The Citizen, 2015-10-29, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015.
MPAC request for reconsideration form easy to use
Continued from page 21
request for reconsideration is being
made. This is required by the
assessment act.
The third section is supporting
documentation which can take
several forms.
Most of the information can be
about one of two things, the land in
question or lands that the landowner
feels are similar. This can include
photographs, sales information,
assessed value of similar properties
and other documents. Examples of
other documents include municipal
zoning records.
While much of that information
may seem difficult to obtain,
MPAC’s landowner website,
myproperty.ca, actually makes
acquiring most of it very simple.
By signing up for the site using
roll information, users can access
photos and assessments of
neighbouring properties to help get
an idea of how their property stacks
up to other properties in the area.
Properties viewed can be suggested
by the site or searched based on
street address.
For more information about what
else can be discovered, visit
myproperty.ca and sign up.
The fourth section of the
document contains information
about the main structure.
Starting with how many storeys as
well as total area, the form also
requires information about heating
systems and fuel sources, how many
washrooms a structure has,
amenities such as porches, decks,
saunas, hot tubs, and central air
conditioning units.
Finally, the document has space to
explain what kind of services the
property has including water,
sanitary sewer, electricity, site access
and driveway and parking options.
From there, homeowners need to
outline any kind of additions to the
property or significant
improvements or alterations to either
the interior or exterior of the
building as well as whether any
building permits have been issued
for the site.
After filling out the form, it has to
either be submitted electronically or
by mail to MPAC, at which point the
review will be started. From there,
the company will look to see what, if
any, changes are necessary.
Filling out the form isn’t the last
step in the process, as, according to
MPAC representatives, a visit to the
site will likely be necessary, but by
going straight to the form,
landowners can save a few steps and
time.
If MPAC is contacted directly
prior to filling out the form, an e-
mail will be sent back to the local
field office. From there, the
company states that someone will
review the request within a week at
which time they will likely suggest
filling out the form.
For more information about
property values, visit www.mpac.ca
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Avoiding frozen pipe problems
NC –Plumbing issues are part of
being a homeowner. Over time you
are bound to experience a problem
with your drains, toilets, or showers.
However, one potential plumbing
issue that most Canadians don’t
think about is the possibility of the
pipes freezing during the winter.
Once the temperature outside goes
below zero, be aware that the pipes
could freeze. This could happen for
a number of different reasons,
however, it commonly occurs when
the heat is turned down when a
homeowner is away for winter trips,
or when someone neglects to shut
off the water leading to external
faucets.
“Don’t turn down your heat too
much and make sure that you have
either a remote system that monitors
the temperature inside, or that you
have a reliable person to inspect
your home regularly when you are
away,” says Wayne Ross, of Aviva
Canada. “The pipes could freeze if
the temperature inside your home
drops or the furnace stops working
when you are away.”
Ross adds, “If you open a tap and
no water comes out, don’t take any
chances and call a plumber right
away.”
When water freezes it expands and
this is a serious issue if it happens in
your pipes. If a pipe bursts when you
are at home, turn off your water at
the main valve right away. Wait for a
plumber to inspect to determine the
damage, if any.
Tips for preventing pipes from
freezing, include:
• Get them inspected to ensure
they are properly insulated.
• Get all seals checked. Seal leaks
that can lead to cold air getting in
and freezing the water.
• Turn off outside taps and
disconnect outdoor hoses as part of
your fall chores.
• Install frost-free faucets (hose
bibbs) for supplying water to the
front and back yards. If installed
correctly they can prevent pipes
from freezing and also prevent water
damage.
• Install water shut-off alarms to
close the supply if a leak is detected.
• Drain all pipes if you are going
to be away for an extended period of
time (more than four consecutive
days).
If you are concerned about your
pipes freezing, take the safe route
and have a plumber take a look. This
inspection can save you a lot of
money and hassle.
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utility buildings, barns,
houses and more
A sign best avoided
Frozen pipes can cause a plethora of problems for
homeowners ranging from disruption of services to
shattered pipes within their walls or foundations. Keep pipes
well-insulated to prevent the issue. (MS photo)