Newsletter - Jan. 5

From the desk of Councillor David Brown

The Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) has become one of the most controversial decisions made by the previous Council.
 
The intent of the VUT is to return the estimated 1,500 vacant residential properties to active housing stock. However, this program adopted by the previous Council and implemented by city staff has a major drawback: it requires a mandatory declaration, forcing more than 330,000 private property owners to declare that they live in their primary residences.
 
For myself, and many others, the City is using a sledge hammer to swat a fly. Vacant units across the City account for less than half of one percent of the existing housing stock.
 
The other drawback is the high cost of administering this program. Over the next five years, the City will spend $8 million operating this program. Had I been around in the last term of Council, I would have preferred to see a direct investment of $8 million into building new affordable units instead of growing the bureaucracy to administer this program.
 
In November, Council directed Revenue Staff to compile data from the declaration process to determine:

• The number of declared vacant units;

• The number of deemed vacant units, due to no declaration being submitted by a property owner;

• The number of late declarations from property owners;

• Costs incurred to date of administering the program;

• The number of Notices of Complaint received by the September 15th deadline (regardless of their assessment status);

• The number of presumed final vacant units – those declared and/or not having their deemed vacant status contested;

• The number of properties that would be subject to the waived late fees, as well as the dollar value of said fines;

• The number of the complaints and/or inquiries received from residents regarding the new VUT program;

• The number of declaration audits underway.

This information will help Council determine whether the program is effective, or whether it is an unnecessary administrative burden that does little to address housing supply, while unfairly creating challenges for residents with fewer means to file their declarations.
 
I am concerned that this program will end up being closer to the latter. My office remains dedicated to helping residents file their declarations, supporting contestation efforts, and raising community concerns with City staff. If you have any feedback on this program, please do not hesitate to contact my office to let us know.

Ward Updates

• The Richmond & District Lions Club is hosting its first Fun Curling Bonspiel, on January 14, at the Richmond Curling Club. Learn more

• Shiverfest is coming up on February 3/4. Shiverfest is a community event organized by the Manotick Village and Community Association (MVCA), consisting of two days of fun, family activities to take the chill out of the winter months. Learn more

• To view events happening within Ward 21, please visit the events page on our website. Want us to promote your event across our channels? Please send your request to ward21@ottawa.ca

City Updates

• Vacant Unit Tax: The VUT site is now live. For more information and to submit your declaration, please visit http://ottawa.ca/VUT For issues or concerns regarding VUT, please email VUT_ILV@ottawa.ca

• Budget 2023: Budget season is fast approaching, and we want to hear from you! Starting on February 1st, the public will be able to provide input on the draft budget through Engage Ottawa, the City's online engagement platform. For other opportunities to have your say, stay tuned for future updates on budget consultation meetings to be held throughout the City. Learn more

• Christmas tree disposal: If you are finished with your Christmas tree, you can place it out (free of ornaments, tinsel and plastic) on your regular collection day. Christmas trees are put through a composting process or are mulched and used as a beneficial cover material – a regulatory requirement for the City. 

• Join a committee: The City is recruiting residents from all backgrounds to provide their voices and unique perspectives on many of its committees and boards. These volunteer positions are opportunities for residents to make a difference in their community by providing their experiences, expertise, knowledge and professionalism. Learn more about how to get involved: Get involved in your city: join a committee or board | City of Ottawa 

Stay in touch
I want to hear from you! Connect with the team and stay informed by:

• Following us on social media by clicking the icons below

• Emailing your concerns to ward21@ottawa.ca

• Calling the office at 613-580-2491

• Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.