Works
- Step 1: Idea Collection (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2025)
Residents submit ideas for projects that will benefit the community. Municipal staff will be available by appointment or at two open house sessions to help develop applications and guide feasible proposals. - Step 2: Proposal Development (Nov. 2025)
Staff review and evaluate submissions for eligibility. - Step 3: Community Voting (Nov. 2025)
A three-week voting period will allow residents to vote on eligible projects by providing their full name and age. - Step 4: Results & Implementation (Dec. 2025 – Jan. 2026)
Results will be compiled and reviewed in December. The winning project will be presented to Council in January 2026 for approval and implementation.
Project Eligibility
To move forward, projects must:
- Cost no more than $20,000 (all-inclusive) with no ongoing unfunded costs.
- 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 clear public benefit, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
- Align with at least one municipal guiding document (Official Plan, Strategic Plan, or Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan).
- Identify any outside contributions (funding, labour, materials) with written confirmation.
Only projects meeting these requirements will advance to the community vote. Full eligibility criteria and the application form will be available on the Municipal website starting Monday, September 29, 2025.
According to the 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey, 83% of Sioux Lookout residents want their input to influence community decision-making, yet fewer than 40% feel they have enough opportunities to provide input. This project responds directly to that feedback, building trust and creating new ways for residents, including youth and underrepresented groups, to engage with local government.
For more information, please contact:
Jen Esposito, Manager of Strategic Initiatives
807-737-2700 ext. 9005 or [email protected]