The City of Windsor is moving forward with a study to reduce the vacancy rebate program in the downtown core.
Currently, landlords with vacant spaces can apply to the city for a 30% rebate of their property taxes, if the property is vacant for more than 90 days.
Recently, changes have been made to the Ontario Municipal Act to allow municipalities to reduce the rebate available.
"For some landlords, this subsidy, this rebate, actually acts as a disincentive to lease out space. So we're trying to remove that disincentive in targeted areas where we think we should have more active space and fewer vacant storefronts," says Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The review process must include discussion with the business owners before an application to the province is made. If successful, a new rate would not come into effect until 2018.
