Effective July 1, 2009, user fees for the Land Title and Survey Authority's services will increase by about nine percent. For an average transaction, such as a land title search conducted over the counter at a Land Title Office, the adjustment will result in an increase of $0.90, from $9.65 to $10.55. Details of the 2009 fees for land title and survey services are available at www.ltsa.ca/fees.
Due to changing economic conditions and the need to invest in the modernization of its business, it was determined recently that the current user fee schedule related to Land Title Act and Land Act statutory services would not permit the LTSA's operations to be sustainable, even with a typical Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate increase. Fee increases above the adjusted CPI require the approval of an independent Fee Commissioner jointly appointed by the LTSA and the province.
As a result, the LTSA Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, agreed to appoint George Morfitt, FCA, as an independent Fee Commissioner. Mr. Morfitt was appointed for a term commencing May 4, 2009 to June 30, 2009 to determine the level of increase to user fees required to maintain the long-term viability of the LTSA. This appointment was pursuant to section 20(9) of the Land Title and Survey Authority Act. View Mr. Morfitt's independent report, a supplemental FAQ and a preview of the new fee schedule on the LTSA's website.
The LTSA is a not-for-profit organization and will use revenue from the fee increases to maintain existing service levels and modernize the business. Through this investment in modernization, the LTSA will enhance service delivery so it is sustainable and provides customers with consistency and reliability of information, enabled by modern technology, integrated processes and expert staff.
The 2009 fee increases have been approved by the LTSA's Board of Directors. The LTSA reviews user fees annually.
Contact:
Liza Aboud, VP Business Development and Communications, 604.660.2070
Gregory Pedersen, VP and Chief Financial Officer, 250.952.5836
