Property tax discounts are up for discussion in York Region and the regional government wants your input on what to do.
The region is surveying residents and stakeholders about its ongoing discount for vacant and excess commercial and industrial land, its discount for low-income seniors and disabled persons, as well as implementing a 35 per cent discount on purpose-built rental properties.
Regional council will use recommendations based on the survey results and other factors to determine any changes to the property tax policies, according to a news release.
York Region is currently reviewing three different policies.
The region is considering implementing a 35 per cent discount on purpose-built rental properties to encourage more construction of them. Properties with at least seven units built as long-term rental properties can be considered.
This comes with the region failing to meet its affordable housing targets for six consecutive years. No new homes built in York Region in 2023 met affordability criteria. But more rental homes are coming through, with 1,271 new rental units built in 2023, more than three times the previous highest market in the last decade of 378. That includes 935 purpose-built units and 336 additional dwelling units.
York Region council already passed a bylaw May 23 that means if the new property tax class is implemented after feedback, there would be a “seamless transition.” The discount would apply to all purpose-built rental properties with permits issued on or after May 23.
The region is also considering two discounts on the books since 1998. It currently offers a 30 per cent discount on property taxes in the commercial class and 35 per cent in the industrial class for vacant and excess land.
York Region said it is the only regional municipality still providing the discount since the province began phasing it out in 2017, and it is being reviewed to ensure consistency.
Finally, the region is examining its property tax relief program for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, which allows partial or complete interest-free deferral of property tax increases to eligible homeowners. The region is reviewing it as part of its new plan to support seniors to “ensure it meets the needs of eligible residents.”
Each survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. You can fill them out by Nov. 29 through the York Region website.
