Sioux Lookout Community Choice Project Fund voting opens

Tim Brody - Editor

“In September, the Municipality of Sioux Lookout launched the Community Choice Project Fund, a new participatory budgeting pilot that allows residents to help decide how $20,000 of municipal funds will be spent on local projects in 2025.”
Funded through the Municipal portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), the Municipality says the initiative, “promotes trust, transparency, and resident involvement” by letting the community choose the projects that matter most. 
The idea collection phase ran from September 29 through October 31, with staff reviewing submissions and assessing their eligibility through early November. 
At the end of the idea collection and proposal development phases, two projects met all eligibility criteria and now Sioux Lookout residents have until Dec. 5 to vote on which of the two projects should be presented to Council in January for approval and implementation.
The two projects are:
Project #1: Waterfront Programming and Supervision - This proposal introduces aquatic programming and supervised swimming at Town Beach throughout summer. It would support learn-to-swim lessons, swim-to-survive, aquafit, open-water lane swimming, and supervised recreational swimming. Families currently travel to Dryden for these opportunities, and this project would enhance safety, recreation, and youth employment while supporting healthy, active living. Budget: $20,000.00 
Project #2: Community Art - This project proposes a 10 ft by 32 ft mural on the Recreation Centre, created by Lac Seul artist Storm Angeconeb. The artwork—eight vinyl panels on aluminum composite material—would celebrate Indigenous art, create a more welcoming entrance, and support future community art initiatives. Materials are durable and low-maintenance, and the installation will be illuminated. Budget: $14,032.34 
From November 17 to December 5, Sioux Lookout residents can vote on which project should be presented to Council in January for approval and implementation. People can cast their vote by visiting https://slkt.me/47G5OYF.