Skip to content

Editorial: Should cities fill coffers with empty house tax?

Concerns about investment houses standing empty should prompt more study in the Tri-Cities
Empty house edit
People believe houses sitting empty for investment detracts from neighbourhoods and some say their streets are emptying of people. More likely, it's a sign that suburban neighbourhoods are under pressure to develop.

Tri-City mayors say it isn't a problem here but B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong says Vancouver's plan to tax unoccupied homes is a "reasonable step" to push more units into the tight rental market.

The government plans to introduce amendments to the Vancouver Charter to provide the city with the authority to impose such a tax and is calling a rare summer sitting of the legislature to do so.
Would such a plan work here?

In February, Tri-City mayors were doubtful that such a tax is needed or would work. The mayors also argued that owners of empty homes pay taxes whether they use city services or not, and as long as properties are kept up, it's not an issue.

Still, people believe houses sitting empty for investment detracts from neighbourhoods and some say their streets are emptying of people. More likely, it's a sign that suburban neighbourhoods are under pressure to develop.
With these concerns, it may be time for cities to look more closely at the issue.