The City is pleased to introduce a tax exemption incentive for development on vacant lots within the City Centre. For program details, including program requirements and eligibility, please refer to the City Centre Vacant Lot Redevelopment Tax Exemption Policy in the “Related Documents” sidebar on this page.
This program does not require applicants to submit an application form. Building permit applications for new construction projects meeting the eligibility criteria will be notified of their qualification under the program.
If approved for a tax exemption, the exemption will commence after project completion at the start of the following year.
In addition to the City Centre Incentive Program, the City offers other incentives to support investment in the City Centre and established neighbourhoods, such as the Housing Incentives Program and the Heritage Incentives Program.
City Center Vacant Lot Redevelopment Tax Exemption
This incentive offers a 100%, five-year property tax exemption for new development that includes active grade-level land use on lots within the City Centre that have been vacant for five or more years.
Program Criteria
To be eligible for the CCIP tax exemption incentive, your project must:
- Be located within the City Centre boundary as outlined on the map
- Be a new development that includes active grade-level land uses on a lot that has been vacant for five or more years
Note: You cannot qualify for a CCIP grant incentive and tax exemption incentive at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the FAQs for the City Centre Vacant Lot Redevelopment Tax Exemption Policy.
Who is eligible for the tax exemption incentive?
- Property owner(s) who are undertaking new developments that meet the eligibility requirements outlined within the City Centre Vacant Lot Redevelopment Tax Exemption Policy.
Am I eligible for other City Centre Incentive Program grants while receiving this tax exemption?
- No, projects receiving a tax exemption under this program are not eligible for CCIP grant incentives.
I am contemplating a mixed-use building with some residential units. Do I qualify for this incentive?
- Eligible projects that have active non-residential grade-level land uses may include residential land uses within the building as long as there are more than four residential units.
I want to redevelop a vacant lot that is being used as surface parking. Do I qualify for this incentive?
- Yes, provided that the lot has been assessed as a vacant lot (no building) for five or more years and the project meets the program requirements.
Does the City Centre Vacant Lot Redevelopment Tax Exemption last the full 5 years?
- Yes, provided that the property maintains eligibility and meets the terms and conditions under the program.
Can I get a tax exemption longer than five years under this program?
- No. The Cities Act prohibits the City from giving a tax exemption for longer than five years. The exception is for heritage properties, which can receive a property tax exemption up to 10 years under certain circumstances through the Heritage Incentives Policy.
Where can I find application forms for the programs?
- This program does not require applicants to submit an application form. Applicants who are applying for a building permit for new construction that meets the eligibility criteria will be notified of their qualification under the program.
When does the exemption kick in?
- Once the project is complete and has obtained an occupancy permit, the City will reach out to the eligible property owner to complete a legal agreement that will be brought forward with a bylaw to City Council for approval. If approved, the tax exemption will typically commence at the start of the following year.
