| | | | | | | | | | | | MPAC showcases strategic direction at AMO session | |
From August 17–20, MPAC joined more than 2,000 municipal leaders, provincial representatives, and industry partners in Ottawa for the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference. This annual event is a key opportunity for collaboration, learning, and dialogue on the issues that matter most to Ontario’s communities.
This year’s conference was an important milestone as we shared MPAC’s new strategic direction, supported by our refreshed brand that reflects who we are today. Over the next several years, our focus will be on strengthening partnerships, delivering trusted property assessments, and supporting municipalities with the data and insights they need to plan for the future. | | | | Throughout the conference, our team met with municipal officials from across the province to discuss local priorities, answer questions, and share how MPAC’s services and tools can help meet evolving community needs. Our booth at the trade show offered demonstrations of updated products, showcased our latest data solutions, and provided attendees with opportunities to connect directly with our specialists.
We also participated in key sessions and networking events, listening to the challenges municipalities are facing—from housing and growth management to fiscal sustainability—and discussing how MPAC’s expertise can be part of the solution.
We value the feedback and conversations that take place at AMO—they help us ensure our work remains aligned with municipal priorities and responsive to the diverse needs of communities across Ontario.
As we move forward with our new strategic direction, MPAC remains committed to delivering high-quality property assessments and innovative data solutions that empower municipalities to serve their residents effectively. The relationships strengthened at AMO are a key part of that commitment.
We thank everyone who visited our booth, participated in discussions, and shared insights during the conference. We look forward to building on these conversations in the months ahead.
For a recap of the conference highlights, watch our video. | | | | | | | | AMO launches Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan | | Congratulations to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario on the release of their Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan at AMO2025! We’re proud to support initiatives that foster stronger relationships, listening and learning, and honouring the rights of Indigenous Peoples across Ontario.
We are pleased to acknowledge the work of Municipality of Shuniah Mayor Wendy Landry, Chair, AMO Indigenous Advisory Council and valued member of the MPAC Board of Directors for her leadership in guiding the plan’s development alongside the Indigenous Advisory Council members, including the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC), the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and Indigenous municipal officials. | | | | | | | | New training program coming in 2026! | | At AMO, MPAC announced the launch of an Assessment-Based Management Training Program coming in 2026. The program will help municipal staff strengthen their understanding of assessment and taxation, building the knowledge needed to safeguard the largest source of municipal revenue, ensure fairness in property taxation, and support fiscal stability and transparency across communities. Through practical modules on MPAC Municipal Connect, data tools, and preparing for an assessment update, participants will gain skills to monitor assessment growth and identify properties that may be at risk. Interested in learning more? Contact your MPAC representative. | | | | | | | | | | MPAC’s vision for data-driven municipal success | | Join Jamie Bishop, MPAC Vice President, Public Affairs and Customer Experience, for our annual municipal update where you’ll hear more about: - MPAC’s new strategic direction and what it means for municipalities
- How Ontario’s property data can drive innovation and efficiency
- Tools and services that align with your local priorities
- Recent operational highlights, property insights, and market trends to support data-driven decision-making
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025 Time: 1 - 2 p.m. | | | | | | | | | | | | Inside the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program | | Join representatives from MPAC, Agricorp, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA) for an inside look at the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program. Together, we’ll walk through each organization’s role in program administration and highlight recent enhancements to the application process that are designed to improve the experience for property owners and municipalities alike.
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 Time: 1 - 2 p.m. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | We’re hitting the road in September and October! Join us and hear more about our new strategic direction, the latest MPAC updates, and how we’re working with municipalities to plan for the future: - September 7 – 10: Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association (OMTRA) Conference in Huntsville
- September 16 – 19: Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA) Conference in Niagara Falls
- September 17 – 19: Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) in Ottawa
- September 28 – October 1: Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) Conference in Huntsville
- October 17: Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) in London
- October 19 – 21: Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA) Fall Workshop in Niagara-on-the-Lake
| | | | | | | | | | Strengthening collaboration: Updates to MPAC’s Municipal Liaison Group | |
Last month, MPAC’s Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Relations, Mary Dawson-Cole, joined Regional Managers Anne Haines and Lynne Cunningham, along with Shane Manson, Senior Manager Revenue & Property Tax, City of Markham, for a municipal webinar spotlighting the Municipal Liaison Group (MLG) — a vital forum where municipal leaders and MPAC collaborate to support property assessment management and local decision-making.
Mary Dawson-Cole emphasized, “The Municipal Liaison Group is essential in fostering strong partnerships between MPAC and municipalities. As we update our governance, we are committed to ensuring the group remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with municipal priorities.”
The webinar outlined upcoming governance updates designed to strengthen MLG’s role and enhance collaboration across Ontario’s diverse municipalities. MLG actively engages sub-committees composed of municipal experts who provide valuable input on critical topics, enabling MPAC to better tailor its services to local needs. Municipal participation has been instrumental in many past successes, and with updated governance, MLG will continue to grow and strengthen as a trusted partner for municipalities across Ontario.
“I hope you’ll consider getting involved,” says Shane Manson. “It’s a great way to stay informed and help shape change—whether through the MLG or one of its sub-committees. You’ll be joining a trusted network of individuals across the province who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and technical skills to the table, enriching conversations and providing continuous learning opportunities for all of us.”
For more on the Municipal Liaison Group, watch our July webinar Inside MPAC’s Municipal Liaison Group: Innovating with partners across Ontario, and reach out to your Regional Manager with questions or to get involved. | | | | | | | | Coming up in the next issue | | MPAC is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the June 1, 2026 deadline for Ontario residents to update their school support designation— to ensure the most accurate voter lists for next October’s municipal and school trustee elections. Watch for supporting materials and more details in our October issue. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
