Hamilton’s vacant unit tax survives another city council vote

The City of Hamilton’s Vacant Unit Tax will continue next year.

Councillors voted 8-7 on the controversial tax last night.

The new program is meant to encourage property owners with empty houses or condos to either fill the homes or sell the properties.

READ MORE: Hamilton council to vote on extending vacant unit tax declaration deadline

Any vacant properties would be taxed at one per cent of the total assessed property value with the money reinvested into affordable housing programs.

Fewer than 400 units in Hamilton have been declared vacant by their owners.

City staff say the tax could bring in $13 million by the end of this year.

The issue still needs to go to a final vote next week.