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socceronly
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2019 10:00am
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This article pertains to a county in Ontario, but is perhaps a sign of things to come as other regional governments see $$$
https://www.ontariolandowners.ca/news/death-hunt-camp-joanne-cooney/
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2019 02:23pm
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I must say I am not one bit surprised but then I mentioned that Property Assessments were being followed up with Satellite Imaging in other province's and that Ontario (particularly MPAC) had starting using this system.
As for accuracy, NOT... they pulled a similar one like this on me last fall with a retroactive bill for 4 years ! Even though I did have all the proper permits, applications and everything, they "just discovered it"... While they "estimated" the size of my place at 526 square feet (it's only 480) it's not significant BUT they have messed up big time with other's and trying to get them to fix it... LMAO it's easier to get the Tax Man to admit they made a mistake and repay you an overpayment WITH Interest ! Never Ever gonna happen and every legal tool will be used at ANY expense to avoid admitting fault or paying back what's owed.
Big Brother is watching !
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socceronly
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2019 05:34pm
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I'm pretty reluctant to move forward.
I think I made a mistake now buying this land.
There seems to be a coming collision between the rules, technology and a lot of urban myths.
At most I'll build a couple decks and camp.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2019 03:00pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Local govt is leaving no stone unturned in the continual search for more money to feed a voracious appetite.
Lots of areas are banning woodstoves, I see lots of areas banning smaller structures until a larger one is done (primary vs accessory structure etc)
It may become illegal to build a cabin in the future. Even when tiny homes with a smaller footprint are becoming popular, the tax collection on them is minimal.
Shame to think my grand kids wont be able to enjoy what I have.
I had no trouble with the link. Might of been my kaspersky didnt allow the spam site?
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Houska
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2019 06:13pm - Edited by: Houska
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Well, let me put aside the discussion of precisely what they built, how big it was, and whether the bureaucrats are trying to play dirty by tattling (inaccurately?) to MPAC. (An important point, to be sure).
My understanding was that in Ontario, hunt camps do need building permits, just the oversight and conditions (e.g. regarding access) are less onerous than for a full-fledged seasonal or permanent dwelling. The only thing that doesn't need a building permit is a structure <108 sq ft.
It's possible this varies by township or county, however. I'm basing on the rules in Frontenac.
I do have sympathies against bureaucratic oversight, but my sympathies are a bit muted if the same family tried to permit something as a dwelling 12 years ago, was told no, and then proceeded to build the same thing without building permits they should have obtained, regardless of what they were calling it.
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Houska
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2019 06:23pm - Edited by: Houska
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I'm also torn between two frustrations:
1) Excessive government oversight what we can and can't do on our land, excessive big-brother heavy handed restrictions, and increasing local taxes funding dubiously relevant "services"
2) Neighbours who don't pay their fair share, and feel they're harmlessly just gaming "the system". They don't realize it's a zero sum game with Ontario's market based assessment. The townships have their budgets, and that translates into a mil rate on the total assessed value, as determined by MPAC. MPAC assesses each property based on sales data, on comparables, and based on (permitted) improvements. So people who bought long ago and have made secret, unpermitted improvements benefit from an unfairly low assessed value. Those of us who get structures permitted, or who just bought recently, will have our assessed values increased and we'll end up paying more than our fair share of the bill. The total bill (=township budget) is the same, but the system-gamers unfairly depress their own and the total assessed base, and so those of us with higher assessments pay for their share of the tab.
Don't get me wrong. I am annoyed about #1. But the moochers in #2 are like friends who complain the restaurant is too expensive, order something small to "save", and then eat your fries and drink your beer.
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socceronly
Member
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2019 07:24pm
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Not sure what is going on with the URL. It works on my computer, but on my tablet it gets redirected. It's not the URL, but the site itself I think.
Some other system for taxes should be put forward. People should pay their fair share for running the county/township.
Whatever that system is, it should not be based on inflating assessments to get more taxes.
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creeky
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2019 04:58am
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I am on a tablet.
One good thing I've seen recently, in our area tiny houses are now approved.
I think someone mentioned Tay Valley. Tiny house approved!
They actually don't want wheels. Which is nice. And getting inspected and paying taxes both have advantages. Like easier insurance and resale. Meh.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2019 08:20am
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Quoting: creeky They actually don't want wheels. Which is nice. And getting inspected and paying taxes both have advantages. Like easier insurance and resale.
Creeky, I think they dont want wheels because its considered an RV and not taxable. I suppose a wheeled unit can be set in place and axles removed and skirted like mfg or modular homes.
But either way, its good some are accepting the tiny houses. Its a trend and smaller footprint, lower cost to own a home, much "greener" and less resources consumed building it and also heating/cooling it.
I'm not a green kook, but I do like the idea of tiny homes becoming popular. When done right, they are nice, cute etc. 
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