Halton Region mulls empty home tax in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, wants resident feedback

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Published November 1, 2022 at 4:15 pm

For the entire month of November, Halton Region is inviting residents in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills to provide feedback on a potential vacant homes tax for the community.

In April, Halton Regional Council directed staff to develop a proposed framework for a potential tax on vacant homes as a way to encourage owners to sell or rent out unoccupied homes, helping to increase the number of homes available in Halton.

“Finding a home can be challenging for individuals and families who want to live in our growing community,” said Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair.

“One way we’re addressing this issue is by studying how a vacant homes tax could help increase housing supply. If you currently own or rent a home in Halton, or if you hope to do so one day, I encourage you to take our survey or attend a virtual public meeting to tell us what you think.”

A potential vacant homes tax would only affect unoccupied homes in Halton, and the cost would be based on a percentage of the home’s current value assessment (CVA). This type of tax is commonly implemented in communities with high housing prices and a low supply of homes for sale or rent.

Residents can provide input by completing a short online survey or attending a virtual public meeting on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The community input will help inform key features of a potential vacant homes tax, such as how long a home must be vacant before it is taxed, the level of taxation, how to identify vacant homes and exemptions, as well as the overall level of public support.

The Region is conducting this study in partnership with the City of Burlington and the Towns of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville.

To learn more about the potential vacant homes tax, take the survey or add a virtual meeting to your calendar, please visit here.

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