As citizens of Guelph, we call on the City of Guelph to implement a tax on residences (single family and multi residential) that meet the criteria* of being declared vacant and that the tax be applied at a minimum of 4% of assessed value based on municipal assessment rates starting in the 2025 tax year.
We furthermore call on the City of Guelph to apply funds derived from the vacancy tax to address the local housing crisis with an emphasis on rent-geared-to-income social housing.
* Criteria for a residence being declared vacant includes not being occupied for more than six months in a calendar year. Exemptions apply as determined by the Province of Ontario.
