IMA Insti-News | Fall/Winter 2022

INSTI-NEWS

FALL/WINTER 2022

FALL/WINTER 2022 ISSUE

Insti-News is published by the Institute of Municipal Assessors with assistance from the Communications Services Committee. Chaired by: Cathy Ranieri Sweenie, Affiliate.

Any opinions or recommendations expressed in this issue are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IMA.

SUBMISSIONS

Interested in submitting an article? Have a great idea for a hot topic? Make your submission to communications@theima.ca. Be sure to put “Insti-News Submission” in the subject line or contact the IMA office by phone to discuss.

REPRINTS

16 Industrial Parkway South, Suite 205 Aurora, Ontario, L4G 0R4 905-884-1959 1-877-877-8703 info@theima.ca

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

It has been a very busy time at the IMA office over the last few months. Since my last report, we’ve hosted the third consecutive Fall Virtual Symposium, administered over 60 Fast Track Designation Program (FTDP) exams, introduced our new webinar series, hired Interim Executive Director, Mark Doble, M.I.M.A. and hired the permanent Executive Director, Ejona Balashi, B.A., CMP, SFC.

My sincerest thanks to Mark Doble, M.I.M.A., who stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director and oversaw many of the operational tasks since September. I am excited to welcome our new Executive Director, Ejona Balashi to the team; her executive experience and positive attitude will no doubt keep the IMA striving forward and positioning itself as a leader in the Property Assessment and Taxation Industry. Over the next few months, Ejona will spend time connecting with Committees, Districts, Partners, and Stakeholders to familiarize herself with the Institute. She also places a high value on connecting with you, our members, to learn more about how she can support you and how we can continue to move forward with our strategic plan and objectives.

During the first week of October, over 60 Fast Track Designation Program candidates completed their composite exam, the first of its kind administered by the IMA Office. I want to extend my thanks to the Accreditation Committee, Exam Creators and Graders for their dedicated work to seeing the FTDP succeed. The 2022 cohort will finish in the Spring of 2023, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments later next spring. Overall, this program has shown tremendous success, and the Executive Committee along with the Board of Directors, plan to review the program in detail once this cohort is complete.

In past reports, I’ve noted the value I place on continuing education. As we wrapped another successful Fall Virtual Symposium, I’ve reflected on the incredibly informative and educational program that was provided. Thanks to the wonderful work of the Fall Virtual Symposium Advisory Committee, led by first Vice-President Janice Hunter-Desjarlais, we had industry leaders join us from coast-to-coast to provide current updates on trending topics. I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Laura Mills and Nancy McKerroll from the IMA office for the countless hours they put in behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success.

The Virtual Symposium provided attendees the opportunity to spend two days focused on learning and continuing professional development; participants really took the time during each session to ask meaningful questions which contributed to positive conversations and made each session more engaging and thought provoking. The session recordings are available until the end of the year.

As we look to the future of IMA events, I am delighted to announce we will have the opportunity to connect again in-person in Kingston, Ontario, in June 2023. While the virtual setting has had many benefits, it cannot replace the value of in-person connections and networking. I know you will all be as excited as I am to reconnect face-to-face. The 64th Annual Conference will provide us the opportunity to not only focus on learning and continuing professional development but also reconnect with old friends, network with new ones, and have some fun along the way. If you are interested in being involved in planning the 64th Annual Conference, please contact communications@theima.ca.

On a closing note, with the holiday season fast approaching, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Institute, all our members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners. I wish you all a wonderful, safe and peaceful season and look forward to connecting once again in the new year.

Greg Martino, M.I.M.A. IMA President

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATES

Since September, it has been my honour to serve as Interim Executive Director for the IMA. I want to thank Tyler Callaghan for his efforts of the past two years. Through his leadership, the IMA is stronger, more responsive, and agile as an assessment association.

Earlier in November, the IMA hosted its third consecutive Fall Virtual Symposium: “Transforming Property Assessment and Taxation in an Evolving World”. The twoday Symposium attracted over 300 registrants and featured more than 25 speakers from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada. Topics ranged from professional recruitment and retention, recent board decisions and court cases across Canada, evolving hospitality, affordable housing, commercial property value trends, changes in the retail industry and recent taxation benchmarking.

The initial post-symposium survey results are positive, and I truly believe that this year’s event served to showcase the IMA as an organization that is acknowledged and respected throughout the property tax assessment community in Canada. Thanks to Janice Hunter-Desjarlais and the entire Symposium planning team, the exceptional speakers who prepared and presented, and of course to all of you, who registered and took in the excellent program content over two days. We could not have done it without you!

Much of our time has been dedicated to the completion of the Fast Track Designation Program, through which approved candidates holding a requisite level of experience completed course work as well as a comprehensive examination for up to four IMA courses toward their designations. In total, 61 candidates took part in the comprehensive exams during the first week of October. Many of these candidates are now completing their Expert Valuation Reports. Upon completion of all course work, Candidates for the M.I.M.A. must successfully complete an oral interview before they are granted their designation.

This is the initial cohort of the Fast Track Designation Program, and I have been impressed by the level of support provided by our instructors to candidates during the pre-exam process. We have taken steps to increase the number of markers and accreditation interviewers to provide candidates with a quick turnaround. We have also conducted initial follow-ups with students who have completed the comprehensive exams in the hopes of being able to improve upon potential future fasttrack deliveries.

Over and above the Fall Virtual Symposium, and Fast Track Designation Program, we have been very involved in managing the daily business of the Institute, responding to member inquiries, engaging with municipal partners, assessment service providers, and inter-provincial partnerships. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our staff, Nancy McKerroll and Laura Mills, for their support and dedication. Although most of their work goes unseen, it is essential to our success as an organization.

I also want to welcome our new Executive Director, Ejona Balashi, B.A., CMP, SFC. Ejona brings considerable experience and exceptional skills as a professional executive director, and I am honoured to have the opportunity at this time to assist and support Ejona as she comes into her new role with the IMA.

My heartfelt thanks to the IMA Executive Committee and our President, Greg Martino, for granting me the rare opportunity to serve as your Interim Executive Director, even for this short period of time. It has been gratifying reconnecting with so many former colleagues from my assessment career, and I truly appreciate your support and encouragement. I have always been grateful for my involvement and membership in the IMA, and it is exciting to see where we are as a professional assessment association – recognized and respected within the property tax assessment industry. The Institute of Municipal Assessors is in an excellent position today. It feels good and makes me proud. I hope you feel that way as well!

Mark Doble, M.I.M.A. Interim Executive Director

FROM THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As you read this, it has been two weeks since I started in my new role as the IMA Executive Director. It has been time well spent getting to know the organization, our members and stakeholders. A thank you to Interim Executive Director, Mark Doble, our team members, Laura Mills and Nancy McKerroll and our dedicated Board of Directors, for the support and guidance.

I am thrilled to be a part of this team and to have the opportunity to support the growth of what is already Canada’s largest and leading association of property assessment and taxation professionals.

I am passionate about building community and collaboration, and supporting innovation that directly benefits our members. I am keenly aware that IMA has had significant strategic wins on these specific areas. I am committed to persevering on the same path of creating value for our members, with the support of our hard-working Board of Directors, team and volunteers.

I am particularly looking forward to connecting with you, our members, and hearing how IMA can best support ethical practices and advance the interests, education and professional competence for our professions. I hope that in the coming months, you will reach out and share your ideas and challenges.

I look forward to connecting with and working for all of you.

I hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday season!

Ejona Balashi, B.A., CMP, SFC Executive Director

THE 2022 FALL VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM

Back for the third consecutive year, the IMA’s Fall Virtual Symposium proved to be a huge success. Seven sessions, with 15 speakers on a range of topics focused on Transforming Property Assessment and Taxation in an Evolving World, hit home for many attendees.

‘Another great virtual conference put on by the IMA! Way to go! Looking forward to attending next year!’

This event and programming couldn’t have been done without the dedicated help of the Fall Virtual Symposium Committee. Led by first Vice-President Janice Hunter-Desjarlais, M.I.M.A. the team met almost weekly to confirm the speakers and topics of most interest to the industry.

Committee members included; Anne Haines, M.I.M.A., James Lindsay, B.MGMT, Sabrina Mandarello, M.I.M.A., Otilita Carpinisan, A.I.M.A., Janice Hunter-Desjarlais, M.I.M.A. and Greg Martino, M.I.M.A.

With the support of an external events staff, Redstone, and IMA office staff Mark Doble, M.I.M.A., Nancy McKerroll and Laura Mills.

Day one opened with a session from Carl Gomez, who spoke to us about Commercial Real Estate Outlook: The Long and Winding Road to a New Normal.

‘Excellent session to start the symposium.’

Carl provided a comprehensive analysis of commercial real estate trends from various sectors and geographic centres –where we were, where we are, and the outlook for the future as the industry adjusts to the new normal and post-covid realities.

We took a lunch break where attendees received a Tim Hortons gift card to grab lunch on the IMA. After lunch, we knuckled down into an afternoon of learning where attendees had the chance to select one of two concurrent sessions.

Additional Dwelling Unit Pilot (CMHC) | Finding Solution to the Affordable Housing Crisis featured Sarah Cipkar, Frazier Fathers, Carmelo Lipsi and David Ambroski. This is a very timely topic that focused on what is clearly a national housing crisis, that presented options such as urban infilling, secondary dwelling units, and the steps that the government and the industry are taking to support these potential solutions.

Evolving Hospitality speaker Carrie Russel, AACI, MAI, RIBC, ISHC, spoke on the ever-changing hospitality landscape and what we can expect to see in the future. There is probably no other commercial industry that has been and continues to be more directly impacted by the pandemic. Carrie provided a thorough analysis of the current and future challenges and expectations for the hospitality industry.

Both sessions proved to be highly engaging and well-received.

We wrapped up day one as all attendees joined together again and listened to Aman Sodi, director of recruitment at the Summit Group, as she discussed the current trends in employee engagement. We heard from Kryzia Wisdom and Andrel Wisdom, B.Sc., AACI, P.App co-founders of REET Institute, who discussed the importance of teaching young people about the assessment industry and providing an outlet to involve more people from diverse backgrounds.

Day two started with opening comments from new Executive Director Ejona Balashi, B.A., CMP, SFC and 1st Vice-President Janice-Hunter Desjarlais, M.I.M.A. and was followed by the highly anticipated Trials and Tribulations Recent Board Decisions.

Krista O’Brien, Robert (Bob) Brazzell, Belinda Schubert and Tim Harrison, A.I.M.A. joined Mark Doble to discuss recent cases and the decisions made.

The panelists shared several current (some ongoing) case law and decisions on topics as varied as the impacts of covid on values mid-cycle, the legality of seeking assessment increases, information disclosure in accordance with Section 53

‘I thought all topics were dealing with very current issues/items.’

of the Assessment Act, and the potential valuation of “air parcels”. The discussion also referenced several pertinent cases from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. And as is to be expected in these sessions, the discussion was both lively and engaged.

After we broke for lunch, past president Sandi Prendergast, M.I.M.A. joined to discuss the recently released 2022 Altus Benchmark Tax Report, outlining various tax rates from different centres across Canada, their local impacts and how they compare.

We wrapped the 2022 Fall Virtual Symposium with Re-Inventing Retail: The Property Assessment Challenge, presented by Dr. Tony Hernandez. Dr. Hernandez shared the various trends in specific retail sectors, including the impacts of and the surging emergence of online shopping; what he had expected, how it actually transpired, and how various sectors are literally re-inventing the way in which they engage with customers from start to finish.

session to close out the symposium - would like more on this type of topic.’

The IMA would like to extend its sincere thanks to the attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers

the two days. We look forward to connecting in person at the IMA’s Annual Conference in June 2023 in

‘Excellent

who joined us over

Kingston, ON.

2022 FALL VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Carl Gomez Chief Economist for CoStar

David Amborski Professor and Director of the Centre for Urban Research and Land Development Toronto Metropolitan University

Aman Sodi Director of Recruitment at the Summit Group

Krista O’Brien Program Manager, City of Ottawa

Janice Hunter-Desjarlais, M.I.M.A. IMA 1st Vice-President

Sabrina Mandarello, M.I.M.A. Director, Valuation & Customer Relations, MPAC Toronto

Anne Haines, M.I.M.A. Regional Manager, Zone 1, MPAC

James Lindsay, B.MGMT Senior Property Tax Consultant, Altus Group

Otilita N. Carpinisan, A.I.M.A. Assistant Director, Property Tax at SmartCentres REIT

Sandi Prendergast, M.I.M.A. Senior Director, Altus Group Dr. Tony Hernandez Director, Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity and Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University

Greg Martino, M.I.M.A. IMA Presdient

Belinda Schubert Counsel McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Robert (Bob) Brazzell Managing Director, Ontario Property Tax Services, Colliers

Tim Harrison, A.I.M.A. Director, Assessment Litigation MPAC

Carrie Russell AACI, MAI, RIBC, ISHC Senior Managing Partner, HVS Vancouver

Kryzia Wisdom Co-Founder at REET Institute

Andrel Wisdom. B.Sc., AACI, P.App Co-Founder at REET Institute

Sarah Cikipar

Founder & Co-Lead Researcher, Housing Supply Challenge at Family Services Windsor-Essex

Frazier Fathers Co-Lead Housing Supply at Challenge at Family Services Windsor-Essex

Carmelo Lipsi, M.I.M.A. Vice-President, Valuation & Customer Relations and Chief Operating Officer, at MPAC

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

NAME COMPANY

Gage Evoy

Rafik Green

Simran Grewal

Serena Haslam

Pam Hicks

Janine Luckhardt

Sandy Medeiros

Laura Newman

James Parry Tracy Parsons

Cathy Ranieri Sweenie

Braeden Sowden

Lauren Waite

MPACSaultSte.Marie

MPAC Toronto

MPAC Toronto MPAC Kitchener MPAC Timmins

MPAC Kitchener

Choice Properties REIT Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

MPAC Hamilton Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville MPAC Pickering MPAC Hamilton Town of Ajax

A.I.M.A. MEMBERS

NAME COMPANY

Robyn Anderson

Lindsey Brown

Renie Gale Cortez

Ece Ertac Marsha Kisilak Patrick Laroche Yunsoo Lim Carolym Mills Matthew Picard Loretta Torraville Brandon Wijsman

MPAC London

MPAC Hamilton MPAC Pickering

MPAC Kitchener MPAC Kitchener MPAC Ottawa MPAC Kitchener MPAC Owen Sound MPAC Timmins MAA-Gander MPAC London

M.I.M.A. MEMBERS

NAME COMPANY

Dale Barhydt Jennifer Bouchard Ashley Gowdy Christine Liang Hao Liu Stephanie McDonnell Cheryl Philpott Dana Thomson Todd Wilson

MPAC Sudbury

MPAC Hamilton MPAC Kitchener MPAC Mississauga MPAC Mississauga City of Barrie City of St. John’s MPAC Hamilton MPAC Mississauga

David Bressi

Kyle Chapman

Josh Dafoe

Anthony Kee

Tijana Roussety

MPAC Hamilton

MPAC Mississauga

MPAC Kingston

MPAC Barrie MPAC Mississauga

Audrey Litwiller Sabrina Savoie

Choice Properties REIT

Irving Oil, NB

RECENT DECISIONS: FOX HARB’R RESORT

NOVA SCOTIA ASSESSMENT APPEALS TRIBUNAL

Mark Doble, M.I.M.A.

Assessors are often challenged when valuing unique or “special” properties that may lack corresponding comparable sales with which to develop a fair valuation. Such is the case in a recent and ongoing appeal of the assessed value for Fox Harb’r Resort on the Northumberland Straight in Nova Scotia.

Originally developed by billionaire co-founder of the Tim Horton’s Coffee and fast-food chain, Ron Joyce (who grew up in nearby Tatamagouche, N.S.), Fox Harb’r is a 400+ hectare (993 acre) gated resort complex located in rural Nova Scotia on the Northumberland Strait; a 2-hour drive straight north from Halifax, and an hour and a half east of Moncton, NB.

The property is comprised of resort accommodations, a championship golf course, a private jet runway and hanger, stables and pheasant reserve, a vineyard, a marina, and private residences. There are also plans for an additional 48-unit development.

The Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) valued the resort accommodations using the income approach, the golf course through the cost approach, and the remaining portions of the property using the direct-comparison approach.

In a recent appeal before the Nova Scotia Assessment Appeal Tribunal (NSAAT) the assessment of the Fox Harb’r complex was reduced from $21 million to approximately $19.9 million, well above the $5.7 million that agents for Fox Harb’r Developments Ltd claimed it was truly worth.

In a November 5, 2022, article published in CBC News, the property is described as “inferior”, and located in a remote area with no nearby population centres or entities.

In its Statement of Appeal filed October 31, 2022, Fox Harb’r Development Ltd claimed that:

“The assessment was improperly weighted to an income-approach and did not consider a directcomparison valuation which would be a relevant basis on which to reach the proper value. The assessment relied upon the premise that the property was unique and allow this more weight than the actual market value basis on which it should have been based upon. The assessment did not take into consideration proper non-sustainable expense, cap rate and depreciation considerations but rather used wrong information relating to these items.”

In his opening statement, the agent for the appellant submitted that the late Mr. Joyce built Fox Harb’r as a “legacy and community asset”, that was never intended to be considered an investment. Until his death, Mr. Joyce subsidized the facility, underwriting operational losses that peaked between $8 million and $10 million annually. Even with the recent real estate development component, the resort is likely to continue to run at a deficit and possibly never be profitable. Accordingly, the appellant contends that valuing the facility using the income approach is inappropriate. The appellant argued further that no potential purchaser would consider reproducing the subject given its location and fiscal record, and finally that the only appropriate method of establishing a fair and equitable assessed value was the direct-comparison approach. To support this, the appellant submitted a valuation of the subject property totaling $5.7 million.

In its decision, the NSAAT referenced Section 42(1) of the Assessment Act, noting:

“The wording of the section creates a presumption in law that the assessor’s opinion of value is correct, and on the appeal the onus is therefore on the appellant to show, on the balance of probabilities that the assessment is wrong.”

The Tribunal found that the appellant had not discharged his burden of disproving the valuation methods utilized by PVSC. (Other than to note a discrepancy in estimating certain income expenses which resulted in a reduction of approximately $1.1 million).

“The tribunal concurs with the Director’s position: the subject is effectively unique and consequently valuation of the golf and accommodations components by direct comparison cannot generate an appropriate value. The subject’s multifarious features and amenities have been canvassed in evidence and noted elsewhere in this decision… … It suffices to say that they are intrinsic to and inseparably bound in the property’s identity in the market, and make it markedly superior to all of the properties proffered by the appellant in its valuation… It is the tribunal’s respectful opinion that because of the subject’s uniqueness, application of the direct comparison approach is inapt and cannot displace the assessor’s opinion of value in this case.”

In its decision dated October 10, 2022, the Nova Scotia Assessment Appeal Tribunal reduced the assessment from $21 million to $19.9 million.

Fox Harb’r Development Ltd. has appealed this decision to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

LONG-SERVING MEMBERS 40+ CONTINUOUS YEARS

We would like to honour and recognize members that joined the IMA between 1973-1982 and who are still active members.

Long-serving members show admirable devotion to their personal and professional growth, and we pay tribute to their dedication and support.

James T. Edmunds, M.I.M.A.

“As a member of the Institute of Municipal Assessors since 1975, it has been instrumental in my professional success both in the public and municipal sector.

One of the greatest benefits as an Institute member is the networking opportunities provided through local district meetings and annual conferences. This is an opportunity to connect with local and national individuals within the assessment field. In addition, the IMA has supported my continuing professional development through education programs, workshops, seminars and member’s only materials. This has allowed me to stay current on what is happening in the assessment and valuation field.

As an Institute member, my visibility was increased, especially in the beginning of my career. My job opportunities were improved by having an M.I.M.A. designation. Most valuation organizations and the Tribunals recognize the M.I.M.A. designation as an important component in providing expert evidence.

The Institute newsletter and other publications provide helpful information including upcoming events, conferences and relevant and current changes in the assessment field. It even provides career opportunities.

My membership in the Institute has provided me with many benefits and also permitted me the opportunity to give back serving as local District Chair, District Director and as a member on various committees.

Thank you, the Institute, for contributing to my successes.”

Douglas Pattison, A.I.M.A.

“I have always believed in maintaining my IMA membership, to aid in being a well informed Assessment professional.

The interaction with the various forms of assessment authority governance over the years, has been challenging at times, but certainly rewarding. Most importantly, my relationships with assessment authorities, fellow Institute members, has allowed me to act as an effective and respected owner and tenant taxpayer representative.”

Maureen Peterson, M.I.M.A.

“As a member of 40+ years, I have made many lasting connections and friends throughout my years as a member of the IMA, I cherish the memories.

I am proud to be a part of such a highly recognized Canadian professional association that continues to advance throughout the industry.”

Bev H. Seney, M.I.M.A.

“I joined the institute in 1967 as a student taking the Queens University Course. In 1971, I graduated from the Queens Course and attained my A.I.M.A. In 1973, I attained my M.IMA which I have recertified many times. I became a Paralegal in 2008 and again thank the Institute for assisting with the Insurance program.

The Institute has provided me with the education I needed over the years to stay current in most aspects of the Assessment business. I have really enjoyed the Webinars that have been recently provided they are simple yet effective and provide a great deal of information to the IMA members. I enjoyed my time on the local executive as well as being the District Director for a number of years. But the most enjoyable part of being a member of the Institute was the friendships that I attained all across the Province and parts of Canada. Fifty-five years as a member have truly made my life so much better, enjoyable and interesting. I would like to thank all the members for their friendship over the years and the executive for their support during this time.

If I have one comment it would be to encourage the young people of this organization to continue to educate yourself in making your career as meaningful as mine has been.

Thank you so much.”

Joe Rossanese, M.I.M.A.

“The IMA has evolved and meant different things to me at different times over the last 44 years. The organization has always been supportive and stayed current to recent trends and factors affecting the real estate market. Both the annual conference and district meetings have provided excellent networking opportunities to share best practices. I’d like to thank the Institute and all those dedicated volunteers for their hard work in keeping the IMA relevant to its members and a cornerstone of the profession.”

Karen

Russell, M.I.M.A.

“I am very thankful for the personal and professional relationships I have developed during my 40-plus years with the IMA. The association has always supported me throughout my career in both public and private sector roles. As a past president, I’ve had the opportunity to give back to the IMA and its members. I’m proud to be part of this community of assessment professionals, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue contributing.”

Ted White, M.I.M.A.

“I would very much like to thank the IMA for this recognition. It is hard to believe that 40 years can go by so fast. I very much appreciate the the fellowship, guidance and education that I have received from the IMA and its members over the years. It is clear to me that the members in this profession are very much improved through their membership and accreditation that we receive from the IMA.

It is my hope that in the near future we get back to meeting in person so that we are able to build on the personal relationships and networking that has been a big part of the benefit that we receive from being members.”

OTHER MEMBERS WITH 40+ CONTINUOUS YEARS

Frank Pace, M.I.M.A.

John Glen, M.I.M.A.

Robert Patterson, M.I.M.A.

TAKE 5 WITH THE IMA

We sat down with two newly accredited members to see what it means to them to be a part of the IMA. Learn more about your fellow members through this regular new column. If you are interested in being featured or know someone who we should include, please reach out to a member of the communications services committee.

Loretta Torraville, A.I.M.A. has been a member since 2014 and recently achieved her A.I.M.A. designation. She also sat down with Lori-Ann Seethaler, M.I.M.A. to chat about her career and what being a part of the IMA means to her.

Employer: Municipal Assessment Agency

Location: Gander, Newfoundland

Position: Field Assessor

As a Field Assessor, we do all the property assessment for towns with town council. I visit the properties to verify the work to property is complete and I also verify the Sales Information. We are an agency of the federal government. You can visit the web site at www.maa.ca.

1. Why did you get involved with the IMA?

“To advance in my career I needed to achieve my A.I.M.A. designation.”

2. Why is it important to you to be a part of this organization?

“To keep up with the information and changes in the Assessment world.”

3. How has being a member positively impacted your career?

“To advance to the next level I needed to obtain my designation. The IMA gave me the flexibility to work at my own pace.”

4. What would you tell your younger self just starting in the industry?

“That they should do the courses necessary to advance in this Industry.”

5. What are your goals for the future?

“Now that I have my designation, I hope to move ahead and get a Residential Assessor position.”

This month, Communications Services Committee Member Lori-Ann Seethaler, M.I.M.A., interviewed Dana Thomson, M.I.M.A., about her experience as a member of the IMA for more than 6 years.

Department: MPAC

Location: Hamilton Office

Position: Property Valuation Specialist, M.I.M.A.

1. Where do you work and what is your current role?

“I am a Property Valuation Specialist in Ontario working for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).”

2. What prompted you to get involved with the IMA?

“While I was pursuing my degree in geography, I had the opportunity to work as a summer student at MPAC and gained a real interest in property assessment. Due to my experience working as a summer student, I made the decision to attend Seneca College’s Real Property Administration Program. During this time, I had the opportunity to take a number of courses with the IMA and learned how well the association is regarded in the industry. I knew then that I wanted to work to pursue my MIMA designation. ”

3. Why do you think it is important to be part of the IMA and how has it impacted your career?

“As a property assessment professional, I think it is so important to be part of the IMA because of its core values of professional, ethics, accountability, and expertise. I truly believe that being an active member and advancing my knowledge through IMA courses and other CPD offerings has helped me get to where I am today in my assessment career.”

4. Who was/is your greatest mentor or leader?

“I have been lucky to have a variety of great mentors throughout my assessment career. This includes both management and my fellow colleagues that have helped me advance along the way.”

5. What would you tell your younger self just starting in the industry?

“I would remind myself not to be afraid of getting out of my comfort zone when it comes to a new project or career opportunity. Continuous learning is key!”

LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS

NEWS FROM ONTARIO – MORE HOMES BUILT FASTER ACT

In October, the Province of Ontario introduced Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 as part of the provincial government’s efforts to address the housing crisis. The plan contains more than 50 actions outlined by the government.

As noted in the government’s release announcing Bill 23, “Ontario is expected to grow by more than two million people over the next 10 years, with approximately 70 per cent of this growth taking place in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region.”

To learn more, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES COMMITTEE UPDATE

To kick-off the series, the Communications Services Committee have provided an update on what they are working on.

For the 2022-23 year, they are dedicated to evolving Insti-News, and to continue this growth and success they’ve decided to include more member recognition, interviews, and updates. In this issue you’ll notice, 40+ year Member Recognition piece, interview with two newly accredited members, 2022 Fall Virtual Symposium Recap and, of course, this update so you can stay up to date with all the different initiatives and achievements.

The committee is currently exploring the idea of getting more original content for Insti-News from members, partners and the wider property assessment and taxation community. The IMA has some of the top industry leaders and we see a lot of value in getting original content pieces created by these individuals. Whether it be a short summary of an interesting case, your take on a recent decision or lessons learned on a great presentation you just attended, we want to hear from you! If you are interested in getting your name out there, providing your point of view and collaborating with peers, please contact communications@theima.ca

Stay up to date with a different IMA Committee each issue. In this new segment we’ll provide updates from a committee, to see what they are currently working on, goals for the coming year, and if there are ways you can get involved.

DISTRICT NEWS

Amy Raycroft, M.I.M.A.

IMA’s membership actively supports and advances our shared profession through our ten districts across Canada. This new regular feature will highlight the important work of our districts across the country.

For this issue, we asked District 7 Chair Amy Raycroft, M.I.M.A., to share an update on their activities. District 7 represent the major centres in Ontario of Kingston, Cornwall, Brockville, Ottawa and Pembroke.

What is your District currently focused on?

We are currently in the planning stages for our next meeting which will take place on December 8. We have combined forces with our fellow districts since the onset of the pandemic to help us organize and deliver valuable events to our members. As a result, we have been able to secure a number of experienced speakers and bolster our ability to give members what they really need in terms of their education hours. And our session attendance has been really fantastic.

I am so passionate about developing talent and keeping current on the latest trends and developments in practices. Staying current and expanding our own networks in the industry is so important and helps us continuously learn and grow.

I am looking forward to exploring ways that we can connect with many members through virtual/in person offerings and exploring new topics that we can share throughout our Districts. Being an accredited professional is important and we are committed to offering our membership education sessions, to increase awareness, to attract new members and, to assist on their accreditation journey. In addition to offering high quality content to existing members to achieve their CPD requirements. Our goal is to increase engagement of the benefits of being a part of the Institute of Municipal Assessors and to take pride in being a professional in the Assessment industry.

Visit the IMA website to learn more about district membership.

Why do you think the work you do at a District level is important?

From your district’s perspective, what are you looking forward to in 2023?

IMA ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMA’S 64TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Four Points Sheraton, Kingston Ontario - June 2023

Save the Date for the IMA 64th Annual Conference! We cannot wait to host delegates for two-days of professional development, networking and, more importantly, reconnecting in person!

Want to be involved in the conference planning? Contact the IMA Office at communications@theima.ca for next steps.

INSTI-NEWS CONTENT

The Communication Services Committee are always looking for original content. Why not showcase a piece you are proud of? Contact the IMA office at communications@theima.ca for next steps

IT’S GIVING SEASON

If you are able to, the IMA would welcome any donations to our Scholarship Fund. The IMA Scholarship Fund supports members, students, and the assessment professionals of tomorrow in their pursuit of higher education.

Support the next generation of property assessment professionals with a tax-deductible donation to the IMA Scholarship Fund. To learn more, visit https://theima.ca/page/IMA-Scholarship-Fund

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy Holiday from the IMA Office Team, our office will be closed from December 24 until January 2, 2023. Wishing all members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Happy Holidays

2022 IMA SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS, WHOSE GENEROUS DONATIONS SUPPORTED THE IMA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

DIAMOND GOLD BRONZE

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONALS WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO THE IMA SCHOLARSHIP FUND. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS AND VIEW PAST RECIPIENTS HERE