About the Wrenford Assessment Review Board
The Wrenford Assessment Review Board is an independent body that hears complaints about property assessments. It operates under the Assessment Review Board Act, 2019, and applies the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. The Board reviews complaints for residential properties with three or fewer dwelling units (Local Assessment Review Board) and for larger residential or non-residential properties (Composite Assessment Review Board).
Timelines and deadlines
Property Assessment Notices are issued annually in the spring. You have a 60-day review period to check your assessed value before your tax bill arrives. If you disagree with the value, you must file a Notice of Complaint and the required filing fee by the deadline printed on your assessment notice. Late filings will not be accepted.
Before you file
Before submitting a formal complaint, we encourage you to review your notice and compare your property's value with similar homes in your neighbourhood. You can contact your municipal assessor to discuss any concerns or request a property inspection. If you still believe the value is incorrect, you may file a complaint.
To build a strong case, gather evidence that shows the estimated market value of your property as of July 1 of the previous year. Useful evidence includes:
- Sales data for comparable properties in your area
- Estimates from a professional appraiser or realtor
- Repair estimates for physical defects (e.g., foundation cracks, roof leaks)
- Photographs of your property and comparable homes
Remember, you must continue to pay your property taxes by the due date, even if you have filed a complaint. Unpaid taxes are subject to penalties and interest.
How to file your complaint
You must complete the required forms exactly as prescribed. Incomplete or inaccurate forms may be dismissed. You can submit your package by mail or in person:
- Forms: Assessment Complaint Form 2026 and Agent Authorization Form (if applicable).
- Mailing address: Board Clerk, Legislative Services Department, City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1.
- In person: Service Wrenford counter at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Filing fees
Filing fees are set by the City and are charged per roll number. Fees are refunded if the assessment is changed through a resolution or Board decision.
- Residential (three or fewer dwellings) and farmland: $75.00
- Residential (four or more dwellings) and non-residential: $350.00
Payments can be made online, by phone, or in person. Cheques should be made payable to the City of Wrenford.
What happens next?
Once your complaint is received, the Board Clerk will schedule a hearing and send you a Notice of Hearing. The notice will tell you the date, time, and location of your hearing, as well as the deadlines for exchanging evidence.
Exchanging evidence (disclosure)
Both you and the City must share all evidence with each other and the Board before the hearing. If you do not follow the disclosure deadlines, your complaint may be dismissed.
- Complainant disclosure: Submit all evidence and witness lists at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Respondent disclosure: The City submits its evidence at least 7 days before the hearing.
- Rebuttal: You may submit rebuttal evidence at least 3 days before the hearing.
Evidence should be submitted as a single PDF file with consecutive page numbers. If submitting by email, use [email protected]. Do not include passwords or security features.
Hearing formats
The Board offers three hearing options based on the complexity of your case:
- In-person: Held at City Hall, Council Chambers.
- Remote: Via video conference using a link provided in your Notice of Hearing.
- Written: The Board decides based on your written submissions only.
Hearings are open to the public. All documents filed as evidence become part of the public record.
Contact the Board
For questions about filing a complaint or the hearing process, contact the Board Clerk. The Board Clerk can provide procedural information but cannot give advice on the merits of your case.
Board Clerk
Legislative Services Department
City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]