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From spacious homes to compact condos: MPAC data reveals shifting housing trends across Ontario | | Housing development across Ontario has undergone significant shifts in recent decades, reflecting an evolving economy, changing consumer preferences for housing type, and affordability considerations of current and prospective homeowners. We recently released new data showing that the types of homes and sizes have evolved across the province, highlighting regional variability in housing patterns. Here are some highlights: - Shift in Housing Types: Single-detached homes have declined, especially in urban areas like the GTA, while condo development has risen. By 2020, condos accounted for 41 per cent of new builds, surpassing single-detached homes at 38 per cent.
- Growth in Single-Detached House Sizes: The median size of single-detached homes has increased from 1,317 sq ft in the 1970s to 2,383 sq ft in the 2020s, reflecting a growing preference for larger homes.
- Decline in Condo Sizes: The median size of condos has decreased by 32 per cent, from 965 sq ft in the 1970s to 658 sq ft today, driven by higher construction and land costs, as well as condos' appeal as investment properties.
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2024 Municipal Partnerships Report now available | |
This week, we unveiled our 2024 Municipal Partnerships Report, sharing valuable insights with our municipal partners across the province. Centered around the theme Stronger together: The power of collaboration, the report highlights our collective achievements, including adding over $42 billion to | | | |
assessment rolls, as well as successes in other key areas of collaboration. These efforts emphasize how working together can drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and foster long-term success for municipalities and their residents. | | | | | | |
MPAC to expand access to Electronic Assessment Information file in March | |
MPAC is excited to announce a significant update for municipalities: starting in March 2025, the Electronic Assessment Information (EAI) file will be available for download monthly. This expansion comes in response to feedback from municipal partners during our Data Strategy consultations, highlighting the need for more frequent access to MPAC data.
Due to data-sharing agreements, municipalities were previously limited to four downloads per year. With the new partnership between MPAC and Teranet, municipalities will soon be able to download the EAI file up to 12 times annually. This expanded access will be available as part of a one-year pilot program, running from March 2025 to March 2026. The pilot will allow municipalities to test the benefits of more timely updates to tax systems, GIS mapping, and property data, enhancing planning and decision-making.
The EAI file provides a comprehensive snapshot of property data, including details on property owners, structures, sales, and soil classifications. It is an essential resource for municipalities to track changes in their assessment base and monitor growth or shifts in property types and services.
By providing more frequent access, MPAC aims to enhance municipalities' ability to make informed decisions, support strategic planning, and develop policies with up-to-date data. Municipalities interested in taking advantage of this new offering are encouraged to contact your local Municipal and Stakeholder Relations team for further details. You can also register for our January webinar, where we will provide more information about this update and how it can benefit your municipality. Webinar information is provided below. | | | | |
MPAC recognized as top employer for sixth consecutive year | | The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employersfor the sixth consecutive year. | | | |
“I am incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built and the ongoing work we do to ensure MPAC remains a workforce that puts its people and culture first, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” said Nicole, President and Chief Administrative Officer. “This award not only validates our dedication but also inspires us to keep moving forward.” | | | | | | | | |
Unlocking the potential of MPAC data products | |
Join Natasha Dawood, MPAC’s Regional Manager, Municipal and Stakeholder Relations, for an insightful webinar on how MPAC’s data products can elevate your municipal planning and decision-making. This session will cover the recent updates to the Electronic Assessment Information (EAI) file and provide an in-depth look at two other key tools: the Municipal Data Report (MDR) and the MFIPPA Compliant Notifications List. Natasha will walk you through each product, emphasizing their features, benefits, and practical applications while offering valuable insights on how to effectively use these tools to advance your municipality’s objectives. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize the impact of MPAC’s data products in your community!
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025 Time: 1 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST | | | | | | | | | | MPAC partners with the City of Windsor | | | Photos from left: Councillor Kieran McKenzie and Tracy Pringle, MPAC Account Manager; Anne Haines; MPAC Regional Manager, Tracy Pringle, Janice Guthrie, Commissioner of Finance-CFO/City Treasurer, Joe Mancina, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Lorie Gregg, Deputy Treasurer, Taxation, Treasury & Financial Projects; Tracy Pringle and Joe Mancina, CAO. | | | MPAC partnered with the City of Windsor for their fall Ward Meetings, held across the city’s ten wards. These meetings provided local residents a chance to engage directly with city officials, municipal departments, and key organizations like MPAC and the Ontario Provincial Police. Each session began with updates from the Mayor and Ward Councillors, followed by an open forum where residents could interact with various city departments. This offered valuable opportunities for residents to ask questions and learn more about community developments. A key highlight was MPAC’s collaboration with the City’s Finance Department. Together, they provided a shared space to address questions related to property assessments and taxation, offering residents a chance to clarify any questions and gain a better understanding of MPAC’s services. The partnership proved a great way to strengthen connections between residents and their local government, emphasizing transparency and communication. MPAC looks forward to continuing its work with the City of Windsor and other municipalities to foster community engagement and ensure residents stay informed. If you’d like to have MPAC at your community event, reach out to your local Municipal and Stakeholder Relations team. | | | | |
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season! | |
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved break this holiday season. Our offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24, and reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025. We look forward to resuming our work together in the new year! | | | | We’re better together MPAC is dedicated to building stronger partnerships with municipalities across Ontario, and your local Municipal and Stakeholder Relations team is here to support you.
Want more information about who we are and how we can work with your municipality? Need Municipal Connect training? We can help with that, too. Reach out to your local Municipal and Stakeholder Relations Account Manager in the new year to book an information session for your staff or municipal council. | | | | | | | | | |