I was invited to attend the June 2024 special meeting of the Alleyn-et-Cawood (AC) council with residents about the potential 370% increase in their property evaluations. The assumption was that every property would see the same increase. The issue of removing the comparative factor was presented by their committee. The comparative factor is calculated yearly based on real estate transactions from the year before.
I was asked what the MRC Pontiac could do. I reminded them of three things. First, that when they receive the correct information, there likely wouldn’t be a 370% increase across the board. Second, they could start a petition to present to the National Assembly, although, the chance of the province changing the method for provincial assessment is unlikely. Third, that the MRC has the ability to create a new bylaw. Our evaluation staff reached out to all other MRCs to see what methods they used.
The tri-annual evaluation for 2025, 2026 and 2027 was based on real estate transactions from July 1, 2023, and prior. Last Friday on GONET, the accurate information for all properties in AC became available. The increase was 85%, much less than 370%. To put it in perspective, other Pontiac municipalities saw increases of 65-70% last year.
It was good to see so many community members attend our council meeting on September 18. The AC Property Evaluation Task Force wrote a bylaw they wanted us to vote on. However, there’s a municipal process for new bylaws, so we tabled our notice of motion; the first step. We’ll now consider the best way to move forward ensuring fairness to all municipalities. This could include looking at the comparative factor and the way municipal shares are currently paid to the MRC.
Andrea Laforet, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has received the petition to over 3,000 names and Jacques Demers, president of FQM, has said it’s an issue facing many MRCs. We had an FQM meeting September 26 – 28 in Quebec City and many mayors were in attendance. I spoke to Jacques Demers and Andrea Laforet. Through AC, this issue has been brought to the forefront from MRC Pontiac.
Finally, I assure you the MRC Council of Mayors and our MRC staff are doing their best. We need to take the time to get this right. Please have faith in your elected council, who are also taxpayers. We understand new investment and development are vital to our region, but we also need the Pontiac to remain affordable for everyone. Please call me with any of your concerns.
Jane Toller,
WARDEN, MRC PONTIAC
