'Powerful tax tool': New regulations would let cities tax derelict land into shaping up
Elise StolteELISE STOLTE
New provincial regulations released Monday would allow Edmonton to impose higher taxes on speculators and other commercial property owners who leave land sitting vacant.
Thatâs a win for Edmonton officials, who have been lobbying for the change. Itâs a move that would create what one city lawyer previously called âone of the most powerful tax tools that existâ in the fight to clean up derelict properties.
The new set of regulations also includes a provision that would let cities charge small businesses 75 per cent less than the regular non-residential rate on their taxes.
The new batch of regulations â out for public comment until Sept. 22 â gives the fine detail before the 2016 amendments to the Municipal Government Act can finally take effect. That document is like a constitution for Alberta cities, governing what they can and canât do.
http://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics...cities-tax-derelict-land-into-shaping-up