The mayor of Russell Township wants the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) to consider adding a new property tax subclass for multi-unit residential properties.
At the August 27 UCPR council meeting, Mike Tarnowski referred to a report council had received from Municipal Tax Equity (MTE) Consultants Inc. explaining the new subclass introduced in the 2025 provincial budget and how municipal governments have the option of adding it to their property tax systems.
The MTE report explains that the Affordable Rental Housing Subclass provides a more targeted and flexible policy tool with tax relief only available to units meeting legislated affordability definitions and subject to formal rent-restriction agreements.
The subclass enables municipalities to offer direct support for affordable housing, whether in new developments or existing stock, and can be tailored to complement broader housing strategies.
Tarnowski said he believes use of the subclass by the UCPR would be helpful, and link affordability and accountability to encourage more rental units.
The provincial deadline for municipalities to add the subclass for the 2026 budget year is September 30, 2025. Tarnowski said he had already spoken with Chief Administrative Officer Stéphane Parisien about whether a bylaw to add the subclass could be considered by council.
Tarnowski said adding the subclass will put public dollars where they are most needed.
Treasurer Valérie Parisien said staff were already considering presenting a resolution to council to consider adding the subclass. She said a report and recommendation was to be presented at the September 24 UCPR council meeting.
Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel asked if adding the subclass would affect other taxpayers. Treasurer Parisien said it would likely affect residential taxpayers because they are the largest category. She said all of the potential effects on residential taxpayers will be included in her report.
