Item - 2012.LS12.5
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Licensing and Standards Committee on March 29, 2012. The Licensing and Standards Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
LS12.5 - Introduction of Vacant and Derelict Buildings By-law
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Licensing and Standards Committee referred the item to the Deputy City Manager, Cluster B, to report back as soon as possible, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Cluster A.
Origin
Summary
Vacant buildings in the City of Toronto, particularly those with storefronts are contributing to the dilapidation of neighbourhoods. Thriving communities with an abundance of residents, and businesses that are working hard to keep their doors open to customers are being affected.
Operating a business, particularly a storefront, is difficult when the buildings surrounding you are not well maintained or empty for long periods of time. It would be beneficial for businesses and residential communities if the City of Toronto introduced a vacant and derelict buildings by-law similar to the one introduced in the City of Winnipeg. Making property owners accountable to the surrounding communities affected by their vacant / derelict building, particularly storefront establishments. In the City of Winnipeg, the Vacant Buildings Program targets vacant buildings that are dilapidated, dangerous, improperly secured, subject to public complaints, and that have been vacant for extended periods of time.
www.winnipeg.ca/cms/bylawenforcement/vacantbuildings.stm
The by-law lists "How to Avoid/Reduce Inspection and Boarded Building Permit Fees";
- Don’t leave a building vacant for an extended period of time.
- If a building is maintained and occupied, there will be no vacant building inspection, occupancy certificate, or Boarded Building Permits fees.
- (Vacant and dilapidated buildings are subject to community complaints forwarded to the City.)
The City of Toronto, instead of encouraging property owners to lease their buildings, is offering landlords with empty buildings tax rebates of 30 percent for space that has been vacant for 90 days or more, rewarding the property owners for keeping their building empty.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-45999.pdf
(July 21, 2010) Brochure from the City of Winnipeg on Vacant Buildings By-Law No. 79/2010
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-46000.pdf
(July 21, 2010) City of Winnipeg By-law No. 79/2010 on Maintenance Standards for Vacant Buildings
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-46001.pdf
Speakers
Councillor Janet Davis
Motions
That the Licensing and Standards Committee refer the item to the Deputy City Manager, Cluster B, to report back as soon as possible, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Cluster A.