Township of Chandos and Township of Cramahe

[Thinker]

Any one know more about Township of Chandos  and Township of Cramahe properties. Township of Chandos has given us very short time to asses the properties. Any idea why the case is. I am new in this and still in the phase of researching about different areas and peroperties and the whole tax sale process, any help is appreciated.

[Asindero]

Short notice indeed. Including the time you spend in the bank. It is imposible for mail to get there in time.

[Frank]

I believe you are referring to the Township of North Kawartha's (formerly Chandos), and you are correct about the short notice, however it meets the requirements of the act.  Municipalities will sometimes wait until the last minute so that they are not advertising properties that will likely get redeemed prior to the sale (or to inadvertently, or on purpose, provide a leg-up to locals) - who knows.

A quick look at the web site indicates that these are all small rural lots (may or may not have road frontages, doesn't appear that way on the map, although the description provided does indicate frontage on each property)  -  looks like it might have been another one of those checkerboard situations, definitely what would be considered back-lots.  One of the lots is rather small and is zoned hazard.  Minimum bid prices exceed the assessed values, meaning that either they were recently reassessed downward or they have had tax arrears outstanding for a good length of time - much more than three years, this would not be unusual as well on properties which the Muncipality is hoping nobody bids so that it can claim the properties, if indeed these were checkerboard lots then it would stand to reason that they want to get them out of the system. 

[Pawel]

These lots were once in a plan of subdivision that did not receive approval. I do not know specifically what the plan entailed, whether it was a proposed trailer park or just simple building lots.

In regards to the VERY low assessments, I honestly have no clue and frankly I am a little surprised. Frank, you have a good point about about them being reassessed, although what would merit such a low assessment?

I am on the fence about making a bid.

[Thinker]

Thank you Frank and Pawel for your information. What about Cramahe property, does anyone know more about it.

[Frank]

These lots were once in a plan of subdivision that did not receive approval. I do not know specifically what the plan entailed, whether it was a proposed trailer park or just simple building lots.

In regards to the VERY low assessments, I honestly have no clue and frankly I am a little surprised. Frank, you have a good point about about them being reassessed, although what would merit such a low assessment?

I am on the fence about making a bid.

Given that the lots are almost half an acre in size, I would say that it was more than a trailer park.  The low assessments reflects the fact that they are basically worthless at this point.  If you can't build on them without spending oodles of cash, then that is reflected here - don't forget we live a market value assessment environment, and therefore that's gotta tell you something.   I would suspect that a subdivision of land was allowed (or done through checkerboarding, or bequest - an old loophole which is now closed), and unfortunately nothing could be built on the lots without proper roads, sewers, water, etc..  The township planner, or building official would have that level of info. if you cared to call and enquire.  I assume that you can get to each of the lots through rights of ways which would have become the roads, and that you could probably pitch a tent and sing around a campfire without any problem - if that is all your looking for then this might be the deal of the century for you.

[Asindero]

Campfire is not allowed on days.
Need fire permit to light it on nights.

[thecobo]

good day readers:
i was there today out of 7 parcels there are 2 not swampy 5 of them are not worth a penny
good luck

[Asindero]

Which two are not swampy? The ones on Bayshore road?

[Asindero]

Hey Frank,

You are right. It was a subdivision that never developed. I guess because of forestry issue. The whole area is thickly wooded with tall and matured trees. It is very costly to make your own driveway or parking. Anyways, the three good ones were won by about $5,100.

I went to the township office was shown the subdivision plan (R437). 13602 is actually exposed in the existing (private) road thus making the assesment value the same as good ones. 13600 is a little bit inside so I took a gamble on this one and won them both as lone bidder. I could have won the .67 acre one but I was told the plan is not the same anymore. The rest of the properties are owned by some Loon Company.

So far, I'm waiting for the mail. I don't know the proceedure because I never done this before.

[Frank]

Hey Frank,

You are right. It was a subdivision that never developed. I guess because of forestry issue. The whole area is thickly wooded with tall and matured trees. It is very costly to make your own driveway or parking. Anyways, the three good ones were won by about $5,100.

I went to the township office was shown the subdivision plan (R437). 13602 is actually exposed in the existing (private) road thus making the assesment value the same as good ones. 13600 is a little bit inside so I took a gamble on this one and won them both as lone bidder. I could have won the .67 acre one but I was told the plan is not the same anymore. The rest of the properties are owned by some Loon Company.

So far, I'm waiting for the mail. I don't know the proceedure because I never done this before.

Congratulations, and good luck with it.  Hopefully, in the long run, these will be more than just camping sites.

[tyerant]

Asindero,

Congrats!  I just so happened to be renting a cottage on the other side of Chandos that week.  I had a look at most of the properties but was a little gun shy as I didn't know how easy it would be to clear a camp site.  (I am looking for a place to camp in a tent trailer) As a result, didn't pursue things further.  I did see the road to the interior lots but didn't venture in.

Just currious, what are your plans for these properties?

All the best
Tyerant

[Asindero]

I will go as far as the township will allow me.
As soon as the surveyor marked my boundaries.
I will start by clearing driveway and parking.
Build a small cottage gazeebo style with separate kitchen, outhouse and bath.
All with independent water tanks.
Build tree houses connected by hanging bidges.
My hydro and lights will come from car batteries with inverters since I will visit about 4 weekends of every summer.

[Frank]

I will go as far as the township will allow me.
As soon as the surveyor marked my boundaries.
I will start by clearing driveway and parking.
Build a small cottage gazeebo style with separate kitchen, outhouse and bath.
All with independent water tanks.
Build tree houses connected by hanging bidges.
My hydro and lights will come from car batteries with inverters since I will visit about 4 weekends of every summer.

You can get a small solar panel system for a couple hundred, and hook it up to one of those eliminator battery packs which has a built in inverter (Canadian tire specials).  They work ok for a light and small appliances, and you can give it a boost from your car batter if required.   I've got one in my 8x12 'hard tent' (small shack that I sleep in when camping - but officially just a tool shed).  I've never thought about doing a tarzan set up with tree houses and swinging vines - but that sounds very innovative. 

[Asindero]

I've watched Swiss Family Robinson when I was a little kid. It's always on my mind.