3. Significant accounting policies (continued):

(f) Impairment (continued):

(ii) Non-financial assets (continued):

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the "cash-generating unit"). The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of income and are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the cash-generating unit on a pro-rata basis.

(g) Employee future benefits:

(i) Pension plan:

The Commission provides a pension plan for all its retirees through Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (“OMERS”). OMERS is a multi-employer, contributory, defined benefit pension plan established in 1962 by the Province of Ontario for employees of municipalities, local boards and school boards in Ontario. Both participating employers and employees are required to make plan contributions based on participating employees' contributory earnings.

OMERS is a defined benefit plan. However, as OMERS does not segregate its pension assets and liabilities information by individual employer, there is not sufficient information to enable the Commission to account for the plan as a defined benefit plan. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in income or loss when they are due. At December 31, 2019, the OMERS plan is in a deficit position.