Overview
- City councillors on the executive committee approved a new tax subclass for rundown business properties after reviewing an administration report.
- Owners who do not repair or demolish qualifying buildings could face property tax increases of up to 57 percent.
- The policy includes tax forgiveness when a derelict site is demolished or remediated partway through the year.
- City staff identified 20 candidate properties based on complaints and will define what counts as derelict or unoccupied before sending assessment notices in about two years.
- Community leaders said vacant storefronts draw crime and fire risks and welcomed the move as a step toward safer, more active streets.