Correspondence from Mayor Helps re: Extension of Vacancy Taxation Authority

March 6, 2019,

Dear Premier Horgan,

I am writing on behalf of Victoria City Council, requesting favourable consideration and resolutions of support for the extension of vacancy taxation authority to local governments.

At the January 17, 2019 Council Meeting, Council approved the following resolution:

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia responded to a housing affordability crisis in 2016 with legislation empowering the City of Vancouver to introduce a surtax on vacant residential properties, resulting in $38-million in revenues for that community in 2018 and creating a strong disincentive to leaving properties vacant;

AND WHEREAS communities across British Columbia face housing affordability pressures, while a portion of the housing supply in all communities remains vacant, including properties that have remained derelict for years or decades;

AND WHEREAS vacant and derelict buildings pose substantial risks in terms of public safety in communities, as well as liveability and desirability for nearby and adjoining neighbourhoods and properties;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province of British Columbia extend the authority to introduce a surtax on vacant residential properties to local governments across British Columbia, providing communities with the discretion to decide whether to introduce an additional tax to discourage vacant and derelict buildings, and encourage the occupancy, maintenance, and improvement of buildings to address housing affordability and public safety.

We eagerly look forward to your support on this matter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Helps Victoria Mayor

cc.

• Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance
• Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing
• The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) Annual Convention
• The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Annual Convention
• British Columbia Municipalities and Regional Districts