Housing supply and affordability can be a challenge for those who want to live in our growing community. One way we are addressing this issue is studying how a vacant homes tax could help improve housing supply and contribute to Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy.
In June 2021, Halton Regional Council directed staff to report back on a potential tax on vacant homes. A feasibility assessment undertaken by Ernst & Young LLP found that a vacant homes tax could help reduce the number of vacant homes in Halton. In April 2022, Regional Council directed staff to develop a proposed vacant homes tax program framework, which includes:
- completing public engagement to obtain input from residents and stakeholders; and
- undertaking a design and implementation study to develop the proposed VHT program framework.
On October 23, 2024, through Report No. FN-26-24 Halton Regional Optional Vacant Home Tax Program (PDF file), staff provided Council with the findings of the study that was completed by Ernst & Young LLP on an optional Vacant Homes Tax Program in Halton Region. At the time of writing the report, the City of Burlington, and the Towns of Milton and Halton Hills approved resolutions that they be excluded from any potential by-laws that would implement a vacant home tax within their respective municipalities. If the Council of the Town of Oakville approves to implement a Vacant Homes Tax, it will be required to provide a supportive statement to Halton Region indicating its participation in the program.
On January 27, 2025, the Town of Oakville approved a recommendation that staff proceed with a plan to implement a vacant home tax within the municipality, and that staff report back in Q3 2025 with more details on a proposed Vacant Home Tax program. To learn more, access the Town of Oakville's Staff Report: Oakville Vacant Home Tax (external PDF).
Please refer to the timeline below for further details.