Municipalities take a pass on land transfer tax powers Monday, November 30, 2015 by BETTER FARMING STAFFWhen it comes to acquiring powers to levy land transfer taxes, it appears Ontario’s municipalities are just not interested.In a statement issued Tuesday, Ted McMeekin, minister of municipal affairs and housing, said a regular review of the Municipal Act turned up little interest in extending the power to be able levy the tax to all municipalities. Toronto alone has had that power since 2006.“I was pleased to communicate our government’s position today, that other than in Toronto, where the power already exists, our government will not be extending municipal land transfer tax powers to other Ontario municipalities,” McMeekin said in the statement.In recent weeks the Ontario Real Estate Association has warned about the possibility of municipalities obtaining the power to levy land transfer taxes.“We were told in the election promises they weren’t going to allow it,” Pat Verge, the organization’s president, told Better Farming in a November interview. “And then we got wind late summer from (Ottawa-Orleans MPP Phil McNeeley)’s office that yes, they were going to give it as an option for the municipalities to use as a tax collection tool. And we went ‘what’?”However, many others in the municipal sector downplayed the possibility, noting that such taxes would not benefit the bottom-line of most Ontario municipalities.John Innes, Lambton County general manager, finance, facilities and court services, told Better Farming in November that such taxes wouldn’t generate a lot of revenue in an area like Lambton County where the property sale rate and real estate prices are much lower than in Toronto. Innes predicted that because the province had received a largely negative response when it was broached, “we will probably not see this happening.” BF Ontario has a new official soil Farm property assessments on the rise says MPAC
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week veterinary prize awarded Saturday, June 14, 2025 has been a mainstay for the agricultural industry in Grey and Bruce Counties since 1966. While things have evolved over the years, the mandate to provide information to producers and agribusiness has remained firm. Seventeen years ago, the event committee created an annual $1,000 ... Read this article online
Canada Grows Hope Abroad Friday, June 13, 2025 Toronto-based indoor farming company transforms food access in Moldova with first-of-its-kind humanitarian hydroponic project A new Canadian-led indoor farming project is changing lives in Moldova. Built by Just Vertical in partnership with GlobalMedic, the hydroponic farm is the first... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 13, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online
Ottawa Police looking for farm equipment accident witnesses Thursday, June 12, 2025 The Ottawa Police Service is looking for witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward regarding an accident involving farm equipment. A vehicle struck farm equipment on June 6 at Twin Elm Road and Brophy Drive around 6 p.m. The accident resulted in two people requiring... Read this article online
Canada Not Fully Using its Agriculture Potential and Not Competitive Thursday, June 12, 2025 Canada is known for its natural wealth — including minerals, energy, forestry, and agriculture. Among these, the agriculture and agri-food sector stands out with enormous global export potential. This according to Senator Mary Robinson on her Senate of Canada weppage. Senator Robinson... Read this article online