Woolwich pushes for woodlots

Taking up the cause of residents facing large tax increases due to the re-designation of farm woodlands for property tax purposes, Woolwich council will send an appeal to provincial Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

Pointing to the case of Benjamin Road landowner Carlo Tucci, Coun. Mark Bauman questioned the rationale behind the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) revised assessment that changes to “residential” from “farmland” the 15 acres of brush and trees on his 45-acre farm, essentially increasing the tax burden by a factor of five.

“It’s punishing people for having trees on their land. It’s just so counterproductive,” he said.

The township has heard from other landowners facing similar situations following reassessments by MPAC.