Monday Apr 16th - 2012

In response to many requests as of late on condo owners, and the share of taxes that they pay to the city, a response has been provided here:

16-Apr-12
Property taxes and condominiums
The municipal property tax system is based on the principle that all property owners share the cost of providing municipal services for our entire community – regardless of whether or not an individual taxpayer makes use of a certain City service Ontario’s property tax system is not a user pay system. Municipal programs, services, and facilities are funded collectively by residential, business, commercial, and industrial property owners.

Questions and answers:

Why should property owners pay taxes to cover the cost of services they don’t use?
It’s a way for everyone to share the cost of delivering essential public programs, facilities and services. Even if we choose not to use a particular service, it’s important that everyone contributes to police, fire, and emergency services, libraries, recreation centres and other valuable community assets. For example, businesses don’t have children but a portion of their property taxes is used to cover the cost of public education; public education is an essential and valuable part of life in our community.
 

Why do some condo owners pay property taxes for municipal services & then pay private companies additional fees for snow removal?
Property taxes cover the cost of winter control activities for all public roads, making it safer for everyone to travel throughout the community. Property owners are responsible for removing snow from their properties. Snow removed from private properties still ends up in municipal stormwater drains and sewers which are maintained and repaired using property taxes.
Why do some condo owners pay property taxes for municipal services and then pay private companies additional fees for waste removal?

Our property tax system is not a user-pay system; we all contribute to the municipal waste management system regardless of whether we use municipal waste collection. Condominium corporations make use of private waste collection companies for various reasons. Some prefer not to leave waste at the curb for collection. Some properties may not be accessible in Guelph’s waste collection vehicles. The City works with property owners to determine the best way to collect and manage waste for each property. To learn more call 519-767-0598 or email waste@guelph.ca.
Can the City refund property taxes for condominiums?
No. The property tax system in Ontario is determined by the Provincial government. The City has no legal authority to change how properties are assessed or alter the property tax structure.

How are property taxes calculated?

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assesses the value of all properties in Ontario based on several factors including location, age, size, lot size, and property type (single-detached home, townhouse, multi-residential, commercial, industrial, retails etc.) to determine their market value. The City of Guelph sets a tax rate for municipal services, and the Province of Ontario sets a rate for public education. The tax rate is applied to the assessed value of the property.

For more information:
Gail Nisbet
Manager, Taxation and Revenue
Finance
T 519-822-1260 x 2316
E gail.nisbet@guelph.ca