Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax Declarations Delayed Due to Postal Strike

Postal Strike Causes Delay in Hamilton's Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Process

Hamilton's initiative to implement a Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) has encountered an unexpected delay due to a postal strike affecting the distribution of crucial notice letters. The City of Hamilton announced on December 24, 2024, that the annual occupancy declarations, initially scheduled to commence in January, will be postponed.

The VUT is a strategic measure aimed at addressing the housing crisis by discouraging property owners from leaving residential units unoccupied. Under this bylaw, properties vacant for more than 183 days within a calendar year are subject to an additional 1% levy on their property taxes. This policy seeks to increase housing availability by incentivizing owners to either occupy or rent out their vacant properties.

The postal disruption has impeded the City's ability to mail out notice letters as planned, necessitating a revision of the declaration timelines. City officials are currently determining the next steps in the program's rollout and have committed to providing updates following a council meeting in the New Year.

Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring official Citor forthcoming details on the revised deadlines and procedures related to the VUT declarations. The City emphasizes its dedication to implementing the VUT as a means to enhance housing availability and address the ongoing housing crisis in Hamilton.