Newsletter - Aug 24
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
The VUT comes back to the council table
In May 2022, the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) was approved during the previous term of council, with the intent to increase available housing stock across the city. Residential units that are vacant for more than 184 days a year would be subject to a 1 percent tax based on the assessed value of the home. After much media and resident comments against the new tax, a motion was passed by Council in December 2022, requesting that staff report back with data related to the first year of the program for further assessment.
As of April 2023, Revenue Services had received approximately 320,074 completed declarations, representing 99 percent of residential properties required to submit a declaration. Following the April 30th deadline, 3,268 units were declared vacant, and 2,836 units were deemed vacant as no declaration was received. A 1% VUT charge was issued on each of these property’s final tax bills, resulting in an initial $13 million in additional tax revenue. With a $2.5 million cost to run the program, this leaves $10.5 million slated for affordable housing.
While the number of vacant units and revenue may change over the next 14 months as Revenue Services go through the appeal and audit phase, the initial results revealed a 0.97% vacancy rate for the City of Ottawa (0.80% in Ward 21).
Based on these results, two motions were put forth to City Council on August 23, 2023. One asked for support to rescind the program, while the other asked for program and process improvements and more time to collect data before making a final decision regarding the future of the VUT. Further debate around the costs and challenges of the program and its implementation ended in second motion being passed. City staff reported that a full analysis of program data will be brought to council in Q3 of 2024.
I voted against this motion. Since the beginning, I have taken issue with forcing hundreds of thousands of property owners to declare that they are either living in or renting out their properties. The program has many drawbacks including placing an administrative burden on residents, a steep cost of administration, and a number of people getting caught unintentionally in a net intended for others. I’m of the view that this money would have been better spent by directly investing in affordable housing. After yesterday’s council meeting and the passing of the motion, I look forward to reviewing this program again in 2024 once all data has been received and analysed.
Ward Updates
Community Info Session re: 4386 Rideau Valley Dr.
The virtual community information session regarding 4386 Rideau Valley Drive has been rescheduled for August 29, at 6 pm. Learn more
Munster Street Lights
The work to repair the streetlights in Munster is now complete and all underground wires have been repaired. Hydro Ottawa still needs to connect the new wiring to the grid, however, due to the ongoing strike, it may take a while longer for the lights to be energized.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Sunday, August 27, at the Strandherd Snow Dump, 4061 Strandherd Drive, with access from Philsar Street. Residents are welcome to bring their hazardous materials to the event between 8 am and 4 pm. Learn more
Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
Registration has started for this year’s Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign! Residents interested in registering cleanup projects to take place between September 15 and October 15 can do so by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean.
Anxiety & Stress Program for Teens
The Y Mind program is a free 7-week program that offers support for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. More information can be found at: Mental Wellness Programs | YMCA of the National Capital Region
Order of Ottawa Nominations
The deadline for nominations for the Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching is Friday, September 8. Learn more
Road Closures
Royal York St., from King St. to Colonel Murray St., will be closed until Sept.1, 2023, to install a watermain as part of the Richmond Sewage Pump Station Rehabilitation and Capacity Upgrades Project.
Due to heavy rainfalls last week, Shea Rd. will continue to be closed until August 25, for offsite storm installation work.
Eagleson Road Northbound, from Perth Street to Fallowfield, until August 25, 2023.
Fourth Line Road, from Pollock to Century Roard West. Construction is expected to begin in September and work is estimated to take roughly 10 weeks.
Upcoming Events
Farmers' Markets:
North Gower: every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more
Manotick: every Saturday, from 9 am until 2 pm, until October 14, at the Carriage Shed. Learn more
Richmond: on August 26, from 10 am until 3 pm, at 67 Fowler Street. Learn more
Library Programs: Check out what programs are happening this month at your local Ottawa Public Library branch. Learn more
Goulbourn Museum Heritage Garden
The Goulbourn Museum has a great opportunity for local families. In exchange for some help in the garden, families will learn about community gardens and heritage plants and leave with fresh herbs and vegetables! Every Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, until August 27. Learn more
Annual Plowing Match
The Ottawa Carleton Plowmen's Association is holding its annual plowing competition on August 25th and 26th, across the road from 3285 Eagleson Road. Learn more
Station 94 Open House
On August 26, from 8-2, bring the family to explore Station 94 at 5669 Manotick Main St. Learn about fire safety, view demos, visit with Sparky, and enjoy a free hot dog and water.
Soapbox Derby and Picnic in the Park
Summer is the time for kids and their parents to use their creativity by building a soapbox cart and racing it in the Allan Haan Manotick Soapbox Derby on August 27. Picnic in the Park begins at 11:30 am on the day of the Derby. Learn more
Kars Community Garage Sale
Clear your unused clutter by joining the Kars Community Garage Sale on Saturday, September 9, from 8 am to 1 pm. Spots are available at the Kars RA for those who live outside the village. Learn more
Garage Sale Fundraiser
On September 9, there will be a Garage Sale in support of the proposed Legacy Pavillion at the Richmond Fairgrounds. Learn more
Community Theatre Expo
The Expo, on Sept. 9, from 10 to 5, at the Osgoode Community Centre, is open to everyone young and old who has an interest in community theatre. There will be workshops, demonstrations, video puppet theatre and more! Learn more
Richmond Fair
Come celebrate Richmond’s 178th Fair, from Sept. 14-17, 2023. Enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Learn more
Trauma Talks – Breakfast Fundraiser
This inaugural ‘Trauma Talks’ fundraiser will help break the silence of male trauma survivors, on September 26, at 7:30 am, at Ottawa City Hall, Jean Pigott Place. Learn more
Book Launch
Shawna’s Outreach: When we all give a little, a lot gets done tells the story of a grassroots initiative to raise awareness of Ottawa's homeless crisis. Celebrate this launch at the Morning Owl (229 Armstrong St., Ottawa), on October 17, from 12:30 - 2 pm. Learn more
2023 Capital Pride
Capital Pride is ongoing, with programming, community events, and special events taking place until August 27th. Learn more.
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.