Tuesday, May 6, 2025
By Erik Schomann
Tiny Township, nestled between rolling farmland and the serene beaches of southern Georgian Bay, is facing a financial crisis that threatens its future. A proposed $28 million municipal administrative centre has sparked widespread concern among residents, who fear it will burden them with unnecessary debt and long-term financial strain. What began as a routine infrastructure project has quickly become a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement and disregard for public input.
The project, currently lacking adequate funding, will force the township to borrow the entire $28 million. With interest, the total cost could reach $50 million—an extraordinary sum for a small community. Property taxes in Tiny have already risen by 26 per cent over the past three years, affecting seniors on fixed incomes and young families. This new debt has yet to be accounted for, and with inflationary pressures and uncertain U.S. tariffs, the timing could not be worse.
The problem lies not only in the financial cost but also in the council’s approach. Instead of considering fiscal realities, the council has pushed ahead, ignoring calls for a more affordable, scaled-back alternative. The Stop the Build campaign, led by concerned residents, advocates for cost-effective solutions, but their concerns have been met with a lack of engagement and transparency. This is a missed opportunity for dialogue and collaboration that could have resulted in a solution better reflecting the community’s needs.
For municipal leaders, financial responsibility should be at the core of decision-making. Responsible governance balances infrastructure projects with the municipality’s long-term financial health. It’s not enough to focus solely on short-term construction costs; the full scope must include ongoing debt servicing, potential economic downturns, and residents’ well-being. The current trajectory, driven by political urgency rather than financial pragmatism, is deeply concerning.
Beyond immediate costs, hidden financial risks could worsen the situation. If the project proceeds without proper public consultation, it could lead to legal challenges, incurring significant costs. Lawsuits from residents or advocacy groups could result in settlements and erode public trust. The absence of a clear public mandate, coupled with the project’s hurried nature, could lead to costly delays, unforeseen complications, and premium costs for rushed services.
Environmental concerns further complicate the issue. The selected site lies within an ecosystem supporting one of only two locations in Canada with Ice Age grass—an endangered species listed on both federally and provincially Species at Risk. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is monitoring compliance, but the township is aware and is meeting only minimal standards. Any failure to comply could result in fines, inflating costs further. Preserving this species should be a priority for any environmentally conscious community, yet the council’s focus on the new building overshadows the need to protect Tiny’s unique ecological heritage.
To underscore growing resistance, a petition with nearly 7,800 signatures calling for a referendum was delivered to the Ontario legislature before the winter break. In response, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra noted that the township could hold a by-election and urged continued dialogue with citizens. The council downplayed these recommendations and ignored follow-up overtures, highlighting the deep disconnect between elected officials and the people they serve.
Tiny’s problems are not unique—many Canadian municipalities suffer from financial irresponsibility by elected officials. But what is unique about Tiny is the organization, determination, and resistance of its residents. The people here do not sit idly by when decisions threaten their community. They have a legacy of standing up for what is right and are doing so once again.
The residents of Tiny Township are not asking for drastic changes. They are asking for the council to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to listen. The current proposal, as it stands, is neither affordable nor in the best interest of the community. It is time for the council to reconsider its approach, take a step back, and engage with the public in a meaningful way. In the long run, the cost of ignoring the concerns of residents will far exceed the cost of any building project. Tiny Township must build a future that is sustainable, affordable, and rooted in the principles of democratic governance.
Erik Schomann is secretary, Tiny Township Residents’ Allicance.
[This article appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of ReNew Canada.]
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