WHEREAS the appearance of run-down and poorly maintained vacant buildings can have negative impacts on adjacent residents and businesses, can result in decreased neighbourhood property values that affect local government property tax revenues and can deter investment in the redevelopment of adjacent lands: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities support an amendment to the Community Charter to grant municipalities the option of setting differing property tax rates for Land and Improvements, thus encouraging development and improved maintenance of derelict buildings and vacant land.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES While the variable tax rate system does not currently allow local governments to set differing property tax rates for Land and Improvements, there are other mechanisms available through the Community Charter. Section 216, Local Service taxes, allows costs to be recovered through taxes imposed on land, on improvements or on both. This section is also applicable for Business improvement areas. Additionally, local governments can use tools such as the revitalization tax exemption provisions found in section 226 of the Community Charter to encourage development and improved maintenance of derelict buildings and vacant land.