2006/04/10
Council Information
*for period ended April 10, 2006*
*Municipal*
1. City Employee Social Night, Thursday, April 27th @ 6:00 p.m., Old Stone Inn
2. Passage of Zoning By-law, Deerfield Estates
3. Passage of Zoning By-law, Canadian Niagara Hotels Waterpark
4. Zoning By-law Amendment Notice, 4733 Zimmerman
5. Niagara Health System Community Forum
*Provinciall A.M.O!
1. Ombudsman Report! MPAC
2. Throne Speech
3. Provincial Budget
4. Land Ambulance Services
5. Energy Matters Conference Highlights
6. New Fine Ranges for Speeding
*Regional*
1. Council Highlights
2. Pandemic Influenza Planning Session, May 16th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Club
Italia
3. Public Policy and Affordable Market Housing
4. Wainfleet re: Niagara Region Courts Intermunicipal Agreement
5. Solar Drying Pilot Facility
'---'-'-,y-- I; -.-.-..--
*Resolutions*
1. TVN Niagara
2. Proposed Clean Water Act
3. Farming
4. Physician Shortage
5. Water and Wastewater Strategy
*Miscellaneous*
1. 2006 Central Ontario Municipal Conference
2. 53'd Annual Ontario Small Municipalities Conference
3. Cancer Daffodil Tea, April 20th @ 11 :00 a.m.
...--------or- ;, --~--
Ot~ &tfo?~~&f J cfoe;allV~~t
Guests of Honour Tickets $25 each
Retirees Available from:
D'Arcy Cropp, John Blodgett, Sharon Fretz, City Hall
John Vandenberg, AI Judge, Holly Pemberton, City Hall
Fay Starostic, Vincenzo CoJacelli Geri Fazakas, Service Centre
40 Years of Service Frank Galella, Service Centre
Lynn Molloy Debi Dobbin, Service Centre
Dolores Shwedyk, Parks & Rec
35 Years of Service Lisa Savoie, Fire Services
Bruce Johnson, Don Jones, Colin Ruddell,
Robert Bevington Dinner Menu:
Fresh baked bread & butter
30 Years of Service Mixed green salad
Dave Arnott, AI OJeksuik, Ron Wreggitt, Choice of
Bruce Dale, Michael Dowd, . Crispy Skinned Chicken
Frank Galella, Bill Clark, Harry Waters, or
David Leonard, Gary Rodgers . Thyme Seared Salmon
or
25 Years of Service . Roast Pork Loin
Tom McCabe, Dan Molloy, Wayne Willett, Potato and vegetable
Doug Darbyson, Brian Collinson, Chef's dessert of the day
Lou Usi, Tony Ruscitti, Brian Jacobi, Tea and coffee
Frank Maiolo, Barry Smith
Make your entree selection when
you purchase your ticket!!
Old Stone Inn
Thursday, April 27, 2006 5425 Robinson Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
~ Cocktails @ 6:00 pm
NiagaraFffl'os. Dinner @ 6:30 pm
Awards Presentation Following Dinner
II dil
PLANNING ACT
~
NOTICE AND EXPLANATORY NOTE OF THE PASSING OF
ZONING BY-LAW NO. 2006-56
CITY FILE: AM-27/2005
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls passed By-law No. 2006-
56 on the 20th day of March, 2006, under Section 34 of The Planning Act.
The purpose of By-law No. 2006-56 is to change the zoning of the land located on the west side of
Kalar Road, south of Lundy's Lane, east of Garner Road and on the north side of the hydro
corridor, from the Development Holding (DH) zone to a Residential Single Family IE Density (R1E)
zone, a site specific Residential Mixed (R3-743) zone, a site specific Residential Low Density,
Grouped Multiple Dwellings (R4-744) zone, an Institutional (I) zone, a site specific Environmental
Protection Area (EPA-745) zone and an Open Space (OS) zone. The by-law will guide the
development of the Deerfield Estates draft plan of subdivision (File: 26T-1l-2005-03 Revised).
Please refer to the map on the back of this notice to locate the subject lands.
By-law No. 2006-56 is in conformity with the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan and is not the
subject of an amendment to the Official Plan.
AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect
of the by-law by filing with the Clerk of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls not later than the
11th day of April, 2006, a Notice of Appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in
support of the objection, together with the Ontario Municipal Board filing fee of$125.oo in the form of
a certified cheque or money order, made payable to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The Planning Act provides that only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a
Zoning By-law to the Ontario Municipal Board. A Notice of Appeal may not be filed by an
unincorporated association or group. However, a Notice of Appeal may be filed in the name of the
individual who is a member of the association or the group on their behalf.
Notice of Appeal, including the filing fee, must be submitted by the date set out above in order to
constitute a valid Appeal. Failure to submit a complete Notice of Appeal or the fee of $125.00 or
both, on or before the date set out above will result in an incomplete Appeal application and will
not be processed further.
A copy of the by-law is available in Planning and Development, City Hall, between the hours of8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., if you wish to review it.
Dated at the City of Niagara Falls this 22nd day of March, 2006.
/J.Uv, ~.~
Alex Herlovitch
Deputy Director of Planning & Development for the City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
S,IZONlNGIAMS\2005IAm-27\BYLA WP AS.NOT.wpd
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SCHEDULE 1 TO BY-LAW No. 2006-56
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HYDRO CORRIDOR 1'l(l.66m
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Amending Zoning By-law No. 79-200
Description: Part of Township Lots 150 and 155,
in the former Township of Stamford, N
now in the City of Niagara Falls, ~
in the Regional Municipality of Niagara
5
Applicant: River Realty Development (1976) Inc. I:NTS
AM-27/2005
K: \GIS_Requesls\2005\Schedules\ZoningAM\AM- 27\mapping.map March 2006
PLANNING ACT
NOTICE AND EXPLANATORY NOTE OF THE PASSING OF
ZONING BY-LAW NO. 2006-62
CITY FILE: AM-03/2006
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls passed By-law No.
2006-62 on the 20th day of March, 2006, under Section 34 of The Planning Act.
The purpose of By-law No. 2006-62 is to amend the schedules of By-law No. 2005-85 for the
lands at the northwest corner of Bender Street and Falls Avenue. The by-law will permit an
increased building envelope and height for an enclosed water park and an enclosed pedestrian
walkway. Please see the map on the back of this notice to locate the subject property.
By-law No. 2006-62 is in conformity with the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan and is not the subject
of an amendment to the Official Plan.
AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board in respect
of the by-law by filing with the Clerk of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls not later than
the 13th day of April, 2006, a Notice of Appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons
in support of the objection, together with the Ontario Municipal Board filing fee of$125.00 in the form
of a certified cheque or money order, made payable to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The Planning Act provides that only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a
Zoning By-law to the Ontario Municipal Board. A Notice of Appeal may not be filed by an
unincorporated association or group. However, a Notice of Appeal may be filed in the name of
the individual who is a member of the association or the group on their behalf.
Notice of Appeal, including the filing fee, must be submitted by the date set out above in order
to constitute a valid Appeal. Failure to submit a complete Notice of Appeal or the fee of$125.00
or both, on or before the date set out above will result in an incomplete Appeal application and
will not be processed further.
A copy ofthe by-law is available in Planning and Development, City Hall, between the hours of 8:30
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., if you wish to review it.
Dated at the City of Niagara Falls this 24th day of March, 2006.
/V>>L J 1 J1Y'\-J
Alex Herlovitch
Deputy Director of Planning & Development for the City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
S:\ZONlNG\AMS\2006\Am-03\BYLA WPAS.NOT,wpd
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SCHEDULE 1
LOCATION MAP
Subject Land~
Amending Zoning By-law Nos. 79-200 and 5335, 1955
N
Location: 4608 Bender St. Applicant: 1032514 Ontario Limited ~
1006092 Ontario Limited
4800 Bender St. Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc.
5685 Palls Ave.
Maple Leaf Entertainment Inc.
5705 Palls Ave. s
4915 Clifton Hill
I:NTS
AM-03/2006
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.-
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
CITY FILE: AM-07/2006
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLANNING ACT
You are invited to attend a public meeting where City Council will consider an application to
amend Zoning By-law No. 79-200. The meeting will be held on:
Monday, April 24, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 4310 Queen Street.
The amendment is requested for two properties known as 4733 Zimmerman Avenue and 4228
Huron Street, as shown on Schedule 1. The applicant proposes to use the dwelling on each
property as a cottage rental dwelling (rented to tourists for accommodation on a daily or
weekly basis). Refer to Schedule 2 for the details of the development.
The lands are currently zoned Deferred Commercial (DC). The lands are requested to be rezoned
to a site specific Residential Single Family and Two Family (R2) zone to permit the two dwellings
on the lands to be used as cottage rental dwellings.
The meeting is being held to inform you about the application and to provide you with an
opportunity to express your views. Your comments may be given verbally or as a written
submission. Written comments should be submitted to the Director of Planning and
Development, City Hall, 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6X5 prior to April
11,2006. Please refer to City File AM-07/2006.
The comments you provide, as well as the report of City staff, will help Council make a decision
on the application. Council may ask for revisions to the proposal or attach conditions to its
decision. If you wish to be notified of the adoption ofthe proposed amendment you must make a
written request to the Director of Planning & Development.
If you disagree with Council's decision on the application, you can appeal it to the Ontario
Municipal Board (O.M.B.). However, under the terms of Ontario's Planning Act, if you have not
expressed your views at the public meeting or sent in your written comments before the proposed
zoning by-law is adopted, the O.M.B. may dismiss all or part of your appeal.
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NIAGARA HEALTH SYSTEM CORPORATE SERVICES
SYSTEME DE SANTE DE NIAGARA 155 Ontario Street
St. Catharines, ON L2R 5K3
TOGETHER IN EXCELLENCE-LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE Tel: 9053784647
Fax: 905 323 3800
www.nlagarahealth.on.C8
March 27, 2006 ~
~
Mr. Dean lorfida, City Clerk F;;
Corporate Services Department S5i:
(f)
Clerk's Division ~
4310 Queen Street <::.>
P.O, Box 1023 .;...,'
'-'-'
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Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 ,...
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Dear Mr. lorfida: ~~
I am writing in response to your letter of March 21,2006 regarding our community forum.
The community forum is one of a number of strategies in our commitment to ongoing
communication and dialogue with all of our communities in Niagara, We are holding
similar forums across Niagara, through invitation of a cross section of community,
business and volunteer leaders,
With March 29th fast approaching, our desire is not to postpone this date so that we can
initiate dialogue with you community. However, we will certainly consider alternative
times of day for our next round of community forums and we thank you for your feedback
in this regard.
As you are aware, we do host specific information sessions on a quarterly basis for
elected officials, having held our seventh session on February 8, 2006.
Thank you for your support of our community forums and to ongoing dialogue.
Sincerely,
~
Debbie Sevenpifer, CA, CHE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Niagara Health System
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~ Focu. on those o Bring out the best ~ BUlld~ .., Create. ...
. [] [] Use our resources
we serve In eaCh other successful onshlps better way :g: wisely
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Ombudsman
ONTA1UU'S \V,\TU!\)()(;
CIIIFN DE C!\I{[)L HI' L'O.VL\IUO
March 28, 2006
City Clerk
The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls
City Hall, P ,0. Box 1023, 4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5
Re: Ombudsman Report: Getting It Right
Enclosed is my Final Report under s, 11 of the Ombudsman Act, regarding my
investigation into the transparency of the property assessment process and the integrity and
efficiency of decision-making at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
I have also enclosed the responses to my Report received from the Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation and the Minister of Finance.
I am satisfied with the positive commitments made by MP AC and the Minister to
consider and implement my recommendations.
Yours truly,
,
Andre Marin ~
Ombudsman
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Bell Trinity Square ....
483 Boy Street, 10th Floor, South Tower, Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
483, rue Boy, lOe elage, Tour sud, Toronto (Ontario) M5G 2C9
416.586.3300
416.586.3485 1-866.411.4211
www_ombudsmon.oll.ca
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Ni MlnlOl'Y 01 Finance Minister. Lies r:lnal"lces
Office 01 the Mlnistar Bureau du mlnfslr8
-
Ontario
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71' Floor. Frost Building SOL1th -,e etage, Edtfice Frost sud
7 Queen's Patk Crescent 7, Queen's Park CI"9SC9nt
Taranto ON M7 A 1Y7 Toronto ON M7A 1Y7
Telephone: 416325-0400 Tdldpnone: 416325-0400
Faosimile: 416325-0374 Tdlecopieur: 416325-0374
March 22, 2006
Mr. Andre Marin
Ombudsman of Ontario
Bell Trinity Square
483 Bay Stree.t
10th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C9
Dear Mr, Marin:
Thank you for providing us with a copy of your report entitled "Getting It Righf' - Final
Report on the Investigation Into the Transparency of the Property Assessment Process and
the Integrity and Efficiency of Decision-Making at the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation (MPAC).
Ministry of Finance officials have completed a thorough review of the report and have taken
careful note of the commentary and detailed list of recommendations stemming from your
investigation.
While most of the recommendations in the report deal with Internal processes and
procedures at MPAC, we have identified the following two recommendations which propose
specific actions on the part of the Province:
~ Recommendation 8 - Undertake a review of whether the public interest is better
served by permitting MPAC to maintain confidentiality over its intellectual products or
by requiring full disclosure of property assessment methodology to taxpayers.
~ Recommendation 21 - Place the onus of proof on MPAC (rather than the taxpayer)
to substantiate the correctness of assessments upon appeals to the Assessment
Review Board.
We note that a third recommendation which was directed to the Province in the preliminary
version of the report has been removed. Specifically, the former recommendation number
14, which proposed an amendment to subsection 44(2) of the Assessment Act regarding
the degree of emphasis to be placed upon actual sale prices, has not been Included in the
final report.
..Jcont'd
'I 1,1
- 2-
As noted in my previous correspondence, we all share a common goal of maintaining a
property tax system that is transparent and accountable to taxpayers and municipalities,
and we appreciate receiving suggestions for ongoing improvements to this system.
With respect to recommendation 8 of your final report regarding the nature and scope of
assessment information that is made avallable to the public, we agree with your statement
that this is a complex question of public policy. There is a delicate balance to be struck
between the amount of Information that should be made publicly available to maintain
transparency in the tax system, and the need to safeguard the privacy rights of Individuals
as well as the legal and contractual rights of various stakeholders.
We believe it would be helpful to bring clarity to these issues so that all affected parties will
be aware of the rules that govern the disclosure of assessment information. It is our
intention to proceed with consultations on this issue following the public release of your
report. Input will be sought from a variety of stakeholders, including MPAC, Teranet, and
the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
With respect to recommendation 21 of your final report regarding the onus of proof on
assessment appeals, we have noted the proposal to reverse the traditional onus and we
intend to explore this idea further by engaging in consultations with the Ministry of the
Attorney General, the Assessment Review Board, MPAC, and the legal community. We
also Intend to engage In discussions with other jurisdictions, including Manitoba, to learn
from their experiences.
With respect to the 20 recommendations in the report that are directed towards MPAC, the
Ministry of Finance is prepared to work closely with MPAC in its examination of measures
. that may be undertaken to bring about the recommended changes.
Thank you again for your advice on these important issues and for the opportunity to
provide feedback on your report.
Sincerely,
1!!, -
Dwight Duncan
Minister
,
- ~pai'
MUNICIPAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CORPORATION
RECEIVED
March 22, 2006 MAR 2 2 2006
OMBUDSMAN ONTARIO
CORPORATE SERVICES
Mr. Andre Marin
Ombudsm.an
Bell Trinity Square .
483 Bay Street, 10th Floor
South Tower,
Toronto ON MSG 2C9
Dear Mr. Marin:
Thank you for the opporturiity to respond to your final report and recommendations. Ail
mentioned in the Municipal Property Ailsessment Corporation's (MP AC) response to
your preliminary report, we strongly believe that transparency and openness are
fundamental in building trust in the property assessment system.
We note your acknowledgment of MP AC's rigorous quest for improvement and your
comment that the public as a whole remains prepared to support MP AC in this quest.
To this end, we welcome your suggestions for improvement and agree that it is important
to ensure that Ontario taxpayers know more about the system and how their own property
is assessed.
As we requested previously, the full MP AC Board of Directors would like to meet with
you prior to the public release of this report.
We were pleased to provide feedback and comments on the preliminary report and
. appreciate the changes made in the final report. In your final report's 22 remaining
recommendations, there are two that are the responsibility of the Government of Ontario.
Of the 20 that are within our purview; there are 17that we will implement and in several
cases had already begun addressing. There are three reCOIIimendations that will require a
more in-depth review due to the potential impact for significant resource requirements.
We will ensure all recommendations in your report are reviewed by the MP AC Board of
Directors in a timely manner, and provide direction in those matters that will require
funding support or legislative changes.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal ProperlY Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickeriiig. Ontario L1 V 3P2
T: 905,688.0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
'I IJ
Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MP AC's Response to the Final Report Page 2 of21
.
As noted by the Ombudsman in his preliminary report, MP AC's corporate culture is one,
of continuous improvement. As an example, in 2004 the Board of Directors approved a
strategy to improve MP AC's services in four key areas: product quality, service delivery,
productivity and communications. We have made great strides in improvement in these
areas in the last two years.
. We add 80,000 properties annually to the assessment rolls. Since 1998, we have
added more than half a million properties, which is roughly equivalent to the City
of Toronto.
. Weare committed to improving our data. Upon the completion of three years of
negotiation with the Government of Ontario and Teranet Inc., an agreement was
reached wherein MP AC will ,receive electronic transfer of critical Land Registry
docmnents. The benefits we will. derive from this agreement include
improvements in the timeliness and quality of data, as well as the associated
operational efficiencies. Municipalities will also benefit from this agreement
through improved services such as the processing of severances .and
consolidations.
. We responded to increases in the number of properties by adding more than $25
billion of in-year construction assessment to the 2005 municipal rolls.
. We made steady progress in processing building permits to deliver more timely
supplementary and omitted assessments. We also met our target in 2005 to bring
severances and consolidations up to date. For severances and consolidations
where information is complete and accurate, we are meeting our performance
standard of completing severances within 30 days of receipt.
. Our work to build a new relational database to replace our legacy mainframe
system is progressing well. The new Integrated Property System is scheduled to
be fully implemented in late.2006 and will allow us to further improve quality,
speed and accuracy. It will allow usto include additional information on the
Property Assessment Notice and other materials - a capability we did not have in
the past.
. In 2004, staff visited more than 370,000 properties as part of a dedicated
reinspection program. Taking the success of this program one step further, we are
implementing a data integrity project this year. The integrity of our data is critical
to the delivery of accurate assessments.
. Customer service improved in 2005., The time to review taxpayers' concerns
through MP AC's Request for Reconsideration program decreased by haIf. Our
Office of the,Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario LlV 3P2
T: 905,688.0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
.. II
, Mr, Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 3 of21
.
average speed to answer taxpayers' calls into the Customer Contact Centre
decreased from 5.5 minutes to an average of30 seconds in 2005.
. MP AC committed to improving communications with taxpayers. In 2005, we
launched a province-wide outreach program. Additional information was
provided on the Property Assessment Notice; over 600 open houses and
information sessions were held where more than 10,000 property owners attended
to hear about how their assessed values were determined; and we contacted
hundreds of media outlets to ensure reporters had information about the
assessment function and how values are determined. This program was built on
the results of polling with a random sample size of 1,300 Ontario taxpayers, focus
groups, and interviews with over I 00 municip~and government elected
representatives and their staff.
In our response, we have not identified the full cost for implementing the
recommendations. The MPAC Board of Directors, as representatives of municipalities,
businesses and taxpayer groups will need to consult fully with the Government of Ontario
and municipalities to determine how additional costs may be borne by the taxpayer.
As stated in our response to the preliminary report and in our representations with the
Ombudsman, MP AC requested that the report be disclosed to the Assessment Review
Board, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the City of Torortto and Teranet Inc.
prior to its final release. MP AC continues to encourage the Ombudsman to seek
representations from these organizations before the release of your final report.
Response to the recommendations and MP AC's capacity for implementing them
Many of the recommendations of this report are consistent with MP AC's four key
priority areas - product quality, service delivery, productivity and communications - as
identified by the Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors will review all recommendations to ensure we have, through
existing resources and current legislation, the capacity to move faster and further on these
much needed changes. Our current commitments are in the following three areas, and we
will make changes where possible to accommodate further changes:
. delivering on our legislative responsibility to complete the 2006 Assessment Update
for the 2007 taxation year;
Office of the Chair cio Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering P'arl.:way, Pickering, Ontario Ll V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
w,vw .mpac.ca
'I Ir
Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 4 of21
.
. delivering on our legislative responsibility to provide services and products in support
of the November 2006 municipal, and school board elections, including carrying out
our enumeration project; and
. implementing MP AC's Integrated Property System (IPS) including the completion of
development projects which will enable a complete migration from our legacy
mainframe system (OASYS) and the associated decommissioning of our mainframe
operations. The completion of this project will facilitate the implementation of many
of the Ombudsman's recommendations.
We have grouped the final recommendations into three categories:
. Recommendations that are the responsibility of the Government of Ontario;
. Recommendations that require more review prior to implementation; and
. Recommendations that we will implement.
Recommendations that are the responsibility of the Government of Ontario
Recommendation 8: That the Government of Ontario undertake a review of whether the
public interest is better served by permitting the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation to maintain confidentiality over its intellectual products, or by requiring fUll
disclosure of property assessment methodology to Ontario taxpayers.
If the Govermnent of Ontario undertakes such a review, MPAC believes it should be
called upon to make representations, and will be pleased to respond if requested.
Recommendation 21: That the onus in assessment matters be placed on the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation to substantiate its assessments when they are
challenged.
This recommendation will require a legislative change to the Assessment Act and a
change in the practices of the Assessment Review Board, both of which fall under the
purview of the Govermnent of Ontario. If the Government of Ontario undertakes such a
review, we believe MP AC should be called upon to make representations, and will be
pleased to respond if requested. See Addendum for additional infonnation.
Office of the Chair clo Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickering. Ontario L 1 V 3P2
T: 905.688.0990 exten..ion 225 F: 905,831.0040'
www.mpac.ca
II I.!
Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MP AC's Response to the Final Report Page 5 of21
Recommendations that require more review prior to implementation
Recommendation 5: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation provide a
copy of the Property Profile Report relating to the property when it sends out its property
assessment notices,
MP AC agrees with the recommendation.
In 2006, MP AC will undertake a pilot project in one geographic area to help develop
strategies for wider distribution and detennine the additional production costs, as well as
the increased staffing requirements for responding to an anticipated increase in enquiries.
Recommendation 10: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation review its
current Customer Contact Centre practices with a view to ensuring that property owners
gain access to those staff who can most appropriately address their enquiries.
MPAC agrees with the Ombudsman's recommendation that property owners gain access
to staff who can most appropriately address their enquiries.
MPAC has undertaken this review in the past to arrive at our current business and
staffing models in order to address the high volume of enquiries we receive. We
continuously review this model.
The Ombudsman has noted that MP AC has a massive and challenging task in
administering the property assessment system in Ontario. One of the challenges facing
MP AC in early 2000 was how to efficiently and effectively deliver annual assessment
updates to over 4 million property owners and respond to their enquiries in a timely and
appropriate manner.
The need to change the business processes at MP AC to respond to this challenge was the
driver to implementing the Customer Contact Centre. The Centre, like the call centers
established by most large organizatious, provides the first point of contact for all
customers. MP AC's Contact Centre provides level one support to all property owners in
Ontario and handles over 500,000 enquiries on an annual basis.
MP AC's Contact Centre representatives are extremely effective in responding to general
customer enquiries and resolve 92% of all phone enquiries. However, complex customer
enquiries requiring local property knowledge andor in-depth assessment knowledge are
forwarded to the field offices for further action. These enquiries are forwarded via e-mail
and typically customers are contacted within one to two business days.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, pickering. Ontario L1 V 31'2
T: 905,688.0990 exten..ion 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
II 1,1
Mr, Andre Marin March 22. 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 60f21
Requests for Reconsideration and Guidelines for the Release of Assessment Data
(GRAD) requests such as comparable reports are some of the key activities managed by
field office staff. These requests are often detailed in nature and can take weeks or
months to fulfill. These requests are typically the issues that customers want or need to
speak to field office staff about. Service has improved dramatically in these areas over
the course of the last four years. With a combined improvement in the ability of Call
Centre staff to respond to first calls, field office employees have been able to improve
their turn around time for completion of Requests for Reconsideration and Assessment
Review Board appeals.
MP AC encourages walk-in visits at each of our 33 local field offices. During every
assessment update, including 2005, we extended hours to give every opportunity for
taxpayers to have their enquiries addressed.
Recommendation 11: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation undertake a
review of its staffing needs to determine whether staffing strategies can be identified and
pursuedfor improving the accurate collection of property data.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation. However, to address the issue fully, we need to
go further than reviewing staffing strategies. Storage, processing and integration of
attribute and spatial data and the organizational structure to support high quality data
must also be considered.
It is MP AC's practice to continuously strive to improve the accuracy of its data. Just as
accurate property values are the cornerstone of the property tax system, accurate data is
the foundation of accurate values. We have. never lost sight of this important issue nor
the sense of urgency to achieve accuracy of data.
In 2004, we undertook a $2.5 million dedicated reinspection program. Of the 319,022
residential properties that were inspected, 201,795 properties, or 63.3%, resulted in no
data changes. Of the remaining 117,227 properties inspected where a change was
recorded, the total absolute value change was $663.3 million or an absolute average value
change of approximately $5,700, which represents 2% of the average value in the
province ($267,000). The inspection audit conducted in late 2004 indicated a change rate
of 50% after a field inspection. The request to have a recent inspection audit include
similar statistics that were generated in the 2004 reinspection program was to gauge the
significance of the errors in real tenns on the same basis and in no way was there any
attempt to diminish the findings.
This year MP AC has a $1.7 million project for data integrity. Future years' forecasts
have included a similar provision for data integrity, subject to the Board's review and
approval of annual budgets.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickering. Omario Ll V 3P2
T: 905,688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
v.rww .mpac.ca
'I 1.1
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 70f21
.
MP AC has made a number of strategic inves1ments to improve data quality. The
Integrated Property System (IPS) is a multi-million dollar and multi-year project
representing the largest single capital inves1ment to date by MP AC. The primary purpose
of IPS, an enterprise-wide Oracle database platform, is to improve MPAC's handling of
data. The Ontario Assessment System (OASYS), which is currently used by MP AC, is a
25-year-old legacy system incapable of meeting MP AC's business needs from service,
data capture, processing, and reporting perspectives. With the new system in place,
MP AC will be able to store and retrieve data efficiently as well as run new automated
audits that will identify data anomalies. This system has just come out of development
and is being rolled out in a phased implementation this year. As a result of this initiative,
MP AC will no longer be hampered in our ability to systematically and efficiently review
our data.
As noted by the Ombudsman, the valuation model process was prone to errors as
identified by MPAC's internal audits. 'However, the errors identified in the report were
issues that were appropriately corrected before values were produced. The cause of the
errors is an inability to integrate a statistical package model building application and
OASYS (our existing data system). As a result, staff were required to manually enter all
of the necessary output data from a statistical software package to OASYS. Not
sw:prising, this manual process was prone to error. With the implementation of IPS this
February, we have greatly reduced the opportunity for error through the automation of
this process.
Approximately three years ago, MP AC introduced a new organizational structure to
improve quality, consistency, and productivity of capturing and processing data, by
creating a separate and dedicated Property Inspection group and Central Processing
Facility (CPF) to focus on collecting and processing data. In doing so, MP AC also
moved from paper and pencils to electronic devices to record and capture data. Through
audits, MP AC identified shortcomings and areas for improvement. MP AC established
. uniform work procedures and training across the province. Since implementation,
MP AC continues to see improvements in the quality and consistency of our data as
documented by the Quality Services department. .
MP AC has also recently signed an agreement to secure electronic Land Transfer Tax
Affidavits/Statements, registered plans and other documents associated with ownership.
Processes have been redesigned to implement more efficient and accurate transfer of
information. This information will be used to update, assess and correct inaccurate
information on file.
However, all these advanced tools and organiZational restructuring do not relieve MP AC
, of the need to physically inspect property~ To this end, MP AC will'be conducting data
integrity reviews via field inspection and questionnaires and will be piloting new
Office of the Chair clo Municipal Property Assessment COIl'oration
1305 Pickering Parlow"y, Pickering, Ontario L1 V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225 F: 905,831.0040
www.mpac.ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 8 of21
.
electronic data collection devices and fOmis.The intent of this project is to improve the
accuracy and speed with which data can be collected.
To carry out a site review of every property within a five-year cycle would cost
significantly more than MP AC's current funding allows. Most assessment jurisdictions
target 4 to 6 year physical reviews; however, mosthave difficulty achieving their targets
because of alack of resources. The 2004 reinspection project demonstrated the
effectiveness of such a program. in identifying and correcting errors.
MP AC believes that a dedicated reinspection program, combined with major technology
investments and organization changes, as outlined above, are the basic building blocks to
improving data accuracy.
MP AC will continue to highlight data accuracy in our strategic planning and budgets, as
recommended by the Ombudsman.
Recommendations that we will implement
Recommendation 1: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
amend the Brochure that accompanies its Notice of Assessment to describe the
importance to taxpayers of ensuring that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
has accurate information about the taxpayer's property, and describing alternative
means for learning about all of the information the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation has relating to the subject property.
MP AC agrees with the recommendation and will implement the changes to the brochure
for the 2006 Assessment Update.
In preparation for the province-wide communications and outreach program implemented
by MP AC in 2005, focus groups and province-wide surveys were conducted which gave
MP AC the basis for improving the assessment information provided to taxpayers. The
Property Assessment Notice and the brochure were cited as a primary source for
information used by taxpayers. For these reasons, we believe this recommendation will
further enhance the information already provided to property owners.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parl..-way. Pickering. Olllario LlV 3P2
T: 905:688.0990 e)<tension 225 F: 905.831.0040
w\VW.mpac.ca
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Mr. Andre Marin '- ,
March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 9 of21
Recommendation 2: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
amend the Notice of Assessment to describe, for cases where "multiple regression
analysis" techniques have been used, not only the average municipal assessment increase
, or decrease but also the average percentage change within the particular neighbourhood
zone the property falls within.
MP AC is in agreement with the Ombudsman's recommendation to provide more
complete information concerning the performance of the local real estate market.
The recent change to this year's notice was the result of focus group sessions with
property owners. From these sessions, MP AC learned the primary concern'for property
owners was how the change in value would affect their taxes. By providing the
percentage change at the municipal level as well as the percentage rate of change on the
individual property, taxpayers were able to gauge the likely impact their new current
value assessment will have on their taxes. As well, taxpayers also received last year's
assessed value for comparison purposes.
MP At also discussed internally whether'market percentage change by neighbourhood
and property type (Le., detached, semi-detached, toWnhouse, and condominium) would
also be helpful as recommended by the Ombudsman. It is felt that all of this information
helps to set the context for the market change on properties that are similarly situated.
However, these statistics are averages and do not drive the individual property value.
There are typically five key factors in detennining the v81uation of a property. However,
MP AC also tracks and evaluates a large number of property characteristics to determine
their potential influence on the price, if any. The significance of these characteristics on
value depends on the market in which the property resides andto a large extent on the
variables present within the valuation model. For example, a condominium valuation
model will not have the same property characteristics as a waterfront recreational model.
To communicate these concepts in a clear manner poses a real challenge. The
communications strategy will also take into account the information and operational
requirements of the other stakeholders in the property assessment process; the ARB, the
muniCipalities and the Ontario Government. MP AC has begun working on strategies to
clearly communicate the complexity of the valuation process and, in a way that
accurately reflects the situation's specific nature of the valuation process. MP AC will
hold focus groups before launching its revised communications program.
The Property Assessment Notice will provide the basic level of information that answers
the vast majority of concerns raised by the typical taxpayer. The brochure will contain
more general information about the subject and how to obtain much more specific
information as discussed above.
Office of the Chair clo Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Park-way, Pickering,OIllIDio L1 V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 10 of2l
.
MP AC will make additional information available on its web site and through the
Customer Contact Centre. This information could include market analysis broken down
by neighbourhood, design type, and by the variables within the model.
MP AC suggests that the primary approach used to derive the value (i.e., sales comparison
approach, cost approach, income approach) be identified on the Property Assessment
Notice. MP AC would target implementation of this recommendation as part of the 2007
Assessment Update.
Recommendation 3: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
amend the Brochure that accompanies its Notice of Assessment to describe how
information about comparable properties ,can be useful on appeal, furnish accurate and
complete information as to exactly how many com parables can be secured and how these'
com parables can be accessed, making particular note that the six com parables the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation selects are likely to be relied upon by the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in the event of an appeal to the ARB.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation and will implement for the 2006 Assessment
Update.
Recommendation 4: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
include a box on the Notice of Assessment provided to property owners recording the
previous years where Requests for Reconsideration settlements or Assessment Review
Board reassessments were achieved. The box should record "No" if the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation believes there are none, and the years in question and
type of review process used, where the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is
aware that reassessments have occurred.
, MP AC agrees with this recommendation and will target implementation in 2007.
RecommendJltion 6: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, in providing
information about com parables, should include all information about those properties
that may be relevant to the evaluation of the property.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation and will undertake a broader review of our
release of information about comparables. The immediate implementation of this
recommendation is captured in the Multiple Regression Analysis proposal, outlined under
Recommendation 7, with the release of the Valuation Detailed Enquiry (VDE) screen
information.
Office of the Chair cio Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickering. Onlmio L1V 3P2
T: 905,688,0990 eXlension225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MP AC's Response to the Final Report Page 11 0121
Recommendation 7: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation implement
the changes in its Proposal for Release of MRA Related Data, dated November l7, 2005.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation. An internal MP AC team has been struck: to
implement the Proposal.
Recommendation 9: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation ensure that
its administrative procedures regarding assessments and inspections, disclosure of
information, requests for reconsideration and Assessment Review Board appeals be set
out in writing and made available to the public on its website. These procedures should
include those administrative procedures incorporating the recommendations set out in
this report.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
Recommendation 12: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation standardize
its inspection audit reports, and provide the Ombudsman with the results of its inspection
audits and quality reviews for 2006, as they become available.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
Recommendation 13: That, when a property assessment is challenged based on an
actual sale price proximate to the valuation date, the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation should generally accept that sale price as the best evidence of the property
assessment. The actual sale pn'ce should also be treated as an important factor in
assessing the current value of the particular property in fUture years. MP AC should
deviate from these general rules only if there are concrete, cogent reasons for believing
that the sale has rwt been made under market conditions or does not otherwise reflect
actual market value.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
When a property's current value is challenged based on an actual sale price proximate to
the valuation date, MP AC will generally accept that the sale price is evidence of great
weight in determining current value. The sale price will also be treated as an important
factor in assessing the current value of the property in future years, absent economic or
physical change. MP AC will deviate from these general rules only if there are concrete,
cogent reasons for believing that the sale has not been made under market conditions or
does not otherwise reflect current value.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickeling, Ontario L IV 3P2
T: 905,688.0990 extension 225 F: 905,831.0040
www,mpac,ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 12 of21
Further to paragraph 105 of the Ombudsman's Report, some examples of why a sale ofa
property may not be the best indicator of current value are:
(i) there may be evidence that the sale was not an arms length transaction between
willing and knowledgeable buyers and sellers. For example, the sale was between
related parties, or was compelled under a power of sale, family break-up or as part
of winding up of an estate;
(ii) upon inspection and investigation of the property and similar properties sold in
the same time frame, it is demonstrated that the sale is anomalous; and,
(iii) there may be evidence of circumstances affecting the sale price so that the price
does not reflect the current value of the unencumbered fee simple. Such
circumstances may include:
(a) the composition of tenants,
(b) leases or transaction terms that do not reflect the current market, or
(c) lack of exposure of the property to the market.
MP AC will take steps to ensure that this principle is properly communiCated. Further,
MP AC will place stronger emphasis on this issue in its ongoing staff training. Where
MP AC's current value is challenged based on a sale and the sale is not considered to be
the best indicator of current value, taxpayers will be fully informed of the reasons for this
detennination.
Recommendation 14: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
apply Assessment Review Board findings of value at specific valuation dates when
carrying out assessments for fUture years based on the same date.
The Assessment Act now requires annual assessment updates so this situation is not
expected to occur in the future. However, if it should, MP AC agrees that decisions of the
Assessment Review Board (ARB) will be carried forward to future assessment years
where the valuation date has not changed., Exceptions will be made if there has been a
physical change to the property that affects the current value, a change in use affecting
the classification, or new evidence comes to light that clearly demonstrates that the
adjustment of the ARB is no longer warranted.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario Ll V 3P2
T: 905,688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
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Mr, Andre Marin ,__J .~._/
March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 13 of2.1
.
Recommendations 15 & 17: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
should be bound to apply any assessment reductions imposed by the Assessment Review
Board to fUture years' market value .assessments of the same property, unless they have
been determined to be wrong by a court of law or the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation can clearly demonstrate that the circumstances justifying the assessment
reduction have changed~ In such case the reasons justifying the change should be set out
in the taxpayer's assessment notice.
That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should be bound to apply
reductions agreed to in minutes of settlements to fUture years' assessments of the same
property unless the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation can clearly demonstrate
that the circumstances justifying the assessment reduction have changed. In such case
the reasons justifying the change should be set out in the taxpayer's assessment notice.
MP AC agrees with the Ombudsman that reductions granted by the Assessment
Review Board (ARB), whether by Minutes of Settlement or decisions of the
Board, will be carried forward. Adjustments made under Requests for
Reconsideration will also be carried forward unless circumstances as noted by the
Ombudsman prevent the carry forward. As noted by the Ombudsman, in cases
where circumstances justify changing the assessment reduction, MP AC will
notify the taxpayer.
As the Ombudsman acknowledged, MP AC has already undertaken laudable steps,
through the efforts of the Year-End Process Improvement Team established in 2004, to
improve in this area. The following steps have or will be taken to address this issue:
. Electronic tools have been developed to scan the various databases involved in
the appeal process.
. Exception listings with possible anomalies are produced for staff to review.
. Exception listings will be reviewed several times throughout the year to ensure
appeal adjustments are properly updated as they happen.
. With the implementation of the Integrated Property System in 2006, MP AC will
examine options for automating the process to minimize the chance of error.
. Clear directives will be provided to staff to ensure a consistent understanding of
those occasions when, as noted by the Ombudsman, decisions cannot legally be
carriedJorward.
. A better coding system will be established to carry forward decisions.
Office of the Chair cia Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario LlV 3P2
T: 905,688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac,ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 14 0121
,
. Audits will be conducted.
In tenus of communicating carrying forward decisions to property taxpayers, MP AC will
examine options, including the recommended use of the Property Assessment Notice, to
determine the most effective method for communicating the decision to affected
taxpayers.
Recommendation 16: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
ensure that all minutes of settlement it enters into relating to the assessment reductions
contain reasons clearly explaining why a reduction has been agreed to, and that these
reasons are recorded.
MP AC agrees that it can provide additional information to the taxpayer to explain the
reasons for the settlement. MP AC will record the reasons for the Minutes of Settlement
in its files.
All parties to the settlement should continue to have the option of not recording the
. reasons for the settlement in the Minutes.
For appeals to the Assessment Review Board (ARB), settlements are complicated by the
fact that more than two parties are legally involved. MP AC, the assessed person, and the
municipality are statutory parties to all assessment complaints. Other parties, such as
regional municipalities or counties may apply to the ARB to be joined as parties. In other
cases, third parties commence appeals on properties owned by others. Assessment
complaints for a property may also involve several tax years and may include
supplementary and omitted assessments. The parties may have the same reasons for
settling, different reasons for settling, they may agree on a value but not the reasons,
and/or they may differ for each tax year under complaint. Currently, taxpayers,
municipalities or MP AC do not have to agree to the reasons for any settlement, only the
revised value or classification, when they sign the Minutes of Settlement. Some of the
parties to the appeal, particularly those represented by agents or legal counsel, will object
to the inclusion of reasons, either as part of the Minutes of Settlement, or as a separate
document.
Most assessment complaints before the Board are the result of a difference of opinion as
to the correct value and are not factual in nature. In many cases, especially for high value
commercial and industrial properties, both parties undertake an extensive analysis of the
market using one or more of the three approaches to value and each have a range of value
that they believe is appropriate for the property, and within which they believe a
settlement is possible. Through discussions and negotiation they come to a 'meeting of
the minds' on the appropriate assessed value.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Pad.'way. Pickering. Ontario Ll V 3P2
T: 905,688.0990 extension 225 F: 905,831.0040
www.mpac.ca
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Mr..Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page]50f2]
.
In these situations, settlement discussions between parties are usually done on a "without
prejudice" basis, and as such the details of the discussions are privileged. Many of the
discussions leading to the settlement are solicitor-client privileged and cannot be
disclosed. Such discussions are protected based on a public policy that favours attempts
by parties to reach amicable settlements and reduce the costs to the taxpayer, which
would otherwise be incurred if all disputes had to be resolved through the courts.
In some cases, a party will settle at the high or low end of the value range in order to
conclude the matter quickly and minimize their legal fees and other costs.
As a result, there will be times when parties agree on the assessed value or the
classification, but not the reasons, or where,the parties do not wish to disclose the
reasons. As well, any of the parties to the litigation may be reluctant to document the
reasons for the settlement because they feel that they would then be "estopped" from
raising the same, or a closely related, issue in a future appeal.
Recommendation 18: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should
request reasons for Assessment Review Board decisions if the basis for an assessment
decision is unclear, and record all Assessment Review Board reasons.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
Recommendation 19: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation immediately
cease the practice of bringing new property com parables to Assessment Review Board
, hearings without sufficient prior disclosure. '
MPAC agrees with this recommendation.
Our practice is to provide comparable reports prior to the appeal hearing dates; however,
due to various circumstances there may be exceptions, MP AC will establish standards
and review staffing requirements to sufficiently notify the property owner prior to the
hearing date (such as 7 days' prior notice) when different comparables will be used. In
circumstances where sufficient information is not given, and the other party requires
more time to consider the new information, MP AC will consent to an adjournment of the
hearing.
Recommendation 20: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation give
direction to its staff to ensure that challenges to assessment are seriously considered and
resolved at the earliest opportunity and that last minute settlements before the
Assessment Review Board are discouraged;
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Propeny Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Omario L1V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac,ca
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Mr. Andre Marin ~
March 22, 2006
MP AC's Response to the Final Report Page 16 of21
.
Significant improvements in the timely resolve of Requests for Reconsideration have
already occurred. During the 2005 Assessment Update, the time required for completing
a Request for Reconsideration was reduced by half. For appeals to the Assessment
Review Board, MP AC will establish standards and review staffing requirements for
contact with taxpayers to encourage early resolution.
The new standards will reduce the number oflate settlements. However, due diligence
requires that careful consideration must be given to all the evidence and circumstances
surrounding each challenge. While a timely resolution will be achieved in most cases,
there will continue to be last minute settlements as many of the presiding Assessment
Review Board members ask MP AC to meet with each property owner as the hearing
commences to determine if a last minute agreement can be reached. During these last
minute discussions, new evidence may be presented that may lead to an agreement
between the parties.
Recommendation 22: That the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation report back
to the Ombudsman's office in six months time on its progress in implementing the
Ombudsman's recommendations.
MP AC agrees with this recommendation.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this report.
Yours truly,
: \'~6~""" .
Debbie Zimmerman
Chair, MP AC Board of Directors
Attachment
Office of the Chair clo Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway; Pickering, Ontario L1V 3P2
T; 905.688.0990 extension 225 F; 905,831.0040
vlww.mpac.ca
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Mr. Andre Marin CJ 0 March 22, 2006
, MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 17 0121
.
Addendum
Re: Recommendation 21
The Onus of Proof
MP AC is bound by current assessment legislation, regulations, common law and the
ARB Rules ofpractice and Procedure, all of which are determined by the provincial
government, under the Ministries of Finance and the Attorney General. Any decision to
change the onus on an assessment appeal will have to be made by the Province, rather
than MP AC.
Onus is important from a legal perspective because the party with the onus must prove,
.their contention, or their case fails. Some refer to this as "the risk of non persuasion"
because the party with the onus will lose unless the tribunal is satisfied that the
contention they raise, has merit.
Under current assessment appeal proceedings, as in most other legal matters, the person
who alleges is usually the person who must prove what is alleged. That basic principle is
applied in most other assessment jurisdictions in North America, with the exception of
the Province of Manitoba. Typically, in assessment matters, the complainant must prove
the assessment is not correct, or the assessment as returned on the roll is assumed to be
correct.
While the ultimate onus to prove the assessment is incorrect lies with the appellant or
property owner throughout a hearing, the Courts have ruled that the onus can shift to the
aSsessor if the assessment is not prepared in compliance with the Act. The Ontario Court
of Appeal in Re Empire Realty Co. Ltd. And R.A. C. for Metropolitan Toronto (1968),
recognized this:
" ... notwithstanding that there rests on the assessee, as appellant, the
onus of establishing error (the ultimate onus), when the Assessment
Commissioner admits that he has departed from the directives in the Act,
the onus of going forward (the intermediate onus) thereupon requires the
Assessment Commissioner to adduce evidence to prove that the method he
has adopted has resulted in an assessment which will result in the same
distribution of tax burden.as would have maintained if the assessments
had been strictly made as required by the Act. ..
If the ultimate onus were on the assessing authority, as the Ombudsman is
recommending, then MP AC would have to satisfy the ARB that the assessment is correct.
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering. Ontario L 1 V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac,ca
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Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 18 of21
While it is difficult, having no experience with such a model to understand the
operational impacts such a change would have, at the very least it would require MP AC
to alter the way it prepares for appeals to ensure the onus is met, where it believes the
assessed value is accurate. Since municipalities are statutory parties to every appeal, and
many participate as a full party to the proceedings, this change may have similar
implications for them.
The Ombudsman has indicated in his report that he believes that the onus on the taxpayer
is in place to discourage appeals. The reason may simply be that this is an historic
principle with respect to onus in tax assessment legislation of all types and was not
introduced with a view to either encourage or discourage appeals. The appeal statistics
cited for Manitoba are recent and do not take into account the record high appeal levels in
the City of Winnipeg that followed assessment reform in 1990 and resulted in a forecast
of potential losses of $200 to $250 million in tax revenue by an inquiry report by John
Scurfield in 1996. Although final losses on appeal were much lower by the time all
complaints and appeals were disposed, the Winnipeg appeal experience was not as
neutral as the more recent appeal statistics indicated. The Winnipeg City Assessor
reported to Council on May 17, 1999 that Winnipeg was found in a nation-wide survey to
have a higher level of appeals than any other jurisdiction.
The Evidential Onus
During the trial of any matter, there is another type of onus, referred to as the evidential
onus, which is the burden of producing sufficient evidence to raise a particular issue. All
parties during the course of a hearing will have an evidential onus, which requires that
they prove or diSprove the facts that are in contention. Once the ARB is satisfied that the
evidence provided by the assessor supports the assessed value, the appellant will have the
evidential onus to prove it does not and that an alternate value is more appropriate.
If the assessor could not prove the assessed value was accurate, the onus would then lie
with the property owner to prove an alternate value. Practically speaking, both parties
have an onus to discharge and are still required to prove their case, regardless of to whom
the onus is initially assigned.
During the proceedings, the party with the ultimate onus leads evidence first and the
other parties respond or rebut that evidence. The existing ARB order of proceeding at a
hearing caUs upon the assessor to provide a preliminary explanation of the "manner in
which the assessment was arrived at ..." (s. 40(8) of the Assessment Act), before the
complainant provides details of his or her assessment complaint. It can sometimes be
advantageous to lead evidence first. When a party leads evidence first, that party has the
initial opportunity to establish the issues in the proceeding. Leading evidence first also
provides a party with the right to call reply evidence and to make submissions in reply.
In essence, the party who starts first has the opportunity to have the last word in the
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario L1V 3P2
T: 905,688,0990 extension 225 F: 905,831.0040
www,mpac.ca
'I II
() ')
,j ~,/
Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MP AC's Response to the Final Report Page 19 of21
, evidence and the submissions. If a change in onus is adopted in Ontario, there is a risk
the taxpayer may feel that they lost before they began, since MP AC would no longer
simply provide an introductory explanation, but set the stage at the hearing by
establishing its full case before the owner has a chance to state her or his case. MP AC
would also have the last word, The Assessment Review Board, could however, establish
rules of practice under the authority granted in the Statutory Powers Procedures Act to
alter the order of proceedings.
The Standard of Proof
The standard of proof in assessment matters is the balance of probabilities, which means
that the party bearing the onus must satisfy the tribunal that it is more probable than not
that his version of the facts are true. The Ombudsman refers to this in his report as the
benefit of doubt going to MP AC (i.e., if the ARB can't decide, or the case is SO/50, the
taxpayer loses and MP AC wins). A decision by the ARB, which defaults the outcome to
MP AC because the evidence is 50/50 occurs rarely, if ever. Currently, if the owner does
not satisfy the onus of proving the assessment is incorrect, MP AC could put forward a
motion for non-suit - in other words, ask the Board to dismiss the appeal without calling
any evidence because the property owner didn't .prov.e his case, so the case must faiL
This too is rare. MP AC does not as a matter of practice, motion for non-suit, especially
with unrepresented residential property owners.
Reversing the onus does not, however, give the taxpayer the non-suit option ifMP AC
doesn't prove its case. As pointed out above, they will still need to show on balance of
probabilities that an alternate assessed value is appropriate. Where the taxpayer does so,
the result would not default to the taxpayer's S1,lggested value, but would instead be a win
by the taxpayer on the evidence However, what happens when the Board is not satisfied
that the assessor has properly determined the assessed value and the taxpayer does not
provide sufficient evidence to show on balance of probabilities that an alternate assessed
value is appropriate? Does the ARB digress from its adjudicative role and assume the
role of an investigative tribunal in the place of the assessor under section 45(1)? Section
45(1) provides:
45, (1) Upon a complaint or appeal with respect to an assessment, the
Assessment Review Board may review the assessment and, for the purpose of
the review. has all the Dowers and fimctions of the assessor in makinl! an
assessment. determination or decision under this Act. and any assessment,
determination or decision made on review by the Assessment Review Board
shall, except as provided in subsection (2), be deemed to be an assessment,
determination or decision of the assessor and has the same force and effect.
(Underlining added)
Office of the Chair c/o Municipal Property AsseSSnlen! Corporation
1305 Pickering Parb.-way. Pickering, Ontario L1 V 3P2
T: 905.688.0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
r. II
'---j ,",
(.)
\ '
Mr. Andre Marin - March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page200f21
.
It appears that the recommendation to reverse the onus was made in the context of a
residential appeal, where the property owners are not as likely to be represented by legal
counsel and don't have MP AC's familiarity with the appeal process. lbis is not the case
for appeals involving large commercial and industrial properties where property owners
are represented by legal counsel and tax agents. In these situations, the property owners
often have a much more specialized understanding of their industry, the value of their
real estate holdings, the current trends and economics of their industry than MP AC.
The Manitoba Model
MP AC has not had a lot oftime to review the Manitoba appeal model that the
Ombudsman suggests be adopted for Ontario, and only has a preliminary understanding
of how their appeal system works. While both provinces work on a market value based
assessment system, there are differences, not only in the complaint/appeal practices, but
also in the broader property assessment system. One key difference is that assessment
updates are only conducted every four years in Manitoba, rather than annually.
The Manitoba appeal model would need to be analyzed and understood in the broader
context of how it works within their property assessment system to know whether the
onus provisions could be adopted in isolation or whether there are other differences in the
two systems that allow their model to work.
Some of the differences that would need to be reviewed include:
. Municipalities are not parties to assessment appeals in Manitoba, whereas they are
a statutory party in Ontario. lbis raises questions respecting the obligations of
municipalities if they take the same position as MP AC or support a taxpayer; or
how does the standard of proof (balance of probabilities) apply to municipalities?
. Third party or stranger appeals are not allowed under Manitoba's Municipal
Assessment Act, only the owner or tenant who pays taxes can appeal, whereas any
, person may appeal the assessment of another in Ontario. lbis raises questions
similar to those that arise when a municipality is involved in the appeal as to how
the onus applies to the third party.
. In Ontario, there is a single level of appeal to the ARB and only an opportunity to
request a review of the decision of the ARB, or appeal to the Divisional Court on
a question oflaw. A two-tier appeal system exists in Manitoba - the first level of
appeal is to the Board of Revision, with an appeal to the Manitoba Municipal
Board. Typically on an appeal to a higher 1ribunal, the appellant has the onus,
regardless of who had the onus in the initial complaint. On a request for a review
of a decision., the person requesting the review has to prove to the ARB that a
Office of the Chair clo Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Parkway. Pickering. Ontario LI V 3P2
T: 905.688.0990 extension 225 F: 905.831.0040
'www.mpac.ca
,. II
I) ()
\"--..--/
Mr. Andre Marin March 22, 2006
MPAC's Response to the Final Report Page 21 of21
"
review is necessary. However, in Manitoba, the onus remains with the assessor
on issues of value, even at the appeal level.
. Manitoba's Municipal Assessment Act has a different test on appeal than Ontario.
The dominant test is of equity, rather than accuracy of the value. Section 60(2) of
the Manitoba Act states that "The Board shall not change an assessed value where
the assessed value bears a fair and just relation to the assessed values of other
assessable property". As a result, an assessor in Manitoba has to show on
balance of probabilities, that he treated similar property equitably.
. Another difference is that the Municipal Assessment Act includes a presumption
of accuracy clause, which changes the onus requirements on the assessor. Section
18 of the Manitoba legislation provides that: "Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, an assessment is presumed to be properly made and the
assessed value to be fixed at a fair and just amount where the assessed value
bears a fair and just relation to the assessed values of other assessable property"
MP AC suggests that a review of Manitoba's system would need to be undertaken by the
provincial government in consultation with the Assessment Review Board,
. municipalities, the assessment bar and MP AC to better understand how a reversal of onus
would work in Ontario.
Office of the Chair clo MunicipaJ,Propeny Assessment Corporation
1305 Pickering Pilrl.."Vl'.y, Pickering, Ontario L 1 V 3P2
T: 905.688,0990 extension 225' F: 905.831.0040
www.mpac.ca
..
I of Transmission 01 ties, please call 416-863-2101 or
1-866-309-3811
please Deliver To: Ted Salei NlIl;. F~LLS CLERKS '06 032815:37
~paC'
M u t',~ I C I PA L PRDPER-ry Af.-:iBES5MENT 1::I::JRPDRATlON
March 28, 2006
Dear Heads of Council:
Following today's release of the report by the Ontario Ombudsman in reference to the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MP AC), I am forwarding my response by
way of a press statement for your information and review.
As this report has been released today, a full Board review will follow within the next
several days. After the Board's review ofthe Ombudsman report, I will send further
comments to your attention.
I look forward to discussing the recommendations with you and working to implement
strategies to move them forward.
Yours truly,
"Original Signed by "
Debbie Zimmerman
Chair, MPAC Board of Directors
Attachment
C. ~J
~
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I.... IJ Nt C I PA L PRaPEr~T'v' ASSESSMENT CI:::lRP(]RAT1ON
PRESS STATEMENT
MP AC Receives Ombudsman's Report
Pickering, Ontario, March 28, 2006 - The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
(MP AC) is in receipt of the Ontario Ombudsman's final report on MP AC's practices and
processes related to property assessment in Ontario.
"MP AC values close to 4.5 million properties each year and we will ensure, through a
review of our existing resources, that we move further and faster on these much-needed
changes," Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer said,
Debbie Zimmerman, Chair ofMPAC's Board of Directors, said that in the past two
years, with the Board's direction, MPAC has focused through its business plans on four
key areas - product quality, service delivery, productivity and communications.
"Our Board believes transparency and openness are fundamental in building taxpayer
trust and confidence in the property assessment system," said Zimmerman,
Further response on the Ombudsman's report will be made once the final report, released
today, is reviewed by the ful1 Board of Directors, Isenburg said.
-30-
Contact:
Michael Jacoby
Director of Communications
905 837-6287
416 578-0544
... TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
-
;I Box 40, 19M43 Hwy #3, Wainfleet, ON LOS IVO
G9: Tel: 905-899-3463 . Fax: 905-899-2340 . www.township.wainfleet.on.ca
-
~._. ,.
File: Tim Hudak, M.P.P.
March 23, 2006
Tim Hudak, M.P.P
County Fair Mall
200 Garrison Road
Unit 21
Fort Erie, ON L2A 556
Dear Mr. Hudak:
Please be advised that Council for the Township of Wainfleet acknowledged receipt of
your recent correspondence regarding the introduction of The Homestead Act, 2006 and
registered the item for discussion at its' meeting of March 14,2006.
Please note that after reviewing the Private Member's Bill, Council for the Township of
Wainfleet did not support The Homestead Act, 2006 as introduced.
Preferable to the bill, Wainfleet Township Council wishes to offer an alternative on how
to better address skyrocketing property assessments. It is the view of this Council that
income redistribution programs which were placed on municipal taxpayers by the
previous Provincial govemment be redressed, consistent with the position of the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario. It is also the wish of Council to forward this
recommendation to other Niagara municipalities in a call for support.
I trust that the position of Council will be taken under advisement and that you will not
hesitate to contact Mayor Gord Harry to review or discuss Council's stance on The
Homestead Act.
::;:;
-
Regards, ~
"'"
F
<r.'
~
ichael Benner, MCIP, RPP &;
00
ClerkJPlanner 2d
""'"
MBIkw ""'"
I:::.)
06-038 ""'"
cc: area municipalities
.. ,
Member Communication I rt r Association of
". ("/ ". Municipalities
, "",. t!',' of Ontano
Ale rt 393 Lhiversity AVf!!I1ue, Suite 1701
Tcronto, ON M5G 1E6
Tel: (416) 971-9656' fax: (416) 971-6191
email: aTlo@:lmo.m.micom.oom
To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council April 4, 2006 - Alert 06/017
Throne Speech Offers Hard Work to Get Results: Fiscal Imbalance a Priority
Issue: The Governor-General Michaelle Jean delivered the Speech from the Throne, entitled
"Turning a New Leaf', to open the First Session of the Thirty-Ninth Parliament of
Canada.
The Speech from the Throne focused predominantly on the theme of a more accountable and
transparent government through priorities aimed to "move Canada forward" and advance
Canada's interests in the world. As a minority parliament, the Government committed to
seeking shared goals and common ideas that will help Canadians build a stronger Canada.
From a municipal perspective, AMO is encouraged by the government's clear commitment to
respond to concerns about the fiscal imbalance and approach to work to ensure fiscal
arrangements in which all governments have access to the resources they need to meet their
responsibilities. AMO has been a strong advocate to see Ontario's fiscal imbalance addressed
as key to dealing with the $3.2 billion provincial-municipal fiscal imbalance.
Other commitments highlighted concerning government programs and services include:
Key Commitments on the top Five Priorities:
. Clean up Ottawa by introducing and passing the Federal Accountability Act to strengthen
the rules and institutions that ensure transparency and accountability, ban institutional and
large personal donations to political parties, and provide protection to whistle blowers
. Lower taxes for all Canadians by cutting the GST initially by 1 %, and then eventually by a
further 1 % to five per cent
. Ensure safe communities by tackling gun, gang and drug crime by proposed changes to the
Criminal Code to provide tougher sentences, and helping to prevent crime by putting more
police on the street and improving the security of our borders
. Give parents a $1,200 annual allowance for each child under six years, and help assist
employment and not-for-profit community organizations to create new child care spaces
. Work with the provinces and territories to establish patient wait times guarantee
Action:
AMO has written the Federal Minister of Finance, supporting priority discussions on the fiscal
imbalance and fiscal arrangements across all governments, and is working with the Ontario
Government to help move this issue forward. AMO will look eagerly toward the pending
Federal Budget to see how this issue will be addressed at that time.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amO,on.ca
For more information, please contact: Brian Rosborough, Director of Policy, AMO at 416-971-9856 ex!. 318.
~ "
Member Communication I ~ (' Association of
\ 1'.', .. Municipalities
'~.. of Ontario
A I t 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701
e r Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6
Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191
amail: amo@amo.on.ca
To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council March 24, 2006 - Alert 06/015
2006 Provincial Budget Offers No Real Plan for
Municipalities
Issue: The 2006 Provincial Budget invests in municipal roads and bridges and public transit
systems, but fails to deliver any additional uploading of provincial health and social
services costs,
Background:
While the Budget indicates that the Province is on track to balance its books, it does nothing to
reduce the Province's reliance on municipal property tax revenues to subsidize provincial
programs and services, or to close the growing Provincial-Municipal fiscal gap.
AMO sent out the attached News Release immediately following the Budget Speech,
A few new items of note include:
. Under a new "Move Ontario" program, the provincial government is making a new $1.2
billion investment in Ontario's public transit systems and municipal roads and bridges,
including:
0 $400 million in one-time grants for roads and bridges in municipalities primarily
outside the Greater Toronto Area (GT A), with special emphasis on rural and northern
communities (allocation details are expected within a few days); and,
0 A new one-time investment of $838 million in transit in the Greater Toronto Area,
including investments in Toronto, York Region, Brampton and Mississauga,
. The Province will provide municipalities receiving provincial gas tax funding for transit with
the flexibility to use these funds for transit-system operations.
. A new permanent Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) grant component starting in
2006 to provide $56 million in additional base funding targeted to a handful of municipalities
with high social program costs relative to the household incomes of their residents.
. Increasing social assistance allowances for recipients of Ontario Works (OW) and the
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) by two (2) per cent. Beginning in 2007, this will
mean additional costs to municipal property taxes of approximately $19 million annually,
Municipalities currently subsidize these provincial income support programs by more than $1
billion annually.
.../2
.. il
-2-
. The Province will provide $4 million to establish a Bio-Energy Research Centre in Atikokan
to accelerate work now underway on the future use of the Atikokan Generating Station.
. Details from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on the 2006 additional land
ambulance funding announced at the ROMAlOFRA conference are expected before the end
of March,
For a detailed analysis of the Budget, please see the Budaet Analvsis prepared by the Municipal
Finance Officers Association (MFOA) and posted on the AMO website,
Action:
The Province has delivered a transportation infrastructure Budget including one-time road,
bridge and transit funding of $1.2 billion for municipalities. AMO will be working hard with the
support of its members to help Premier McGuinty fulfill his commitment to Ontario's
municipalities to address the Provincial-Municipal fiscal gap.
This information is available in Ihe Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Brian Rosborough, Director of Policy and/or Patricia Swerhone, Senior Policy
Advisor at 416-971-9856.
.. il
Please circulate to: Dean lorfida; Dean lorfida
Ted Salci
_ ONTAR'O
,', aaao ROADS
ASSOCIATION
iIrl..",!I..._
6355 Kennedy Rd" Unit 2, Missi"au;a, ON
L5T 2L5
Tel: (905) 795-2555. Fa, (9051795-2660
Email: info@ogra.org
March 24, 2006
OGRA responds to Ontario Budget and
Transportation Funding
Toronlll _ The McGuinty Liberal government released the 2006/07 Ontario Budget yesterday. The Honourable Dwight
Duncan, Minister of Finance in his budget speech announced a one-time $1.2 billion investment in transportation. $838
million will be directed toward transit while $400 million will be for municipal roads and bridges primarily outside the GTA with
.special emphasis on rurai and northern communffies for road and bridge repair and upgrading'.
While the announcement states that this is a one-time investment and therefore falls short of OGRA's goal of securing
sustainable funding for municipal infrastructure, it is still good news for OGRA members. The budget states that this level of
funding is enough to repair up to 800 bridges or resurface 3,000 kilometres of two-lane municipal roads, This funding is in
addition to the previously announced ReNew Ontario infrastructure plan which dedicates funding to upgrade and expand the
provincial highway system, Municipal allocations have been made and this information is posted on OGRA's web-stte
Of interest to OGRA members with transit systems, $838 million will be made available to the City of Toronto, York Region,
Brampton and Mississauga to expand transtt services. This includes partial funding to extend the subway system to Vaughan
Centre at Highway 7, By October of 2006 the government will fulfill its commttment to permanently provide two cents of
Provincial Gas Tax to municipal transit systems and will remove the restrictions on these funds so that they can be used for
operation expenses in addition to capital. The government announced that they are moving forward with a new, predictable,
mutt i-year municipal bus replacement program. Until that program is up and running, they are providing $114 million to those
municipalities that have placed orders for new buses or bus refurbishments.
The budget forecasts total revenues of $83.9 billion and total expenses of $85.3 billion resulting in a $1.4 billion deficit for 2006/
07, The budget states that the Province is on track to balance the budget by the fiscal year 2008/09,
For more information on the Ontario Budget please access the OGRA web-site at www.oora,orQ.
-30-
Contacts:
Joseph W. Tiernay
Executive Director, OGRA
joe@ogra.org
905.795-2555
'I II
Member Communication I ~ (: Association of
I'.) .. Munidpalities
't!- '. " of Ontario
A I t 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701
e r Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6
Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191
email; amo@amo.on.ca
To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council March 31, 2006 - Alert 06/016
MunicipalitieslDSSABs Receive Additional Funding for
Land Ambulance Services
Issue:
Municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) delivering land
ambulance services today received an additional $50 million in provincial funding for 2005/06.
Background:
At the OGRNROMA Conference in February, Premier McGuinty announced that the Province
would achieve true 50:50 cost sharing for land ambulance services by 2008, beginning with an
additional $50 million for the fiscal year 2005/06. Additional funding will grow to $100 million in
2006/07 and up to $150 million in 2007/08,
Municipalities and DSSABs received the first year of additional funding earlier today, As a result
of the additional funding, all land ambulance service providers will achieve a level of at least 40
per cent provincial funding for ambulance services in 2006.
AMO and its members have worked hard to secure this additional funding, It is an important
step towards getting the Provincial Government to take responsibility for provincial costs borne
by municipalities and property tax payers,
AMO sent out a new release earlier today regarding this matter. The news release also
reiterates AMO's recognition of the additional road, bridge and transit funding provided for
Ontario municipalities in the Provincial Budget.
Action:
AMO will continue to work toward further advances for municipalities related to land ambulance
services, and toward solutions for Ontario's $3.2 billion provincial/municipal fiscal gap.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Brian Rosborough, Director of Policy at 416-971-9856,
Member Communication ~Itlt. Association of
, Municipalities
For Your it of Ontario
393 University Avenue, Suite 1701
Onformation Toronto, ON M5G lE6
Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191
email: amo@amo.on.ca
To the attention ofthe Clerk and Council. March 31, 2006 - FYI 06/003
2006 Energy Matters Conference
_ Announcements and Synopsis -
ISSUE: The Province announced a new loan program for energy efficient lighting and
appliances and education programs for social housing at AMO's Energy Matters Summit.
BACKGROUND:
Energy Minister Donna Cansfield and Chief Energy Conservation Officer Peter Love
announced jointly that Ontario's Conservation Bureau will invest up to $9.25 million in energy
efficient lighting and appliances and education programs for social housing in the province to
support energy conservation.
The funds will support the Social Housing Services Corporation's (SHSC) Green Light
initiative, a province-wide energy conservation program for social housing. This specific
initiative consists of guaranteed loans to providers through SHSC's revolving loan program and
discounts on interest. The program will allow social housing providers to secure loans without
encumbering their property and it will reduce interest rates by funding up to seven per cent
interest for up to four years of the loan, In addition, social housing providers can also apply to
receive a grant equal to the cost of the discounted interest on the work they perform.
The Province has set a goal to reduce energy use across Ontario by five per cent by 2007 and
has directed the Conservation Bureau to develop the tools and the programs to help all
Ontarians save electricity, The next phase of the Conservation Bureau program expands to
building envelope improvements in social housing, private low-income housing markets and
First Nations communities this summer.
SUMMIT SYNOPSIS:
The Energy Matters Summit was organized by AMO, along with the Ontario Power Authority's
Conservation Bureau and Peel Region, More than 200 delegates enjoyed the 20 plus sessions
over the two-day conference. The conference focused on helping municipal governments
understand the province's dynamic energy marketplace, uncover funding options for
conservation projects, find out how to leverage savings from energy efficiency measures and
learn about Ontario's proposed Energy Conservation Leadership Act.
Those interested can view the Energy Matters Summit conference proceedinqs on the AMO
website.
.../2
-----" ----..--"..---...-.. ...,,_. ."..,-...-- 'or--'--""T'I'-'-
- 2-
OTHER KEY MESSAGES:
Officials from both the OPA and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Energy, Jeff
Leal, discussed the challenges facing the municipal sector in terms of waste disposal, energy
creation and conservation - focusing on the new opportunities that exist within the province in
terms of the standard offer contract and the new policy approach to biodigestion and energy-
from-waste facilities.
ACTIONS:
AMO will work with social housing providers to analyze the success of this program and to
determine lessons learned.
AMO will continue to advocate for provincial funding and other support for energy conservation
measures. Furthermore, in addition to developing a bulk electricity-purchasing program to
complement the existing GASAMO natural gas program, AMO also plans to develop additional
educational and support materials for our member municipalities.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo,on.ca
For more information, contact: Scott Vokey, Senior Policy Advisor, ext. 334
"
.
Please circ e to: Ed Dujlovlc
March 24, 2006
Municipal Advisory ~ Ontario
Ministry of Transportation For Immediate Release
March21,2006
MUNICIPAL ADVISORY: NEW FINE
RANGES FOR SPEEDING
The following advisory gives notice of the fact that new fine ranges for speeding offences become effective on March
31,2006. These amendments are contained in 8111169, the Transportation Statute Law Amencment Act, 2005, which
received Royal Assent on November 21, 2005,
The amencments to section 128 (speeding) of the HTA increase fines for speeding 30-34 km/h over the posted limit
and allow progressively longer court-ordered driver licence suspension for persons repeatedly convicted of
speeding 50 kmlh over the posted limit within a five-year period
(a) Increased fines for speeding 30-34 krn/h over the posted limit
Sections 128 and 214.1 of the HTA are being amended, effective March 31,2006, to change the categories of
speeding fine ranges in clauses 128(14)(b) and (c) and in clauses 214.1(6)(b) and (c) with respect to community
safety zones. The reference to "35 kilometres per hour" is being changed to "30 kilometres per hour",
Effective March 31, 2006, drivers charged with speeding of speeding by 30 to 34 km/h over the posted limit will be
subject to the higher fine range specified in clauses 128(14)(c) and 214.1(6)(c).
...page 2
~ ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION
""................ 6355 Kennedy Road, Unillf2, Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795.2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Ernail: info@ogra.org
- .
.
...page 2 of2
Municipalities may wish to assess whether they have any roadside advisory signage that details fine ranges, and
which may need updating.
ed over limit Old HTA fine $ New HTA fine
135 210
139,5 217
144 224
(b) Progressively longer court-ordered licence suspension periods for repeat offenders who speed 50 krn/h or
more over the posted limit
Subsection 128( 15) of the HT A is amended, effective March 31, 2006, to permit progressively longer court-ordered
driver's licence suspension for persons convicted of speeding 50 km/h or more over the posted limit more than once
in a five-year period.
New subsections 128(15.1) to (15.4) set out the process for determining subsequent convictions within the five-year
period, a transition provision to exclude convictions occurring before these changes come into force, and a provision
to prevent a driver charge being amended to an owner charge.
.30.
For further information, please visit www.mto.gov.on.ca
~ ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION
"""',..<<.;....... 6355 Kennedy Road, Unit#2, Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795-2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Emaii: info@ogra,OIg
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From the March 23, 2006 Meeting of Regional Council
Volume 14, Issue 4
Niagara Region Appoints the New increased by $679.00.
Niagara Region Employees - United
Commissioner of Corporate Services -
John Bergsma
Way Cheque Presentation
Regional Council announced the name of Ms. Sl. John and Ms. Wodchis, Co-Chairs
the New Commissioner of Corporate
Services, Mr. John Bergsma, who wiil be of the Niagara Region Employees United
starting at the Niagara Region on April 3, Way Action Group presented
2006, representatives United Way of Sl.
Catharines & District, United Way of
MOlli Niagara Falls, United Way of Greater Fort
Ochej Awarded the Citizen Erie, United Way of South Niagara with a
Recognition Award cheque in the amount of $105,964.05, This
year's campaign goal of $100,000.00,
Regional Council awarded Ms. Molli Ochej which is $15,000 more than last year's
with a Citizen Recognition award for calling goal, was again surpassed! The funds
9-1-1 and assisting her mother and father were raised through multiple fundraising
in the delivery of her twin brothers. Moiii's activities, employee contributions and
mother, father and twin brothers, who were payroll educations, resulted in an amazing
deiivered with her assistance, were in commitment from the empioyees of the
attendance, Regional Council heard the Regional Municipality of Niagara,
recording of the call made by Moiii and the
staff who were involved were in attendance Niagara Regional Police Service -
and were introduced,
Niagara United Way Cheque Presentation
Region Receives Two Inspector Dave Jastrubecki, Constable
Awards from the United Way Matt King, Nancy Nenodabich and
Auxiliary Sergeant Greg Mulvihill of
Niagara Region at the Sl. Catharines and Niagara Regional Police Service presented
District United Way Celebration Dinner the representatives of the United Way with
held on March 22, 2006, received two a cheque in the amount of $26,694,00 on
awards. The first award was for providing behalf of the members of the Niagara
a loaned representative to the United Way, Regional Police Service.
Mr. Marty Mako and the second award was
the "Leadership Award for the Public T he Golden Hands - A Thank You to
Sector", which was awarded to Niagara
Region for our significant growth in the Regional Council for Supporting a
number of contributors who donate $1,000 Smoke-Free Ontario
or more.
Regional Chair Partington and Councillor
Ms. Sl. John was thrilled to announce that Hildreth were presented with The Golden
due to the success of the Silent Auction Hands by Mr. David Lorenzo, Manager,
held prior to the Regional Council meeting,
the amount of the cheque would be
For further Information contact the
Regional Clerk's office at
(905) 685-1571 or 1-800-263-7215
www.regional.niagara.on.ca
S\7: n 62[0 90, S)1~3lJ SlltH '~IN
Chronic Disease Prevention and Peer Leaders, Ms, Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci and Councillor Jim
Jen Silvestro and Elizabeth Le. The Golden Hands Diodati to discuss the resolution from the City of
were signed by over 2,500 youth across Niagara Niagara Fails in regards to the Niagara-GT A
Region during the 2006 National Non-Smoking Corridor. Information was sent to the City of
week, to thank Regional Council for supporting a Niagara Falls explaining Regional Council's position
Smoke-Free Ontario being implemented on May 31, on why the corridor is positive for Niagara and the
2005. rest of the province. The Regionai Chair along with
Joe Cousins, Director, Transportation Services have
The Youth Action Alliance Tobacco Program's accepted an invitation to attend the City of Niagara
priorities are to reduce youth tobacco rates and to Falls' May 8th Council meeting.
help build and foster youth advocacy skills.
R MeetingS with Niagara's Counterparts on the
egional Council Approves the Re-Opening Niagara-GT A Corridor Underway
of the 2006 Current Budget
Regional Chair Partington met with the Mayor of
Regional Council was advised that it is necessary to Hamiiton, Larry Di Ianni earlier this week in regards
amend the 2006 Current Budget to address the to the Niagara-GTA Corridor. Mayor Di Ianni
decision of PATR and the Area Treasurers remains committed to the Corridor process and is
respecting the funds set aside for the industrial tax receptive to the idea of Hamilton partnering with
rate at the April 13, 2006 Regional Council meeting. Niagara on an Economic Impact Study, which will
forecast the economic benefits of such a corridor on
P the province, region, and communities. The study
rovincial Budget Announcement-March 23, will also analyze the "opportunity costs" of delay to
2006. the implementation of the corridor. The Regional
Chair intends on meeting with Halton Region Chair
Regional Chair Partington noted that during this Joyce Savoline to discuss the corridor.
afternoon's Provinciai government budget
announcement, there were promising remarks about The economic development of Niagara's southern
the Niagara border crossings, child care, health tier is of importance to the development and
care, and infrastructure. Staff will comment in due prosperity of the entire Niagara Region and the
course foliowing a through examination of the Niagara-GTA Corridor is a critical component of
budget. making that happen, Niagara's northern tier is now
land-locked by the greenbelt legislation to protect
I our much valued tender fruit lands, Niagara's
ssues Addressed During Meeting with Public southern tier remains under-developed full of
Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan potential and rich in opportunity for growth and
prosperity.
Regional Chair Partington along with Niagara
Economic Development Corporation, CEO, Patrick C
Gedge; the Commissioner of Planning and onnection Between Highway 140 and the
Development, Corwin Cambray; the General Queen Elizabeth Way- Neededl
Manager, Planning and Development Services, City
of Weiland, Don Thorpe met with Public Regional Chair Partington noted that he strongly
Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan. The believes that Niagara Region must focus Niagara's
topics discussed were the need for the expansion of efforts toward establishing a connection between
Highway 406 to continue on into Weiland and the what is currentiy Highway 140 and the QEW. The
need for Weiland to be identified as an urban growth southern connection between this future section of
area in the Province's Places to Grow plan. Highway is a "can't wait" strategy that fits both
Niagara's short and long term development goals.
T The fruits of this planning have already begun to be
he Regional Chair Addresses the City of realized in the extension of Highway 406 to Port
Niagara Falls' Position on the Niagara-GT A Robinson Road. Highway 406 must be extended to
Corridor East Main Street in Weiland, which will be
advocated during Niagara Week,
Regional Chair Partington met with the City of
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
PLANNING FOR THE BUSINESS
COMMUNITY
TUESDAY, MAY 16t\ 2006
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration at 8:30 a.m.
Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Dr. Robin Williams. Medical Officer of Health for Niagara Region Public Health Department,
cordially invites you to attend a Pandemic Planning Forum for the business community.
Pandemic Preparedness will help alleviate the impact an outbreak will have in Niagara.
Come and learn more about what pandemic planning means to your business and how you
can be best prepared.
~
"TO
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Keynote Speaker: i7i
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William Bishop 00
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Manager Business Continuity Engineering Operations & Logistics, ......
Enbridge Gas 00
ffi
To register, please R.S.V.P. to Niagara Region Public Health
Department by phone 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7240 or
Fax 905-688-7024 no later than May 5, 2006.
Breakfast buffet provided at registration.
Niagara _II Region
PUBLIC HEALTH
-~.---- ----~---_._----------..-.- I. --
Niagara.1I Region The Regional Municipality of Niagara
3550 Schmon Parkway, P,O, Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7
Telephone: 905.984-3630
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Fax: 905.641-5208
E-mail: plan@regional.niagara.on.ca
March 27, 2006
Files: D.05.HO.af
D.12.PR
Mr. Dean lorfida
Clerk
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. lorfida:
Re: Public Policy and Affordable Market Housing:
The Provincial Policy Statement
On March 23, 2005, Regional Council received the attached report regarding Affordable
Market Housing and the Provincial Policy Statement. The report provides information
regarding the Affordable Housing 'InfoSheet' issued by the Provincial government to
assist in understanding the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005, requires planning authorities at both the upper-
tier and lower-tier level to establish targets to meet the demand for more affordable
housing including both ownership and rental housing. The People Needing Housing
strategy, approved by Regional Council in 2005, proposes implementation options to
meet the needs of Niagara households requiring affordable and special needs housing.
If you have any questions about the attached report please contact either myself or Alan
Gummo, MCIP, RPP, Senior Policy Coordination Planner. ~
Yours truly, ~
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Corwin T. Cambray, MCIP, RP8 m
Commissioner of Planning and Development .....
.....
c: Ms. Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk g.;
Mr. Doug Darbyson, MCIP, RPP, Director of Planning & Development
City of Niagara Falls
Building Community. Building Lives.
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DPD 31 -2006
') March 15, 2006
File: D,05 HO,af
D.12PR
Niagara .,1 Region
REPORT TO: Chair and Members of the
Planning and Public Works Committee
SUBJECT: Public Policy and Affordable Market Housing:
The Provincial Policy Statement
RECOMMENDATION
That this Committee recommend to Regional Council:
") 1, That this report be received for information; and,
2, That this report be circulated to the Area Municipalities for information.
, PURPOSE
The purpose of this Report is to provide information regarding the Affordable Housing
'InfoSheet' issued by the Provincial government to assist in understanding the Provincial
Policy Statement, 2005.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005, requires planning authorities to establish targets to
meet the demand for more affordable housing for low and moderate income households.
The Policy includes a definition of 'affordable' housing that includes both ownership and
rental housing.
The PPS contains provisions which apply to upper-tier and lower-tier municipalities,
effectively establishing shared responsibility for implementation,
The People Needing Housing strategy, approved by Regional Council in 2005, proposes
implementation options to meet the needs of Niagara households requiring affordable and
J special needs housing.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with this Report
--~-~
DPD 31-2006
March 15, 2006
Page 2 'J
REPORT
Background
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 requires planning authorities to establish targets to
meet the demand for more affordable housing for low and moderate income households.
The Province argues that a lack of affordable housing effectively limits economic growth,
and can lead to inferior housing or homelessness.
What is 'Affordable Housing'?
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005, defines 'affordable' as:
a) in the case of ownership housing, the least expensive of:
1. housing for which the purchase price results in annual accommodation costs
which do not exceed 30 percent of gross annual household income for low
and moderate income households; or,
2. housing for which the purchase price is at least 10 percent below the
average purchase price of a resale unit in the regional market area; , .
)
b) in the case of rental housing, the least expensive of: ......
1. a unit for which the rent does not exceed 30 percent of gross annual
household income for low and moderate income households; or,
2. a unit for which the rent is at or below the average market rent of a unit in
the regional market area.
The Provincial Policy Statement also defines 'low and moderate income households' as:
a) in the case of ownership housing, households with incomes in the lowest 60
percent of the income distribution for the regional market area; or,
b) in the case of rental housing, households with incomes in the lowest 60 percent of
the income distribution for renter households for the regional market area.
It should be emphasized that the above definitions refer to the 'regional market area'. This
is significant in the Niagara context. The PPS defines this'area' as 'generally broader than
a lower-tier municipality... In southern Ontario, the upper or single-tier municipality will
normally serve as the regional market area.'
Related Provisions of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
1. Targets u)
The PPS requires planning authorities to establish targets for affordable ownership and
rental housing. These targets can be met by new housing, better utilization of existing
units, and intensification and redevelopment opportunities. In effect, planning authorities
DPD 31-2006
. March 15, 2006
') Page 3
are provided with a menu of options based on identified needs and individual
circumstances.
2. Land and Unit Supply
The PPS requires planning authorities to maintain the ability to accommodate residential
growth for a minimum of 10 years. This capacity can consist of intensification and
redevelopment opportunities, and, if necessary, 'greenfield' development.
ThePPS also requires planning authorities tomaintain~and with-selVicing-capaGity-for.at
least a 3 year supply of residential units. This capacity can include lands zoned for
intensification and redevelopment, and land in draft approved and registered plans of
subdivision.
It should be emphasized that the land and unit supply referred to above shall be based on
and reflect the allocation of population and units by the upper-tier municipality. The
Niagara Region Growth Management Strategy will identify this allocation.
3. Special Needs Housing
J The PPS also requires plaoning authorities to permit and facilitate all forms of housing
including special needs housing. Special needs housing includes dedicated facilities
required for daily living by persons who have special needs including support functions.
Local needs and policies can be based on local circumstances.
People Needing Housing: A Collaborative Housing Strategy for the Niagara
Community
The People Needing Housing strategy, approved by Regional Council in 2005, confirms
the need for additional affordable housing in Niagara. Projections indicate that 488
affordable units are required annually to address the needs of those with incomes below
$30,000. A summary of affordable housing supply targets, by household income category,
across Niagara is included in Appendix 2. Affordable housing targets, by municipality, that
are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement have been identified within the
strategy. The strategy also proposes implementation options, some of which are currently
being initiated and others that are being reviewed for feasibility.
Submitted by: Approved by:
J ~
Corwin T. Cambray, MCIP, RPP
Commissioner of Planning a evelopment
'~~'---_._~---~-_.__......._-~-~-------_.._--"-",._-_.._._.~.- --..
,
DPD 31-2006
March 15,2006 "
Page 4 .---., )
This report was prepared by Alan ~o, MCIP, RPP, in consultation with Lora Beckwith,
General Manager, Niagara Regiona ousing.
APPENDIX Page
Appendix I Ontario Affordable Housing 'InfoSheet' 5-8
Appendix 2 Annual Housing Supply Targets, Niagara Region g
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DPD 31-2006 - Appendix I - Page 5 Fall 2005
Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
The new Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters
'relating to land use planning that are of provincial interest. It is issued under the
authority of Section 3 of the Planning Act and applies to all applications, matters or
proceedings commenced on or after March 1, 2005.
Housing represents an important part of the govemmenfs commitment to build strong,
healthy and sustainable communities, The government is committed to ensuring that
the housing needs of all Ontarians are met.
Section 1.4 of the PPS, 2005 requires planning authorities to provide for an
appropriate range of housing types and densities to meet projected requirements of
current and future residents. These policies require the establishment of affordable
housing targets and development standards that minimize the cost of housinirimd
facilitate compact fonn, while maintaining appropriate levels of.public health and '
safety.
What is Affordable Housing
The Government of Ontario recognizes the need for more affordable housing in our
communities, Our changing demographic requires corresponding shifts in how we
meet the demand for more affordable housing as well as for housing that is accessible
and barrier-free to people with special needs.
The PPS, 2005 defines 'affordable' as it relates to housing in Ontario.
Affordable means:
a) in the case of ownership housing, the least expensive of:
1. housing for which the purchase price results in annual
accommodation costs which do not exceed 30 percent of gross annual ,
household income for low and moderate income households; or
2. housing for which the purchase price is at least 1 0 percent
below the average purchase price of a resale unit in the regional market area;
b) in the case of rental housing, the least expensive of: ,
1. a unit for which the rent does not exceed 30 percent of
gross annual household income for low and moderate income households; or
2. a unit for which the rent is at or below the average market
rent of a unit in the regional market area,
· Ontario is home to 4.21 million households
'1.35 million rental households
'2.86 million ownership households
· Nearly 600,000 households have trouble accessing affordable, suitable and
adequate housing,
· Nearly 125,000 households cannot afford their own homes and are on active waiting
lists for social housing,
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I Benefits of Affordable Housing DPD 31-2006 - Appendix I-Page 6
,
Affordable housing is one of the major factors in creating attractive, livable and competitive communities. 0
Among other things, the availability of affordable housing makes it easier to attract and retain people to a
community. For many communities, the need for affordable housing is a priority issue, Planning authorities
are routinely challenged to find solutions for housing needs, especially as the population increases and
ages, and as household size decreases.
A lack of affordable housing effectively limits economic growth and can lead
to inferior housing or homeless ness, This can place tremendous pressure
on individuals and families, and on health and social services. Moreover,
affordable housing and support services for those in need helps create stable
living conditions, increased self-esteem and better financial stability. Affordable
housing also costs less than accommodation in group homes and other
institutions for homeless people, who are often in poor health.
Having a place to call home provides an important base and anchor in our lives.
A home nurtures and supports individuals and families as they go about their
daily lives, allowing them to contribute positively to the economy and society.
Affordable Housing Policies in the PPS, 2005
The govemment recognizes that communities across Ontario are diverse and unique.
The PPS, 2005 promotes the integrity of planning by requiring planning authorities to identify affordable 0
housing needs for low and moderate income households within their communities, Ensuring an adequate
supply and distribution of affordable housing represents an opportunity for communities to achieve more'
sustainable growth and improve living conditions. There are several policies in the PPS, 2005 that are
directly and indirectly related to the provision of affordable housing,
Affordable Housing Targets
The PPS, 2005 requires planning authorities to establish and implement
minimum targets, based on local needs, for the provision of housing that is
affordable to low and moderate income households. Affordabie housing, which
includes both ownership and rental housing, promotes development opportunities
in buill-up areas and supports densities for the efficient use of land and
resources, In achieving affordable housing targets, planning authorities should
consider not only the need for new housing, but also ways in which the existing
stock might be better utilized to meet the needs of the community.
In situations where planning is conducted by an upper-tier municipality, the upper-tier municipality,
in consultation with the lower-tier municipalities, may identify a higher target(s) than the lower-tier
municipalities, Upper-tier municipalities are uniquely positioned to address broad, regionally-based issues
and will continue to work with lower-tier municipalities to best address these issues.
Establishing targets helps provide a basis for planning authorities to develop performance measures and J~
to evaluate the production of affordable housing, Building permits for affordable housing can be compare
with targets to help determine whether objectives are being met. Results can then be taken into account in
the review of site-specific development applications and comprehensive reviews.
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.1~ and 3.Year land I Unit Supply DPD 31-2006 - Appendix I - Page 7
vustainable and efficient patterns of development help . "
minimize the cost of development by using existing services Sample 2.005 Aff~rdable House Prices and Rents
and infrastructure. Owners hID Housma
The lesser of: 1. Housing costs do nqt exceed 30% of gross ,annual household
The PPS, 2005 requires planning authorities to maintain income for low a,nd moderate income households
the ability to accommodate residential growth for a Affordable House Prices at 50111 Income Percentile ,
minimum of 10 years. This shall be done through District of City of Regional Municipality
residential intensification and redevelopment and, where Thunder Bay Ottawa of Waterloo
necessary, through the use of lands which are designated T olal Household Income $54,600 $68,300 $61,400
and available for residential development. Planning Affordable House Price $181,500 $227,000 $204,000
authorities are also required to maintain at all times, where 2. Purchase price which is at least 10 percent below average
new development is to occur, land with servicing capacity or
sufficient for at least a 3-year supply of residential units. resale price in the regional market area
This shall be available through lands suitably zoned to Average Resale Prices
facilitate residential intensification and redevelopment, and District of City of Regional Municipality,
land in draft approved and registered plans. This helps to Thunder Bay ottawa of Waterloo
avoid situations where there are insufficient opportunities Average Resale Price $112,400 $238,200 $205,600
to address housing needs. The policies manage growth 10% Below $101,200 $214,400 $185,000
by directing new housing development to areas with
appropriate levels of infrastructure and public service Rental Housina
'<"jlities, and promote densities that support the use of The lesser of: 1. Unit rents do not exceed 30% of gross annual household
..' mative transportation modes and public transit. income for low and moderate income households
Special Needs Housing Affordable Rents at 50111 Income Percentile
District of City of ' Regional Municipality
The PPS, 2005 requires planning authorities to permit Thunder Bay Ottawa of Waterloo
and facilitate all forms of housing to meet the social, Renter Household Income $25,700 $40,150 $36,810
health and well-being requirements of current and future Affordable Rent $640 $1,000 $920 ,
residents, including those with special needs, Based on or 2. Unit rents which are at or below the average market rent in the
local circumstances, planning authorities must determine regional market area
the range of needs and establish policies to address them, Average Rents for a Two Bedroom Unit
including afford ability, Ensuring adequate distribution and District of Cilyof Regional Municipality
supply of affordable housing helps provide options for Thunder Bay Ottawa of Waterloo
special needs housing that reflect local circumstances. Average Rent $679 $942 $7u5
Special needs housing includes dedicated facilities, in (2-bedroom unit)
whole or in part, required for daily living by people who 2004 data
have specific needs, such as mobility or support functions.
Examples of special needs housing include housing for
persons with disabilities such as physical, sensory or
mental health disabilities, and the elderiy.
, tng, safe and healthy communities make it easier for people to live, work and make use of services. By offering
'....4 appropriate mix of housing types - both built form (i,e" stacked townhouses, low-rise multi-unit building, high-
rise multi-unit building) and tenure (ownership, rentaO - they are inclusive of all persons and income levels. Such
communities meet fhe housing needs of all residents, including the need for affordable housing and those with special
needs,
_.. -_.~--_.._---- .- --.,.
DPD 31-2006 -
How Communities can Facilitate Affordable Housing Page B ")
Planning authorities are responsible for implementing the policies of the PPS, 2005 including policies related to affordable -.
housing, through their decisions and official plans. Under the Planning Act, all decisions affecting land use planning
matters "shall be consistent with" the PPS, 2005. While the PPS, 2005 provides minimum standards for decision-making,
it also recognizes matters of regional and local significance. Planning authorities may build upon the policies in the PPS,
2005 to incorporate local issues in their planning documents and decisions, as long as these documents or decisions do
not conflict with any provincial policies.
Currently, the government is building stronger communities by creating more affordable housing through a comprehensive
Affordable Housing Strategy. Ontario's strategy is based on a commitment to work with municipalities and the federal
government to increase the supply of affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Program, with a focus on the
working poor, persons with mental illness and victims of domestic violence.
Companion Tools to Help Implement Affordable Housing
There are a number of tools that may be used by municipalities and groups interested in building affordable housing:
. The Affordable Housing Program is a federal-provincial cost-shared initiative, which will commit funds for affordable
housing until March 31, 2009. The program has three components:
o Community Rental- funding to reduce the capital costs for newly constructed, or acquired and rehabilitated
rental buildings, making it economically feasible for landlords to charge affordable rents
o Homeownership - funding to ease the demand for rental housing by assisting rental households to purchase
affordable homes .
o Remote Program - funding to create, acquire or rehabilitate, through renovation, affordable rental or ownership; )
housing in remote areas (North em Ontario).' .'
. The Housing Allowance Program is a five (5) year program that will provide immediate relief for up to 5,000 low-
income households across the province. Funding commitments must be made on or before March 31, 2008.
. Municipalities may be able to provide property tax exemptions and other incentives such as loans, grants and
development charge waivers to encourage affordable housing construction (under the Municipal Act, 2001 regulation
(0. Reg. 46/94 as amended by O. Reg. 189/01)).
. Municipalities can reduce the property tax rate on multi-residential rental housing (apartments) to near or equal to the
tax rate for owner-occupied condominiums or single-family homes, making it more economical to develop affordable
housing (under the Fair Municipal Finance Act, 1997).
. Changes to the Ontario Building Code encourage new, singie-room occupancy rental units. Additional changes,
effective July 1, 2005, encourage the use of more innovative or cost-effective building design and materials.
This InfoSheet was developed to assist participants in the land use planning process to understand the PPS, 2005. The
information in the InfoSheet should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized legal or professional advice in
connection with any particular matter. It is recommended that independent legal or professional advice be obtained when
determining the effect of the PPS, 2005.
",.)
Produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Provincial Planning and Environmental Services Branch
ISBN 0.7794-9340.0 .(9 Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2005
Paid for by the Government of Ontario.@
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.
. DPD 31-2006
. . March 15, 2006
) Page 9
Appendix 2
ANNUAL HOUSING SUPPLY TARGETS, NIAGARA REGION
. .
% of Total Annual Housing Affordable Ownership
HousehOld Income Households Target for Affordable Rent (Unit Cost)
2001 Niaaara Reaion Niagara Reaion
Under $10,000 4.80% 77 Under $250 Under $71,500
$10,000 to $19,999 13.40% 216 $250 to $500
$20,000 to $29,999 12.10% 195 $500 to $750 $71,500 to $105,000
$30,000 to $39,999 11.50% 185 $750 to $1,000 $105,001 to $140,000
$40,000 to $49,999 10.80% 174 $1,000 to $1,250 $140,001 to $172,400
$50,000 and over 47.40% 763 $1,250 and $172,400 and over
Higher
Total 100.00% 1,610
Source: People Needing Housing, October, 2004
)
)
\\ltl TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
-
"- Box 40, 19M43 Hwy #3, Wainfleet, ON LOS IVO
*= Tel: 905-899-3463 . Fax: 905-899-2340. www.township.wainfleet.on.ca
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File: Regional Chair ~
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March 27, 2006 '"
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Office of the Regional Chairman
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2201 St. David's Road :;;~
P.O. Box 1042 0
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Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 t-'"
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Attention: Mr. Peter Partington W
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Regional Chairman
Re: Niagara Region Courts Intermunicipal Agreement - Amendment
Dear Mr. Partington:
Please be advised that Council for the Township of Wainfleet at its meeting held on
March 14, 2006 reviewed Regional Council's position and request for approval on the
above-noted matter.
As a result of Council's review, Council did not support the approval of the Amending
Agreement. Council for the Township of Wain fleet is satisfied that the current reporting
structure is appropriate and is not in need of change. This appropriateness relates to the
Regional Clerk's unbiased role in serving all members ofthe partnership equally.
lchael Benner, MCIP, RPP
Clerk/Planner
MB/kw
06-041
cc: Area Municipalities
Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk
Mike Trojan, Chief Administrative Officer
Michael Kyne, Director of Legal Services
Annette Poulin, Joint Board of Management ofthe Niagara Region Courts
-----
/legionBI
NIAGARA
....1'1 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
" WATER & WASTEWATER SERVICES DIVISION
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
, 3501 Schmon Parkway, P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario
L2V 4T7
March 24,2006
PUBLIC NOTICE
Mr. Dean Iortida, City Clerk
City of Niagara FaDs
4310 Queen Street
Niagara FaDs, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. Iorfida,
Re: Solar Drying Pilot Facility
for the Garner Road Biosolids Storage Facility Site
Our File No. 0.01.13 99 30523
This letter is to inform you of the proposed Solar Drying Pilot Facility to be located at the Garner Road
Biosolids Storage Facility, 8719 Chippawa Creek Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The Regional Municipality of Niagara (the Region) is committed to finding alternative approaches for
its biosolids handling and to diversify these approaches in an economic and environmentally friendly
way. The Region is currently investigating the feasibility of using greenhouse technology to solar dry
biosolids to produce a product with little to no pathogens. This process will help to diversify the
current biosolids program by providing an alternative to practices used today. The use of solar drying
technology would drastically reduce the volume of solids to be applied to agricultural sites, while
providing a more stable and pathogen free product.
Automated solar drying technology has been applied in Europe and the US. Advantages of solar drying
is the reduction of energy requirements in a time of energy cost inflation above general inflation, and
reduction in total mass without the addition of bulking agents or alkaline reagents. This volume
reduction is beneficial to land application, alternate uses and/or landfilling.
The Region plans to pilot an automated solar drying facility that will consist of one greenhouse and an
electric robot for mixing and aeration.
If you should have any concerns or objections regarding this project, as a landowner/tenant adjacent to
the Garner Road property, please submit them in writing within 15 days of receipt of this notice to;
The Director
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
Ministry of the Environment
2 St. Clair Avenue, Floor l2A ~
Toronto, Ontario
M4V lL5 ~
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Yours truly, 12
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s;:;
Deanna Barrow, P. Eng. 0
W
Manager, Process and Staff Development ~
Water & Wastewater Services Division ....
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deanna. barrow@regional.niagara.on.ca ,::.;.
L:\Operations\O.Ol Capital Projects\Correspondence\2006\03-24 Various-SolarDryingProject.doc 0::0
Phone: (905) 685.1571 Fax: (905) 685.5205
1.800-263-7215 Website: www.regional.niagara.on.ca
-~-~- -----------~._~ -- ,.
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OFFICE OF THE: ,
MAYOR
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER "':.'''''T.'o/''.
CLERK
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THE CORPORATION OF THE
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TOWN OF PELHAM TEL. (905) 892.2607
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES FAX (905) 892-5055
DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
POST OFFICE BOX 400
PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE
FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS lED
April 3, 2006
MR. KENNETH R. TODD
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SUPPORT SERVICES
CITY OF ST, CATHARINES
P. O. BOX 3012
50 CHURCH STREET
ST. CATHARINES ON L2R 7C2
Dear Mr. Todd:
This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its last regular meeting held on
Monday, March 20, 2006, enacted the following resolution:
''THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution enacted by
the City of St. Catharines at their meeting held March 6, 2006 whereby they request that
the CRTC re-hear Niagara's overriding right to be included in the Canadian TV
broadcast system;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Canadian Radio-Television
Telecommunications Commission, the Clerk of the Privy Council, local MP's and MPP's,
the Regional Municipality of Niagara and area municipalities.".
Yours very truly, ,
Cheryl Micle e, AMCT :z
~
Town Clerk ~
Cc: Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Committee ~
Clerk of the Privy Council ""
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Local MP's 0
Local MPP's I:T'>
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Regional Municipality of Niagara
Area Municipalities ,....
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City of The Corporation of the
~WART City of Kawartha lakes
P. O. Box 9000, 26 Francis St.,
LINDSAY, ON K9V 5R8
Tel. (705) 324-9411 Ext 295, 1-888-822-2225
Fax: (705) 324-8110
Judy Currins, City Clerk
File No.: C10
February 10, 2006
BY FAX AND MAIL: 416-314-2976
Ms. Sarah O'Keefe, Policy Adviser
Strategic Policy Branch
Ministry of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West
11'h Floor
Toronto ON M4V 1P5
Dear Ms. O'Keefe:
SUBJECT: Prooosed Clean Water Act. 2005
At the Council meeting of Tuesday February 7, 2006 Council dealt with the recommendation from the
Development and Public Works Services Committee of the City of Kawartha Lakes held on January 31,
2006. The following is the resolution that Council approved:
Moved by Council/or Marsh, seconded by Council/or Cziraky,
RESOL VED THA T the financial costs of required studies, as identified in Report DEV2006-07, "The
Clean Water Act, 2005", be funded by the Province within funds announced by the Province in
December 2005;
THA T an appeal mechanism be established for MaE decisions on Source Protection Plans;
THA T identified costs in their entirety to implement and enforce Source Protection Plans be
provided to municipalities by the province;
THA T the Act provide immunity to municipalities for any financial losses to land owners caused by
the enforcement of Source Protection Plans;
THAT the province compensate land owners with any financial losses caused by the enforcement
of Source Protection Plans;
THA T municipalities have the option of implementing the Clean Water Act on their own;
THA T at least three (3) provincially funded public meetings be held in the City of Kawartha Lakes
before the passing of this Act; and
THA T a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of the Environment,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Laurie Scott, MPP. and to the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario for circulation to all municipalities.
Yours truly,
Judy Currins
City Clerk
c.c.: The Right Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty
The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment
Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton-Victoria-Brock
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
-~._--~-~-,_._- .. --.-
TOWN OF CALEDON w-l10 -2006
Date: March 21, 2006
Moved by: ~ Seconded by:
N. c1eBoer
WHEREAS there is an income crisis on Ontario's farms;
AND WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called upon the Provincial and
Federal Govemments to act in order to solve the problem of negative incomes on Ontario farms:
AND WHEREAS the farmers of our municipality support the local and provincial economy and
jobs;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Caledon recognizes the real threat to the
long term financial viability of Ontario farmers and their communities and request that the
governments of Ontario and Canada commit to:
. Immediate and sufficient funding for long term programs and delivery of funding
over the next three years, until the next Agricultural Policy Framework can be
designed and implemented to provide a satisfactory standard of living for Ontario
farmers and their families;
. Flexibility in the delivery of assistance to .farmers that works for farmers and, as
such, will preserve programs like supply management systems that have already
proven to work for farmers, consumers, Federal and Provincial Governments.
. A commitment to build on and improve the five Agricultural Policy Framework
(APF) pillars for'long term growth and development.
AND FURTHER THAT Council for the Corporation of the Town of Caledon circulate this
resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Federal Minister of Agriculture, members of
Parliament in Ontario, the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs, the Ontario government caucus and all municipalities in Ontario.
The Corporation of The Town ofCaledon ~r~
6311 Old Church Road
Caledon, Ontario Mayor:
L 7C IJ6
(905) 584-2272
------ I
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87 John Street Sout~, f1!iJ 'h,TOWNSHIP,!
Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2C3 ~[b~ODD~[3
Telephone; (519) 773.5344
F", [5191 773.5334
www.township.malahide.on.ca A proud tradition, a bright future.
Hon. George Smitherman, March 10, 2006.
Minister of Health & Long Term Care,
Legislative Building, Queen's Park,
Toronto, Ontario M7AIAl
Dear Sir:
Malahide Township Council unanimously passed the following Resolution on March 9, 2006:
Moved by: John R. Wilson Seconded by: Mark Widner
WHEREAS the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) released a report entitled "Ontario Physician
Shortage 2005" and,
WHEREAS said Report predicts that the Provincial Physician Shortage will reach 2,300 this year; and
WHEREAS our population continues to grow and as more and more physicians are retiring, the
problem will grow worse over time; and
WHEREAS the Physician shortage is particularly pronounced in rural Ontario as reduced enrollments
in medical schools in previous years has reduced the flow of family physicians to rural communities; and,
WHEREAS Ontario is experiencing a growing rural population as retirees move to the country side; and,
WHEREAS the OMA estimates that there are over 10,000 Canadian trained Ph)'sicians currently
practicing in the United States; and,
WHEREAS allowing Physicians with recognized equivalency to commence practice in Ontario would
facilitate the influx of doctors in Ontario in a relatively short period of time; and,
WHEREAS an amendment to the Ontario Medicine Act to allow the recognition of specific
Medical Exams as equivalent would permit the College of Physicians and Surgeons to grant
licenses to practice medicine in Ontario to those Physicians who are in good standing and have
written the necessary examinations;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in an effort to expedite the ayailability of doctors in
Ontario, particularly in rural Ontario, the Township of Malahide Municipal Council hereby requests
that the Minister of Health for Ontario propose an amendment to the Medicine Act to permit the College
of Physicians and Surgeons to license physicians who are in good standing and who have written the
necessary examinations thereby bringing additional fully qualified physicians, ready to commence
practice immediately to our Province, while long-term solutions are being implemented; and
THAT Copies of this Resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the County of Elgin, and all Elgin
lower-tier municipalities, the County of Middlesex, the City of St. Thomas, Mr. Steve Peters, MPP, Mr.
Joe Preston, MP, Leaders of the Opposition, Federal Minister of Health, Ontario College of Physicians
and Surgeons and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for circulation to and support from every
municipality in Ontario.
We look forward to hearing from you with respect to this matter.
Yours very truly,
TOWNSHIP OF MALA HIDE
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R. MILLARD, C.A.O./CLERK
RANDALL R. MILLARD SUSAN E. WILSON
C.A.O./Clerk Treasurer
~ Ontario
2006 Central Ontario Municipal Conference
"Building the Foundation for
Strong Communities "
Thursday April 27, 2006
8:00am-3:30pm
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North
Hotel, Suites and Conference Centre
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
-,- -~
8:00am Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00am Introduction/ Greetings
9:15am Keynote Address
Fred Dean, Barrister and Solicitor
10:15am Break
10:30am Morning Breakout Sessions:
i) For A Few Dollars More: Making Brownfields
Work for You
ii) Absolute Power: ''A, B, Cs of conduct - Easy as
1,2,3"
iii) Fistful of Dollars: Asset Management for
Treasurers
12:00pm Trade Show & Cash Bar
12:30pm Lunch
1:15pm Address by the Honourable John Gerretsen,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Long Standing Service Awards Recognition
2:00pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions:
i) The Good The Bad and The Ugly: Lessons Learned
and Challenges to Meet - Municipal Election 2006
ii) A Perfect World: Municipal Planning
iii) Mystic River: An Introduction to the Clean
Water Act
3:30pm Adjournment
.
.- +....--
John Gerretsen
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Welcome to the 2006 Central Ontario Municipal
Conference. The title of this year's conference,
"Building rhe Foundarion for Strong
Communities," is an apt summary of the work the
McGuinty government is carrying out in
partnership with Ontario's municipalities. From bringing the province's
land-use planning sysrem and rhe Onrario Municipal Board into rhe 21st
century, to the promotion of brownfields redevelopment, to our review of
the Municipal Act, 2001, together, we are successfully building strong
communities now and ensuring they continue to thrive into the future.
We are also in a dialogue with the new fedetal government to make sure
that the issues facing local governments get the attention they deserve.
The Government of Ontario is committed to improving the lives of
Ontarians, and we recognize that you - our municipal partners - are the
front line in that effort. We are working to ensure you have the tools and
lIexibility to meet this important goaL
This past year has been an eventful one for communities in central Ontario.
We have established a greenbelt that will preserve our natural heritage, and
we are curbing urban sprawl. By working as partners. we can attain even
greater success. That's why conferences like this one are so important. They
give us an opportunity to understand one another's perspectives and
identifY mutual goals.
The past year has shown what we can do by working together. We've built
the foundation for a prosperous and healthy future in central Ontario, now
we must ensure that it is as successful as it possibly can be - for our
children and future generations.
.
I. ---
Fred Dean has served Local Government as a Solicitor, Facili-
tator, Negotiator and Coach. Giving community leaders the
tools to deal with issues such as "Governance: Making Effective
Decisions"; "Getting Along: Council/Staff Relations"; "Con-
flict of Interest"; "Conducting Effective Meetings"; and "Public
Sector Procurement".
Mr. Dean knows the ins and outs of municipal govern-
ment; giving civic leaders the tools to make effective de-
cisions and engage citizens in the process. This p resenta-
tion will focus on issues relevant to today's council and staff.
I ~I
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Brownfields are an economic development and land use
issue for all Ontario communities (urban and rural, large
and small) and a growing priority for this government. The
session will attempt to provide a road map through the various
legislation, regulations, policies and programs currently in place
as well as describing the process for developing and implement-
ing a brownfield strategy and community improvement plan. The
presentation will include information on the approach taken by
different municipalities in Ontario. The session is intended to be
useful whether you're looking for a refresher on recent provincial
and municipal brownfield initiatives, or if this will be your first
introduction brownfields and the ,
to province s
coordinated approach to brownfield redevelopment.
Speakers: Luciano Piccioni, President, RCI Consulting
Marcia Wallace, Brownfields Co-ordinator,
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
.. ._~~_.
011 mJ.1 ,
Be Clear, Alw~ys' Be Consistent ... coun-
cil and the people you serve all understand what conduct can
and should be expected of municipal representatives and
staff will be easier if you follow a few simple steps: 1. work
together to develop a code of conduct; 2. once you have the code,
educate; and, 3. enforce the code. This presentation will help you
to get to the first step to developing your own code of conduct.
Speakers: Rick O'Connor, Deputy City Clerk & Legal
Counsel, City of Ottawa
Peter-John Sidebottom, Manager, Municipal
Governance and Structures Branch, Ministry of
Mun},cipal Affairs and Housing
'.
An asset management is a strategic, pro-active,
long-term comprehensive plan for managing assets on a
life-cycle basis. It is a way of doing business and an impor-
tant communication and marketing tool. This session will
provide municipal treasurers with practical advice on develop-
ing asset management plans from two leading organizarions:
o InfraGuide is a national network of experrs and a growing collec-
tion of best practice publications for core infrastructure - offering
the best in Canadian experience and knowledge of inftastructure.
oThe Ontario Municipal CAOs Benchmarking Initiative
(OMBI) is the result of a CAO's partnership effort to continu-
ously srrive for service excellence in municipal government.
Speakers: Ron Gibson, Director, Ontario Municipal CAOs
Benchmarking Initiative
Betty Matthews-Malone, General Manager-
Physical Services, Haldimand County, and
InfraGuide
.. .,
This interactive session will provide parricipants with an
opporrunity ra discuss rhe lessons learned from the 2003
election, expected challenges for the 2006 election and
available resources to assist clerks with their election
planning. Bring your issues - maybe the group can resolve them!
Speaker: Janet Andrews, Manager, Elections and Registry
Services, City of Toronto
In this session recent provincial policy changes such as
Planning Reform and Greenbelt Plan will be discussed,
including an overview of how they work collectively in an
integrated way to supporr the Strong Communities agenda.
Speaker: Vicrar Doyle, Manager, Central Municipal
Services Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing
.
------~------_.._--~~--- .. _m
This session will provide an overview of Bill 43, the Clean W;Z-
ter Act, 2005, introduced in December 2005 by the Ministry of
the Environment. The focus of the proposed Bill 43 is to en-
sure the quality and quantity of water sources are maintained;
key elements include linking the municipal water supply strat-
egy with the need to manage activities in the "vulnerable areas"
around the water sources needed today and also in rhe future. To
supporr this initiative, rhe Minisrry of the Environment has
provided funding for technical srudies and is encouraging
municipalities to take a leadership role in developing the plans.
Speaker: Ministry of the Environment - Speaker to be
Confirmed
.
I. .~ ,-.-
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North
Hotel, Suites and Conference Centre
600 Highway 7 East
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Telephone: (905) 881 2121
From North From South
Take Highway 400 South to Highway Take Don Valley Parkway North
7, and go east on Highway 7 for 18 (which turns into Highway 404). Exit
kilometers. The hotel will be on the at Highway 7, and go west 1 block (2
left hand side of the road. street lights). The hotel will be on the
From East right hand side of the road, just past
the "Esso" gas station. Or, take QEW
Take Highway 401 West to Highway to 401 and follow directions from the
404 North (look for the Don Valley West.
Parkway sign) Go north to Highway
7, exit, turn left, and head west on From West (From the Air.:port)
Highway 7. The hotel is on right hand Take Highway 401 East to Highway
side 2 street lights ahead. 404 North, exit and turn left at
Highway 7. The hotel will be on the
right hand side of the toad.
.
-,y- ,., ------
@ Ontario
MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
Central Municipal Services Office
presents the
2006 CENTRAL ONTARIO MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE
"Building the Foundation for
Strong Communities"
APRIL 27, 2006
Sheraton Parkway Hotel, Richmond Hill
8:00 a.m. (registration) to 3:30 p.m.
Highlights: Hon. John Gerretsen,
Minister of Municipal I Affairs and Housing
Invited as luncheon speaker
Keynote Speaker: Fred Dean, B.A., LL.B. (former municipal solicitor)
Fred Dean knows the ins and outs of municipal government
and will give civic leaders and municipal staff the tools to
make effective decisions.
Se"ion,:
l. For A Few Dollars More - Making Brownfields Work for You
2. Absolute Power - A, B, Cs of Conduct. Easy As 1 I 2, 3
3. Fistful of Dollars - Asset Management for Treasurers
4. The Good The Bad and The Ugly - Lessons Learned and
Challenges to Meet - Municipal Election 2006
5. A Perfect World - Municipal Planning and Housing
6. MystiC River - An Introduction to the Clean Water Act
See registration form attached.
I.
53rd Annual OSUM Conference and Trade Show
oe.o\
€,)l." e. Y\
. 0 ~o.~e.
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€,o.f
May 3-5, 2006 Leamington, Ontario
"Investing in Diversity"
Do not miss this unique opportunity to join us in an exciting and informative
conference. Visit www.leaminqton.ca for registration forms and further information.
We are proud to announce that Senior Climatologist David Phillips, generally acknowledged
as Canada's foremost weather expert, will be speaking on "How Climate Effects Municipal
Life and Tourism".
Provincial Ministers confirmed to date:
. Hon. John Gerretsen - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
. Hon. Laurel Broten - Minister of the Environment
. Hon. Steve Peters - Minister of Labour
. Featuring a question and answer period. A unique opportunity to have your voice heard!
. AMO & FCM Updates with Presidents Anderson and Kovach
. Emergency Planning and Public Health
. Housing for a New Tomorrow
. Meeting our Energy Challenges, Now and in the Future
. Creative Cultural Partnerships
A Mexican Fiesta featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and live entertainment
Wine & Cheese Reception
Golfing, Greenhouse Tours, Winery Tours, Cooking Classes
& Nature Hikes at Point Pelee National Park
For more information contact:
Rochelle Emery-Luckett, Leamington OSUM Conference Coordinator 519-326-5761 ex!. 206
rluckett@.leaminoton.ca
For trade show inquiries contact:
Ted Blowes, Annual OSUM Conference & Trade Show Coordinator 519-393-5877 ted.b@.ouadro.net
\rJ~ Delegate Registration Fonn M
,,"-,. .~ 53'd Annual OSUM Conference and Trade Show
=-- :~ May 3 - 5, 2006
...~. =::::'~o'~rlo
Delegate Name:
Position:
Municipality:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Fax:
E-mail Address:
Companion Name (if applicable):
Full Delegate Before April 1, 2006 $350.00 0
One-Day Delegate Only $250.00 D Specify Day:
Companion Package Before April 1, 2006 $ 85.00 D
Chairman's Luncheon (extra tickets) Friday, May 5 $ 50.00 D
Leamington Greenhouse Tours $ free D Wed. May 3 - Morning
Erie Shores Golf & Country Club $ 70.00 D Wed. May 3 - Afternoon
Canada South Wine Tours $ 60.00 0 Wed. May 3 - Afternoon
Cooking Classes - Strawberries Kitchen Shop $ 40.00 0 Thurs. May 4 - Morning
Hike to the Tip - PI. Pelee Nat. Park $ 20.00 0 Thurs. May 4 - Morning
Canada South Wine Tours $ 60.00 0 Thurs. May 4 - Afternoon
Cooking Classes - Strawberries Kitchen Shop $ 40.00 D Friday, May 5 - Morning
Hike to the Tip - Point Pelee National Park $ 20.00 D Friday, May 5 - Morning
Subtotal:
GST: (GST# )
Total:
Full Delegate includes: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, the Chairman's Luncheon, all workshops & special events
Companion package includes: 2 breakfasts & the Chairman's Luncheon (other events at own cost)
D VISA D MC Card # Exp. (mm/yy)
Signature:
D Cheque (payable to the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington)
Please send registration form and payment to the Corooration of the Municioalitv of
Leaminaton at: 38 Erie St. North, Leamington, ON N8H 2Z3 Fax: 519-326-2481. Registration
fees are refundable only upon receipt of written notification by Fridav. Aoril 28. 2006 - less a
$50.00 service charge. All delegates must book their own accommodations.
Leamington Conference Coordinator: Rochelle Emery-Luckett 519-326-5761 ex!. 206
rluckett@leaminaton.ca
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