Upper Welland River Watershed Plan - Niagara Peninsula ...

UPPER WELLAND RIVER WATERSHED PLANConservation Land Tax Incentive ProgramThe Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP), offered by the MNR, was establishedby the province in 1998 to recognize, encourage and support the long-term privatestewardship of Ontario‟s provincially significant conservation lands. This program providesproperty tax relief (100 percent for the eligible portion of the property) to landowners and nonprofitorganizations who agree to protect the natural heritage values of their property. Eligiblelands consist of provincially significant areas identified by the MNR, and include: PSW‟s;provincially significant ANSI‟s; endangered species habitats; lands designated as escarpmentnatural areas in the Niagara Escarpment Plan; and community conservation lands, which arenatural areas of significance owned by non-profit charitable conservation organizations andconservation authorities. Landowners whose land is eligible and who are enrolled in thisprogram are automatically notified by the MNR during the summer before each new tax year(MNR 2004).The Managed Forest Tax Incentive ProgramThe Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), offered by the MNR, was established in1998 to recognize the social and ecological benefits of forest lands. Privately owned forestland is eligible to be taxed at 25 percent of the municipal tax rate set for residential propertiesprovided the property has at least 4 hectares of forest, is owned by a Canadian citizen, andhas a Managed Forest Plan approved by a consultant designated by the MNR (OntarioWoodlot Association 2005).Farm Property Class Tax RateUnder the Farm Property Class tax rate, farm properties that satisfy the eligibility requirementswill be taxed at 25 percent of the municipal residential rate. However, the farm residence and1 acre of land surrounding the residence will be taxed as part of the residential class. In orderto be eligible for the Farm Property Class tax rate all of the following criteria must be satisfied:the property must be assessed as farmland;the property must be used as part of a farming operation generating Gross FarmIncome of at least $7,000 as reported to the Canada Revenue Agency for income taxpurposes;a valid Farm Business Registration number is required for the business operating onthe land; andthe property must be owned by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada(OMAFRA 2004).Species at Risk Farm Incentive ProgramThe Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) was launched in 2008 by the MNR toencourage greater protection and conservation of species at risk and their habitats onprivately owned agricultural lands across Ontario. The program provides “enhanced costshare opportunities for farmers who take action on selected environmental BeneficialManagement Practices that play a key role in contributing to a healthy and diverseenvironment as well as helping sustain production and profitability on the farm” (MNR No77