The Collingwood Condominium Ratepayers Association (CCRA) recently released their latest newsletter lamenting the lack of follow-up that local politicians have shown to issues that were raised by condominium owners during the last municipal election. The primary concerns stems with the alleged unfair taxation condo owners face wherein services such a snow removal, garbage pickup and other services typically provided by municipalties must be paid for a second time (in addition to taxes) through monthly condo fees. No one will argue that there is an element of inequality here but the problem is that with the local municipality as well as our provincial government strapped for cash, no one wants to or can afford to rectify the situation.
Another issue brewing for condominium owners in the province is with a proposal by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to separately assess the "common elements" of condominium developments. Common elements include areas such as hallways, lobby areas, member's meeting rooms, the exterior grounds, recreational amenities etc. These elements have always been included in the assessed value of each individual unit. The proposed change would see common elements assessed separately with the fear being that this represents a form of double dipping with the result being increased taxes. We will continue to monitor this situation closely, watch future postings for updates.
If you would like to read the full CCRA Newsletter, on the link below.
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