ONN’s Nonprofit Registry for Public Lands FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the background of this registry?
Why a registry for public benefit lands?
How do I get access to the inventory of surplus Government of Ontario lands?
Who can apply? Criteria for eligibility
How does the application process work?
How does an organization express interest in a sale?
What privacy policies are in place?
Why a $200 registration fee?

What’s the background of this registry?

In 2012 through the Open for Business process, ONN and the Ministry of Infrastructure began discussions about enabling not-for-profit organizations to have access to surplus government land or buildings along with utility organizations, municipalities and the federal government, as a way to ensure public lands remain in service to the people of Ontario wherever possible. It was also recognized that not-for-profit organizations needed more time to assemble financing than what was available in an open sale.

Why a registry for public benefit lands?

The registry will enable not-for-profit organizations that are looking for real estate to have an opportunity to purchase Ministry of Infrastructure property at market value for their own use. Access to surplus real estate before it is placed on the open market affords not-for-profit organizations more time to assemble their financing.

Only eligible organizations with a serious interest in purchasing property will be provided access to the Realty Disposal Publication website before it is placed on the open market. This access to surplus property will be restricted to not-for-profit organizations providing public benefit. If an eligible not-for-profit organization is going to partner with another organization, the partner must also be registered, which would exclude partnerships with for-profit entities.

How do I get access to the inventory of surplus Government of Ontario lands?

ONN has instituted a registration process to facilitate access, ensure the registry’s integrity, and meet the terms and conditions in its undertaking with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Ontario. To be placed on the registry, an applicant must:

  1. Ensure that the applicant organization meets the criteria for registration;
  2. Fill out an online application; and
  3. Pay an annual fee of $200 +HST.

If the organization meets the criteria, it will be approved and placed on the registry to have secure access to the Realty Disposal Publication website and will be notified when properties become available for a period of one year from the date of registration. Registration is renewable upon payment of the annual fee.

Who can apply? Criteria for eligibility

Not-for-profit corporations that provide a public benefit will be considered for inclusion on the registry and must fulfill the following criteria:

a) Be a registered, incorporated charity in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency; or b) Be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization without share capital under federal or provincial not-for-profit, corporate or cooperative legislation;

AND all of the following:

c) Be a registered member of the Ontario Nonprofit Network; and

d) Have a mandate/mission that is dedicated to providing a public benefit good or service to individuals and/or communities in the Province of Ontario; and

e) Provide the public benefit to a faction of the public/community beyond a narrowly defined or closed membership group, such as private clubs or industry associations; and

f) Be accepted by its community as a community asset and/or resource (evidence of government funding, financial donations or investment from local community and/or provision of community programming for a nominal fee); and

g) Have a constraint in its bylaws that prohibits distribution of assets to members on dissolution (provides for gifting residual assets to public benefit organization). Eligible not-for-profit corporations will also need to be able to demonstrate financial and organizational capacity to submit an offer to purchase surplus real estate at market value.

How does the application process work?

  1. Ensure ONN Membership.(New members may apply at https://theonn.ca/support-onn/)
  2. Complete the online application form in full.
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. ONN reviews the application, which may involve ONN requesting additional information.
  5. Applicants will be notified within 30 days if their application has been approved.
  6. ONN will provide the government website administrator with the approved applicant’s name and contact information.
  7. Approved applicants will be directed to the Infrastructure Ontario website to request an individual confidential password to access the Realty Disposal Publication website.

How does an organization express interest in a sale?

Expressions of interest are to be made directly with staff of Infrastructure Ontario. The Ontario Nonprofit Network has no involvement in expressions of interest or sales transactions.

Upon expressing interest, an organization will be required to sign a document stating it meets the criteria of an eligible not-for-profit organization providing public benefit, and has the financial means to purchase property. This last step is to ensure the estimated market value and the financial means of the organization align. This document does not bind an organization to make a purchase; however, it is designed to prevent property from being held unnecessarily in sale negotiations that are unlikely to reach completion.

The not-for-profit organization and Infrastructure Ontario on behalf of the Ministry of

Infrastructure will then engage in discussions regarding the potential purchase of the surplus real estate.

What privacy policies are in place?

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Infrastructure Ontario are bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. ONN is committed to keeping your personal information accurate, confidential, secure and private. Please see our online Privacy Policy.

Why a $200 registration fee?

ONN is pleased to provide this new service to not-for-profits throughout Ontario, initiated through its work on the Open for Business process.  The registration fee covers the development and maintenance of the registry, as well as the ongoing administration costs of reviewing each application and determining approval status.

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