When is my application due?
Applications must be post-marked by Canada Post no later than July 31, for the following tax year.
Do I have to apply every year?
Yes. The CLTIP is currently an annual application, therefore you must complete and return an application each year.
Will you notify me when you receive my application?
No. Due to the number of applications returned and limited program resources, you will not be notified when your application is received.
The CLTIP now has online status verification. Find out more about the Application Status Query. You MUST have your roll number and PIN as provided on the application form to use this query tool.
Landowners wishing to confirm receipt of their application should call 1-800-268-8959, after September 30, and leave their name and roll number. You will be notified within 3-working days of the status of your application.
I didn't receive my rebate this year. When will I get a cheque?
Since 1998, the CLTIP has provided for tax relief in the form of an exemption. You now receive a tax reduction on your annual tax invoice for that portion of your property tax. You will not receive a cheque.
I didn't get an application this year. What will happen? Who do I call?
If you do not complete and return an application by July 31, your property will not be included in the CLTIP. Your property will then be taxed in accordance with the appropriate property and tax class. The best course of action is to call the CLTIP InfoLine (1-800-268-8959) prior to July 31 and have another application sent to you so that you can meet the deadline. If the deadline has passed, contact us on the InfoLine and leave a message including your name, phone number and property roll number. One of our staff will return your call within three working days.
I received my application but there was an error in my personal or mailing information. Who should I call?
You must contact the Municipality Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to correct the landowner or address information. These are the same people who prepare your Property Assessment Notice. The CLTIP obtains updated landowner and mailing information from MPAC, and only the landowner is authorized to make changes to the MPAC information. Any changes made with MPAC will be reflected on your next CLTIP application. Call MPAC toll-free at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722).
My application is okay but I have questions about my conservation land and/or acreage. Who do I call?
Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources district office for more information. Find your local office and number from the MNR Offices page or by checking the blue pages of your telephone book under Government of Ontario.
Landowners often ask how the conservation land boundary is determined or the acreage calculated. For wetlands, ANSIs and endangered species habitat, MNR staff use approved standardized guidelines to assist them in identifying and mapping the recognized boundary of the feature. Once mapped, the boundaries are 'approved', the eligible properties are identified and acreages calculated. This information is then provided to MPAC. Boundaries cannot be moved nor areas adjusted unless an error in mapping or evaluation is revealed. This can be confusing, in particular with regard to wetlands, as seasonal variations in water levels do occur. However, the provincially significant boundary demarks the long-term boundary. Niagara Escarpment natural area boundaries are identified by the Niagara Escarpment Commission and portrayed in the official Niagara Escarpment Plan.
I also participate under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). Does this affect my CLTIP participation?
Landowners can participate under both programs on one property, even if the Conservation Land and Managed Forest boundaries overlap, providing only one program is applied for on any given acre of land. Some simple rules do apply. The Conservation Land acreage and boundary will not be adjusted to accommodate Managed Forest boundaries. The CLTIP and associated acreage is "all or nothing"; the MFTIP acreage must be adjusted to accommodate (remove) the CLTIP lands. Also, MFTIP lands, where activities have taken place that are contrary to CLTIP protection objectives (such as certain plantation forests or harvesting activities), are not eligible for conversion to the CLTIP.
In the special case where there is not enough land remaining to participate in the MFTIP (less than 10 acres) after removing the CLTIP lands, conservation land acreage can be "borrowed" to add to the MFTIP land to create the minimum acreage required. This land must be identified and treated as "conservation land" in the MFTIP plan. If your property falls under this category, call your local Forestry association, your MFPA or the CLTIP InfoLine for more information. The adjustment will be made through your association and the CLTIP Administrator.
The local Conservation Authority confirms that my land is wetland. Is my land now eligible under the CLTIP?
Even if the local Conservation Authority confirms that your property has wetlands, and it falls under their mandate, it is only eligible for the CLTIP if the wetland has been classified as Provincially Significant. Flood and Fill permits or restrictions issued by Conservation Authorities do not necessarily coincide with Provincially Significant wetland boundaries and Conservation Authorities may have restrictions that are not related to lands eligible under this program. Also, it's important to note that since MNR is the lead in this program, the definitive eligible land boundary is determined by MNR staff. In cases where the Conservation Authority and MNR boundaries are not in agreement, the MNR boundary takes precedence.
For more information regarding Conservation Authorities in Ontario, visit the following site: Conservation Ontario
My local municipality has zoned my land environmentally protected Is my land now eligible under the CLTIP?
Not necessarily. Only lands defined by the CLTIP categories are eligible under the program. While environmentally sensitive areas, as defined by the municipal authority, may include conservation lands, they often include lands not consistent with the CLTIP, such as flood plain and hazard lands and open space lands.
