2013/06/25 (2) S
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
June 25. 2013
No. 27
Moved by Councillor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mayes
WHEREAS in the tourist core of the City of Niagara Falls remain a number of residential properties;
and
WHEREAS many of these residential properties are rundown, unsightly or boarded up because of
Property Standards Orders; and
WHEREAS if torn down. the properties will be assessed at a higher (tourist) commercial rate; and
WHEREAS the owners of these properties are reluctant to tear down the buildings because of the tax
implications: and
WHEREAS although the landowners may be property speculating. it is in the municipality's best
interest to get these properties redeveloped, sooner rather than later; and
WHEREAS the longer a residential use is maintained or possible on these properties,the municipality
loses out on the higher assessments contemplated within the tourist core; and
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario needs to contemplate a scheme which provides an incentive for
redevelopment of these properties.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of Ontario be petitioned to amend the
Assessment Act to allow for a phase-in of assessment increases for properties changing from a
residential to a commercial use; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that in the alternative to a phase-in program, the Province
contemplate a vacancy rebate on commercial properties that have recently had a residential use
demolished on the property; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that in addition to this resolution being sent to the Province that it
be sent to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and senior officials from MPAC
be invited to Niagara Falls to review the issue firsthand.
Carried Unanimously
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
DEAN [O FI A JAMES M. DIODATI
CITY CLER MAYOR