Call for Expressions of Interest - Assessment Review Court Commissioner

The City of St. John’s invites Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to become a Commissioner of the Assessment Review Court. The City believes in equal opportunity and is committed to reflecting the community’s diversity on our boards and committees.

The Assessment Review Court hears appeals from parties objecting to their real property assessment. Part II (sections 29 through 40) of the Assessment Act, 2006 (https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/a18-1.htm) sets out the legislative provisions related to assessment appeals.  A Commissioner is bound by the Assessment Act, 2006 and applicable case law.

The City appoints the Commissioner by January 31 and a person appointed holds office until they resign or are dismissed. Appeals may be related to residential or commercial properties. The time required for holding appeal hearings will vary from year to year depending on the number and nature of appeals received. Annual assessment notices are issued each year in late May or early June, with the appeal deadline typically falling in early August. While most appeals related to the new assessment roll are heard between September and March, appeals may occur at any time throughout the year. Section 34 of the Assessment Act requires that appeals filed under Section 30 must be decided on or before March 15 in the year following the delivery of the original assessment notice

Applicants should have experience in and a working understanding of the following:

• Interpretation of legislation or policy
• Principles of real estate assessment
• Principles of fee simple market valuation
• Real estate terminology

A Commissioner is required to conduct hearings, hear from parties, review submissions, and write decisions. Applicants with such previous experience would be an asset.

Previous experience on a board or tribunal would also be an asset. 

Interested persons should submit Expressions of Interest no later than Friday, January 9, 2026  to the Office of the City Clerk, P. O. Box 908, St. John’s, NL  A1C 5M2 (email: cityclerk@stjohns.ca) stating their qualifications and expected fee for services only, which should be stated in terms of an hourly, ½ daily and/or daily rate, and must indicate whether or not the rate includes or excludes HST.  Clerical and administrative support services will be provided by the City.