February 23, 2021
The Municipality of Chelsea is pleased to learn today that the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel (PILT DAP) has filed its opinion with the National Capital Commission (NCC). This unanimous opinion is clear: it recommends that the NCC establish payments in lieu of taxes to the Municipality of Chelsea based on a value established at 96% of the amount of the expert evaluation of the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais. This represents more than $589,427 plus applicable interest which is owed to Chelsea.
The Municipality of Chelsea requested that certain lands be categorized as non-residential for the years 2019 and 2020 to recognize the value of existing facilities such as parking lots, trails. This request was not accepted only because it could not be made while the current assessment roll was in effect. However, this change has now been reflected in the new 2021-2022-2023 assessment roll.
The Municipality of Chelsea and the NCC participated in a week-long hearing before the PILT DAP in November 2020. This opinion is therefore the conclusion of this process. In 2019 the NCC had promised to accept the PILT DAP’s recommendation.
The Municipality is prepared to work with the NCC to find the best way to implement the recommendations but requires their prompt response.
Quick facts
The dispute has been ongoing since 2018 and concerns the non-payment of $1.4M in payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) for Gatineau Park. This amount represents $166 per tax account for an average residence, not including legal fees.
In Chelsea's case, the valuation of the property is the responsibility of the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais, whose appraisers follow strict standards of practice and are governed by a code of ethics.