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While attending the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in London, Ont., Mayor Christa Lowry advocated for Mississippi Mills and a fair and equitable tax system.
During a session with Provincial Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday, August 22, Mayor Lowry was one of 19 representatives to pose a question. She stood to ask Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy why the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC) reassessment was not being prioritized and is delayed yet again. The last assessment was completed in 2016. Recently, Municipalities received notice from MPAC indicating the Ontario government filed to extend the current assessment cycle and the valuation date of January 1, 2016, through to the end of the 2024 taxation year.
Mayor Lowry’s question: “We can all understand the pause for the 2020 reassessment during the height of the pandemic. But a well functioning, up-to-date assessment system is the foundation of the municipal tax system. And provides needed stability and predictability for both municipalities and taxpayers. Can you explain why the reassessment has been delayed once again and why this review for accuracy and fairness has not been a priority before now?”
Minister Bethlenfalvy said he is committed to conducting a thorough review of the reassessment process and stakeholder consultation to ensure a process that is sustainable for the long term.
“Many people are feeling the pinch right now and predictability and stability is a priority for many,” he said. “That is why, given that it’s been some time, through no fault of anybody, we want to take the time to consult with you, consult with AMO, consult with all 444 Municipalities, to get it right.”
“I think another thing that’s really important as part of those consultations that will happen, we want to ensure that the system not only is fair and competitive, but we want to make sure that Municipalities like yours have access to modernized administration tools to enhance data transparency and equity of assessments.”
MPAC assessments are completed every four years and the Municipality will be eight years behind if the Province completes the assessment in 2024. As background, reassessment does not change the overall amount of taxes collected by the Municipality, but it does have an affect on the ratios between residential, commercial, and industrial rates. Ontario is one of the few provinces who do not reassess annually. Regular reassessment provides fairness to taxpayers and integrity of the system.
The Conference concludes today, Wednesday, August 23.
