Lake of Bays Council raises concerns over Heritage Property Relief Program

Designated properties can receive a discount of up to 40% of their property taxes

Lake of Bays Council raised concerns about the Township's Heritage Property Tax Relief Program during its September 8, 2026, meeting, including whether property owners should be required to show how the tax savings are being used toward heritage preservation.

The discussion arose while Council considered a request to de-designate a heritage property in the Ridout Ward.

The property had been designated in the program, however, following the death of the owners, their children requested that the property no longer retain its heritage designation.

Council approved the request, but the circumstances, including a site visit by 2 Heritage Committee members and a staff member revealing deterioration of the structure, prompted questions about the tax relief provided to designated heritage properties and the program requirements.

Under the program, eligible owners of designated heritage properties can receive a refund of up to 40 per cent of their annual property taxes to help offset maintenance and conservation costs associated with heritage-designated buildings.

Property owners must apply annually for the program, have their property taxes paid and in good standing, and enter into a preservation and maintenance agreement with the Township. Properties must also be available for municipal inspection.

Mayor, Terry Glover, inquired about where the money went in the Ridout situation considering the state of the property and whether it would be returned to the Township.

Staff advised that the money had already been received by the property owner between 2011-2023 and that all designated heritage property owners in the program must re-apply annually versus the previous every three years so they can determine the money “was used for heritage preservation.”

During the discussion, Council questioned whether additional accountability should be incorporated into the program, including requiring property owners to provide receipts or other documentation demonstrating that the tax relief is being used toward preservation and maintenance of the heritage property.

Councillor, Nancy Tapley, also said, “They should return a certain amount of money received,” if property owners request to de-designate a heritage property.

Council members expressed interest in further consideration of the requirements under the program and whether changes should be made to the Township's tax relief bylaw.