New Brunswick municipalities could soon have the option of imposing a levy on vacant properties.
The provincial government has introduced amendments to the Local Governance Act that would give local governments the authority to create and impose a vacant property levy if the legislation is passed.
Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy said municipalities have been looking for additional tools to encourage the use and development of vacant properties.
“Local governments have been asking for more tools to help put vacant properties to better use,” Kennedy said.
“This legislation will give them the option to create a vacant property levy in their communities. We want to see more empty properties put to use, more opportunities for housing, and communities that can grow and thrive.”
The proposed levy has been welcomed by Downtown New Brunswick.
“By empowering municipalities to address vacant and underutilized properties, we can encourage reinvestment, stimulate economic growth and unlock new opportunities to create more vibrant, prosperous and resilient downtown communities across New Brunswick,” President Patrick Richard said.
The vacant property levy is one of several legislative changes introduced by the government as part of broader property tax and local government reforms.
The government is also proposing amendments to the Assessment Act that would require property owners to respond to requests for information within 45 days.
Those who fail to provide the information would lose the right to request a review of their assessment and would no longer be able to appeal to the Assessment and Planning Appeal Tribunal.
Those changes are intended to improve the information used to determine property assessment values, according to a government release.
Other proposed amendments would extend the residential property tax credit to secondary attached or detached residences on the same property and expand eligibility under the Residential Property Tax Relief Act.
The legislation would also allow local governments and rural districts to enter into community benefit agreements with developers.
Those agreements could include commitments related to amenities, services, local hiring, funding or other benefits for the community.
If passed, the changes would give municipalities new authority over vacant properties while also introducing updates to property assessment and tax relief rules.
