MPAC has increased the cost to the tax-payers of Ontario

MPAC has increased the cost to the tax-payers of Ontario. Computer programs are only as good as the person creating them or who is putting the data into that computer. With MPAC's formula for payment for their services there is a conflict based on the "assessed value of property" x "the number of properties" ÷ 2 x "the amount that the Corporation considers necessary to pay for its operations during the taxation year." According to government, assessments are to be based on "fair market value," (FMV). FMV is defined as: "the price that a person reasonably interested in buying a thing would pay to a person reasonably interested in selling it…" To determine FMV both the buyer and seller should know what they are buying/selling and it must be their own decision to freely buy or sell what is being offered.

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Yet one could ask if the province is involved in market manipulation, and artificially increasing the value of land/property? If the province has control over the "value" of property and with the on-going amount of regulation, particularly involving land/property, the government is effectively involved in market manipulation creating a shortage of land to be developed, therefore artificially inflating the price. As the province can increase/decrease through taxation; increase/decrease the value of property through speculation taxes; [1] increase/decrease through regulation, restricting development, is this not creating a land cartel? There is also the issue that property taxes are to cover local public expenditures – not to finance a third party (MPAC). It has also been noted, by private property owners, that "Conservation Land" designations, etc., have been applied to their assessments without the private property owner's knowledge or consent. These owners have not entered into agreements with any entities listed in the Conservation Lands Act, nor have they any easements or covenants registered against their title. These artificial increases, only benefit the province, the municipalities and MPAC – not the property tax payer. Had the government not created MPAC, etc., property taxes would be less and the province would understand, based on the Public Lands Act, that the restrictions placed on development could be considered unlawful. Isn't it time to be rid of MPAC and place assessment where it belong – back to the Municipalities? In 2018 find a party that will rid Ontarians of this violation. Time for a change!

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