A tax sale is a public process that allows the Township to recover unpaid property taxes by selling the property through a formal bidding process.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are a key source of revenue for the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, funding essential services like infrastructure upgrades, parks and recreation facilities and library services.
There are two tax billings per year:
- Interim tax bill (March): 50% of the previous year's total taxes.
- Final tax bill (August): Based on your assessed property value and the current tax rate, minus the interim tax payment.
View options to pay your property taxes through pre-authorized payments, at your bank, through online banking, or by visiting the Township Hall.
Learn how the assessed value for your property is determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Property tax rate
The Township is a lower-tier municipality. This means we collect taxes on behalf of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the school boards. Your property tax bill reflects the total taxes owed to the Township, the County and the school boards.
The total 2025 residential tax rate is 0.01357727.
The total 2025 commercial tax rate is 0.02502044
Multiply the tax rate with your property assessment value to determine your total tax bill for the year.
If you own a farm, you must register annually with Agricorp to qualify for a discounted tax rate.
For more information on current tax rates, view our tax rates bylaw.
Tax notices by email
Go paperless and receive your municipal tax notices by email. Fill out our Email Consent Form to sign up.
Change of address
Only the registered owner of a property can request address changes.
- Fill out our Change of Address Form or
- Notify us in writing, including your property's civic address and/or roll number, by mail to:
Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
c/o Tax Department
P.O. Box 129, 18 Centre St
Spencerville ON K0E 1X0
Overdue taxes
The Township applies an interest/penalty charge of 1.25% per month on the first day of the month, or 15% per annum, to unpaid property tax accounts.
Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse you from the obligation of payment, nor does it relieve the liability of penalty on late payments. Please contact us if you do not receive your tax bill.
Tax registration for tax arrears
As per the Municipal Act, any property that has tax arrears in excess of two years is eligible for tax registration. The Township sends tax arrears notices throughout the year as well as collection letters in September and January advising property owners of the arrears and the payment options to avoid registration.
After the tax arrears certificate has been issued, a property owner has one year to pay the tax arrears in full or can apply to the Township to enter into an extension agreement to allow an additional year to pay the arrears and the current taxes. The cost to apply for an extension agreement is $100.00.
Tax sale of land by public tender
Properties for sale by public tender will be advertised on our news page.
Review these frequently asked questions to learn more about the tax sale process.
How can I find out about upcoming tax sales?
You can find tax sale notices through multiple channels:
- Advertisements in local newspapers for four consecutive weeks before the sale
- The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s website
- OntarioTaxSales.ca, which also includes property information sheets
If the property is occupied, the Township will hand-deliver a letter to the owner at least 3–4 months in advance of the sale.
To submit a bid (called a “tender”), you must follow these steps:
- Complete Form 7, available on the Township’s website or Ontario Tax Sales (for a fee)
- Place your completed form and deposit in a sealed envelope clearly marked as a tax sale tender, including the property address or description
- Include a deposit of at least 20% of your bid by certified cheque, bank draft, or money order payable to the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
- Deliver the sealed envelope to:
Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
18 Centre Street, Spencerville, ON
Attention: Treasurer
Each tender must be for one property only.
Can I visit the property before bidding?
No, you cannot. The current property owner retains full control of the property until ownership transfers. Entering the property before that may result in trespassing charges. The Township cannot provide access or keys.
What information is available about the property?
The Township provides basic details in the tender package, but does not guarantee or investigate further property conditions. You are responsible for your own due diligence. This may include:
- Title and ownership history (via Land Registry)
- Zoning and permitted uses
- Outstanding taxes, water/sewer bills, or local improvement charges
- Work orders or building restrictions
- Potential development opportunities
The Township does not provide surveys, and the property is sold “as is, where is.”
What happens if I win the bid?
If your bid is the highest qualifying tender, the Township will notify you by letter. You must then:
- Hire a lawyer to complete the property transfer
- Provide your lawyer’s contact information to the Township
- Pay the remaining balance of the purchase price within 14 days, including:
- Balance of your bid
- Property tax arrears and penalties
- Tax sale costs
- Land Transfer Tax
- HST, if applicable
What if the highest bidder doesn’t pay?
If the highest bidder fails to pay within the required timeframe:
- Their deposit is forfeited
- The second-highest compliant bidder will be offered the opportunity to purchase the property
- That bidder will also have 14 days to pay the full amount
If no qualifying bids are received or no bid meets the minimum required amount (called the cancellation price), the Township may take ownership of the property through a notice of vesting.
Will the Township remove any occupants or tenants?
The Township does not guarantee vacant possession. If the property is occupied, the new owner may need to go through the court system to remove occupants, at their own cost.
Can the Township cancel a tax sale?
Yes. The Treasurer may cancel the sale up until the transfer of title if:
- It is not in the financial interest of the Township
- There is an error, omission, or issue with the sale
This authority is granted under Section 382(6) of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Will I be responsible for any mortgages?
In most cases, mortgages and liens are eliminated through the tax sale. However, liens in favour of the Crown (such as federal or provincial governments or agencies) are not removed, and the purchaser becomes responsible for paying those debts. The Crown may also seize the property if those amounts remain unpaid.
Is HST charged on tax sale properties?
Yes. HST will be collected from the successful purchaser if the property is subject to HST. If you are an HST registrant and wish to self-assess, include a declaration and indemnity form in your tender package.
Yes. The minimum bid listed in the advertisement is the total of tax arrears, interest, penalties, and sale-related costs calculated as of the first advertising date.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact:
Treasurer, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
P.O. Box 129, 18 Centre Street
Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0
613-658-3055 x107
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