May 29, 2020

To the residents of Ryerson Township:

I first want to acknowledge the great efforts our residents have made in following health guidelines and being adaptable in ever-changing circumstances. Although these measures are no doubt uncomfortable, they are necessary for respecting the health and safety of others, and the low incident count in this region is a testament to these efforts. I also want to thank both our staff, and those at the Burk’s Falls and District Fire Department, for their work through these trying times.

With the onset of summer weather, our residents are no doubt anxious to get outside and enjoy the splendors of this great region. In so doing, we urge everyone to continue following health unit protocols including social distancing and frequent handwashing. Although our parks and boat launches are open to the public, the washrooms and changerooms are not being cleaned, and so will remain closed.

The Township office remains closed to the public, to minimize contact and help limit the spread of the virus. We encourage residents to conduct business by telephone or email wherever possible. Municipal staff remain at work, and are available during regular business hours to assist with any inquiries.

At the end of June, the office staff will be temporarily relocating while the Township garage roof is replaced. It is anticipated that the closure will be from June 22-July 30, during which time staff will be operating out of the Burk’s Falls Medical building at 162 Huston Street. A dropbox will be affixed next to the downstairs entrance on Main Street, and residents can continue to reach the office by phone at (705) 382-3232 or by e-mail to admin@ryersontownship.ca.

Although this pandemic is far from over, if we continue to act responsibly and follow the guidelines set by Public Health and the Province, we can move forward with minimized potential for adverse consequences in this area.

Mayor George Sterling

MPAC Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

2020 Assessment Update postponed

As part of the Ontario Government’s Economic and Fiscal Update on March 25, the Hon. Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, announced the Province’s decision to postpone the 2020 Assessment Update.

The Ontario Government has indicated that property assessments for the 2021 property tax year will continue to be based on the fully phased-in January 1, 2016 current values. This means your property assessment for the 2021 property tax year will be the same as the 2020 tax year, unless there have been changes to your property.

We will continue to conduct our business, including updating property information, capturing new assessment, analyzing sales, completing tax applications and managing Requests for Reconsideration and appeals.

If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to support you.

Request for Reconsideration deadline extended

The Request for Reconsideration (RfR) deadline for property owners who disagree with their property assessment is usually March 31 of the applicable tax year. We have extended the 2020 RfR deadline to fall 16 days after the Province lifts its COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency.

Amended Notice mailing postponed

We postponed our March 30th mailing of Post Roll Amended Notices (PRANs), which are sent to property owners throughout the year if there are changes in the assessed value of their property as a result of a change in classification, tax status or the result of a factual error(s). A PRAN corrects the assessment(s) provided in a previously issued Property Assessment Notice.

Building Permits are status quo

We continue to process building permits received from municipalities in a timely way, with the exception of those that require on-site property inspections. Please continue to submit your building permits as usual.

COVID-19 resources for property owners

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• 2020 Property Assessment Update Postponed