The City of Edmonton is joining forces with the Peace River to push for tougher rules on derelict commercial properties across Alberta.
Edmonton councillor Ashley Salvador says current provincial legislation only allows a few municipalities — including Edmonton and Calgary — to create special tax subclasses targeting abandoned non-residential buildings.
Now, both communities want changes to Alberta’s Municipal Government Act so all municipalities can impose higher taxes on neglected commercial properties. Salvador says the goal is to pressure owners to clean up buildings or sell them for redevelopment.
The proposal would also remove a provincial rule requiring buildings to sit vacant for one full year before being declared derelict.
The joint proposal will be presented to Alberta Municipalities later this month for possible province-wide advocacy efforts.
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