The Township of Fauquier-Strickland Council announced that it will be forced to temporarily cease all municipal services effective August 1, 2025, due to an ongoing financial crisis that has accumulated more than $2.5 million in operating deficits over the past decade.

Despite ongoing requests for provincial intervention made to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing no concrete assistance or direction has been provided. A letter sent to Minister Robert Flack on July 2, 2025, requesting immediate ministerial intervention has received no substantive response.

This represents the most difficult decision Council has ever had to make. The municipality has exhausted every option available, including significant service cuts and staff layoffs. The alternative was to impose a property tax increase of 190-230% on residents, which would have tripled most tax bills and potentially forced families from their homes.

The financial crisis stems from accumulated operating deficits that have completely depleted all operating and reserve funds. The municipality has been operating with zero cash reserves for over a year, relying heavily on credit to fund ongoing operations. In 2024, property taxes were increased by 26% in an effort to address the growing problem.

All municipal employees will be laid off as of August 1, representing a significant loss for a community where the municipality is the largest local employer and one of the only sources of summer student employment.

Regional Implications

After decades of population decline, the region has finally begun to attract new families seeking affordable housing and employment opportunities in the resource sector. The temporary cessation of municipal services sends concerning signals about the viability of northern Ontario communities and could undermine years of progress in regional development.

The municipality has reached out to neighboring communities for support in advocating for provincial intervention, recognizing that the precedent set by this crisis could impact small municipalities throughout the Highway 11 corridor.

The Township is requesting immediate ministerial intervention including appointment of a municipal supervisor or administrator, and emergency financial assistance.