City Hall (some snow)

Mayor Al McDonald says there were plenty of highlights in 2015 for the City of North Bay.

They include building permits outpacing the projection and the partnership with Baylor University.

He also say Porter Airlines arrived in North Bay this year.

Challenges for the city included the lockout at the ONTC, Nipissing strike, job losses at the hospital and Bombardier and the downturn continues in the mining sector.

Meantime, water meters were a big issue for residents this year.

In terms of looking ahead to 2016, McDonald says the budget should be passed early in the new year with the lowest tax increase in 16 years. But, that’s not all.

McDonald also expects council to continue with their special review committees to look at specific areas of the city, in their budget and how they do business at City Hall.