April 2021
MPAC 2021 Q1 State of the Business
At MPAC, we experienced many challenges as an organization, as individuals and as a part of a larger society. We learned to live with restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately, save lives. Despite these challenges, we have seen signs of hope with the development and deployment of multiple vaccines and inspiration from businesses and organizations who have stepped up like never before to support their employees and their communities. 

MPAC’s 2020 Annual Report
is now available!

In a challenging year, we came together to provide vital data and insights on Ontario’s changing property landscape.
 
For an overview of our operational and financial performance over the last year, view our new digital publication.
2021 Property Income and Expense Return Campaign
While the province-wide Assessment Update continues to be postponed, our work to monitor the market and maintain an up-to-date property database continues. One of the ways we keep property data current is through our Assessment Information Request Program, through which we obtain information about individual properties and insights on property sectors. As part of that program, our 2021 Property Income and Expense Return (PIER) campaign will kick off next month.
 
Starting May 14, MPAC will mail request letters to property owners, asking that income and expense information be submitted through the online portal by Friday, July 16.
 
This year, we are also asking property owners specific questions about the impacts of COVID-19 on various operating expenses. This important information contributes to our analysis of the market and helps better inform our understanding of how COVID-19 is affecting property sectors.
 
Helpful resources to support property owners submit their returns are available on mpac.ca. Thank you to all who submit and assist our assessors establish quality, traceable assessments.
 
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our PIER program please contact industry@mpac.ca.
How MPAC is Responding to Requests for Tax Relief
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economic activity, some property owners and their representatives are exploring available options for tax relief, including by filing a municipal tax application or Request for Reconsideration.
 
Here is what you need to know about how MPAC is responding to these requests for the 2020 and 2021 property tax years.

Municipal Tax Applications
 
In situations where a building withstands damage by fire, demolition or otherwise that renders it substantially unusable, a property owner may file an application with their municipality to cancel, reduce or refund property taxes based on specific criteria in accordance with Section 357(1)(d)(ii) of the Municipal Act.
 
MPAC’s role in the municipal tax application process is to provide factual information to the municipality to assist the decision-maker in determining whether a tax refund, cancellation or reduction is warranted.

In the case of tax applications citing COVID-19, MPAC will review applications provided by municipalities and determine whether any information exists demonstrating there was physical damage to a building on the land during the applicable taxation year. Where MPAC has no record of any physical damage to a building, MPAC will provide the current value assessment as returned for the subject property for the 2020 and 2021 tax years.
 
Any influence the COVID‐19 pandemic may have on property values was not in effect on January 1, 2016 – the current legislated valuation date. For that reason, MPAC will not adjust a property’s current value assessment as a result of COVID-19.
Requests for Reconsideration Citing COVID-19
Every property owner has the option to file a Request for Reconsideration (RfR) for every taxation year, if they disagree with their property assessment or classification. MPAC reviews and responds to every RfR it receives.
 
However, any influence the COVID-19 pandemic may have on property values was not in effect on January 1, 2016 - the current legislated valuation date. For that reason, RfRs that exclusively cite COVID-19 will not result in a value change for the 2021 and 2022 property tax years.
Upcoming webinar
MPAC Central Processing Facility - Update on Addressing, Severances and Consolidations

This month’s webinar is targeted at municipal staff who regularly submit information updates to MPAC that assist in changing the assessment roll for Ontario’s ratepayers. Join subject matter experts, Robert Warnes and Jason McLaughlin, Managers with MPAC’s Central Processing Facility, to learn more about:
 
  • Preliminary service level trends for 2021 for building permits, condominium growth, and severances;
  • How to leverage the new mailing and municipal addressing template and standard template guide;
  • How to work with MPAC’s Central Processing Facility to process requests to combine or divide parcels of land;
  • Identifying an unmapped parcel and how they are being fixed.

As always there will be time for your questions.
Date: Thursday, May 6
Time: 1 to 2 p.m. EDT
If you missed last month's webinar on How MPAC Assesses Farm Properties, you can watch it here.
 
View the schedule of upcoming municipal webinars on mpac.ca and view recordings of all past webinars on our YouTube channel.
Our recent rollout of the new Municipal Connect focused on improving the municipal experience for all users. Over the course of seven weeks, 444 municipalities were transitioned to the new system – but not without the dedication of both MPAC employees and feedback from municipal users to ensure that product quality and support were upheld during the move.
 
MPAC leveraged a municipal working group that supported the development of the new Municipal Connect and new user experience to ensure municipal needs were met. “The user experience related to the changeover and new Municipal Connect experience was a paramount concern for us”, says Janet Rombis, Municipal Product Manager at MPAC.
 
Debbie Brennan, Property Tax & Assessment Analyst, City of Kingston, noted that “MPAC is really listening and working hard to meet our needs.” The municipal working group will continue to contribute to making the next phases of the Municipal Connect rollout meaningful to municipal users.
 
We extend our thanks to all municipalities for embracing the new Municipal Connect and for their cooperation and collaboration in the transition.

Do you have a great story about our partnerships in action? Share it with us.