The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board Announces Approval of 2021 Budget
December 21, 2020 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) approved the 2021 budget, totalling $103,127,100, at the December Board meeting. The 2021 Operating Budget, totals $99,282,100, an increase of 1.4% from 2020. In addition, $3,845,000 in Capital expenditures have been included for 2021. The impact to the Municipal and Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) Levy would be an increase of 0.8%, with the apportionment calculated using weighted assessment.
There are Provincial policy decisions regarding cost sharing that will have an impact on the 2021 levy,” says Lucy Kloosterhuis, Board Chair. “The municipal representatives on our Board have expressed their appreciation and support of Administration’s efforts to keep the levy increase as low as possible under the circumstances.” The Board is comprised of 14 members, with 13 appointed from municipal councils and 1 elected from TWOMO unincorporated territories. Most of the operating budget (64%) is allocated to external transfer payments for individuals, families, and funded agencies. External funding is provided for social services consistent with TBDSSAB’s legislated service requirements through Ontario Works, Child Care and EarlyON services, Community Housing, and the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative. The remainder will go toward program administration, personnel services, and repayment of long-term debts such as mortgages for direct-owned housing properties.
The TBDSSAB employs more than 160 people who work in the delivery and administration of provincially mandated programs and services. Through these programs, the TBDSSAB funds 4,020 units of affordable housing, more than 150 portable housing benefits, 46 child care centres with enrollment of 2,611 children, 26 EarlyON programs with more than 1,100 unique children served and more than 30,000 visits last year, and provides funding to 28 (includes SSRF, CHPI, CHPI Food Security) organizations with homelessness prevention initiatives.
Direct support is also provided to individuals and families in the District through 900 child care fee subsidies, 2,800 Ontario Works recipients, and approximately 5,000 people living in 2,500 directly operated housing units. “The TBDSSAB has remained open to our communities throughout the challenges of 2020 and will continue to be available to those who need essential social services in 2021,” says Bill Bradica, CAO. “With the approved 2021 budget, we can continue supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and organizations in our District.”
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) was established by the Province of Ontario under the DSSAB Act in 1999 and is the service system manager for Child Care and Early Years programs, Community Housing, the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative and Ontario Works for the District of Thunder Bay. Visit the TBDSSAB website for more information at www.tbdssab.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Carole Lem, Communications & Engagement Officer, 807-766-4219, media@tbdssab.ca