The County of Essex has joined its seven municipalities in calling for the elimination of the vacant property tax rebate program.
County Warden Tom Bain says far too many property owners are taking advantage leaving buildings and storefronts empty knowing they'll be eligible for a tax break.
They want to spark economic activity.
"One of the things that we're hoping with, to encourage the business owners, the property owners to fill those buildings with businesses," says Bain. "To do work, there's a lot of improvement programs and there's money available as opposed to just leaving them sitting idle."
He says the program often leads to eyesores throughout the community.
"The local treasurers have looked at the problem and said, 'Hey, here's an area where these properties are sitting vacant. Here's an area where it could be put to much better use, improve the local communities and bring in tax dollars much more than what we're receiving right now.'")
They're looking to send a clear message to fix the buildings and get businesses inside.
The Vacant Property Tax Rebate Program was introduced in 2001 to provide tax relief to owners of vacant commercial and industrial buildings. In 2016, the program cost the region's seven municipalities nearly $380,000.
With the all municipalities and the county on board to put an end to the program, the matter now goes before the Ministry of Finance for final approval.