Section of MGA corrected
Bill 9, Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 includes a correction to section 553.1(1)(c) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
The correction re-instates municipalities’ authority to place the costs of carrying out remedial work required under section 546 on the tax roll of either the particular property, or the tax roll of any property owned by that owner. Bill 9 was given royal assent on March 28, 2023.
Bill 21, Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022, included a problematic change to section 553.1(1)(c) of the MGA which came into effect on June 1, 2022. As a result of this change, municipalities were no longer able to place the costs of carrying out work required in an order issued under section 546 on the tax roll of either the particular property, or the tax roll of any property owned by that owner. Instead, these costs remained a debt owing to the municipality. Orders under section 546 address remedial work on properties which are either dangerous to public safety or, because of their unsightly condition, are detrimental to the surrounding area.
ABmunis and numerous municipalities shared their concerns with Municipal Affairs about this change to the MGA. The ministry advised that the amendment was made in error and would be corrected as soon as possible.
