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A new report is now available to support municipalities in their evaluation and potential use of the optional small business subclass.
The purpose of the report is to share approaches on developing, implementing and managing this new property tax policy tool. The report itself does not advocate for or against the use of the subclass.
“Our group is really proud of the work we achieved together to provide municipalities with an objective summary of different policy directions available to them for small businesses, which can support them in considering whether to implement the new optional subclass,” says Chris Rickett, Director, Municipal & Stakeholder Relations, MPAC.
“While we anticipate that only a small number of municipalities will implement the subclass, this is still a valuable resource for the sector and a great example of collaboration,” adds Rickett. “If a municipality does want to implement the subclass, MPAC is here to support them by providing property data to inform the creation of their small business subclass definition.”
The report was developed by a working group brought together to discuss local policy objectives and share timely feedback and guidance on if and how to design local programs. The group convened by MPAC included representatives from:
- Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO)
- Municipal Finance Officers’ Association (MFOA)
- Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Administrators (OMTRA)
- Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA)
- Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA)
- Representatives from Ontario municipalities
In addition, MPAC sent an online survey to Finance and Economic Development staff across all 444 Ontario municipalities to inform the group’s work.
To learn more, download the report or view the municipal webinar that was held on September 24.
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