Ottawa (October 23, 2008) – New annual property assessment data from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) shows an average increase in Ottawa residential property assessments of 13.8 per cent since the last assessment date of January 1, 2005. Ottawa property owners can expect to receive 2008 property assessment notices from MPAC starting Monday, October 27.

Some important points about the new MPAC assessment data:

• Property owners who see increases in assessments close to the 13.8 average will not receive an assessment-related property tax increase.
• The new higher property assessments will not change the total property taxes the City collects.
• An increase in assessments was expected because of Ottawa’s active real estate market.

The average residential percentage increase ranges from a low of 10.0 per cent in Gloucester-Southgate Ward to a high of 21.2 per cent in Kitchissippi Ward.

“All properties in Ontario are assessed by MPAC, and these current-value assessments are the cornerstone of the property tax system,” said City Treasurer Marian Simulik. “Provincial law requires municipalities to lower their tax rate so higher assessments don’t yield more taxes in total. However, municipalities and the Province use these values when they calculate property taxes and education taxes, so it’s very important for property owners to make sure the assessment they receive is accurate and fair."

Property owners are encouraged to visit ottawa.ca/taxes for detailed information about how assessments are used to calculate property taxes.

MPAC is a corporation created by the provincial government that administers a province-wide property assessment system in accordance with the provisions of the provincial Assessment Act.

If property owners have questions or concerns about their property assessment, or if they do not agree with the value of their assessment, they can visit the MPAC website at mpac.ca, call 1-866-296-MPAC (6722) toll-free, or e-mail enquiry@mpac.ca

For more information:
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