Municipal Valuations
Independent appraisals for municipalities, school boards and other public agencies.
Who we work with
Municipal staff, school boards and public agencies need valuation evidence for land purchases, disposals, exchanges and development-related decisions. The report must be clear about the property interest and the purpose for which it is prepared.
When you need us
When public agencies acquire or dispose of land, assess parkland contributions or plan for school sites, a market-supported valuation provides a clear basis for the decision.
What we do
Education Development Charge site valuations
Land acquisition and surplus property disposition appraisals
Land exchange and cost-sharing advice
Valuation support for public asset management
How we work
We establish the purpose and relevant valuation requirements, review planning context and research comparable transactions. Our reports set out the evidence, assumptions and conclusions in a form that supports staff, council and board review.
What you receive
An independent appraisal setting out the valuation basis, market evidence, assumptions and conclusion. Where several parcels or scenarios are involved, the analysis explains their differences so the decision can be reviewed on a consistent basis.
What we need to begin
Provide the parcel information, transaction or valuation instructions, relevant date, available surveys and planning records. For a proposed transfer or exchange, include draft terms and plans showing the lands involved. Identify any staff, council or board reporting deadline.
An anonymized assignment
For a proposed exchange associated with municipal road infrastructure, gsi valued parcels with differing development permissions and environmental constraints. Separate highest and best use analyses and differentiated market evidence supported the opinions for the lands being transferred.
Questions & answers
Should each parcel in an exchange be valued separately?
Each parcel’s rights, characteristics and instructed valuation basis need to be examined. A common infrastructure purpose does not make the parcels equivalent in market value.
Can a small surplus parcel have assembly potential?
Its relationship to adjoining lands may be relevant. We examine practical use, planning context and market evidence rather than assuming value follows area alone.
What if the final survey is not available?
Supply the best available plan and identify what may change. Area and configuration assumptions must be stated, and material changes may require the opinion to be revisited.