In 2014 and 2015, the city of Hamilton gave out $7 million in property tax rebates to owners whose buildings are partially or entirely vacant. Those opposing the rebates say giving property owners a break on taxes encourages inaction and stagnation rather than eager pursuit of new tenants. City loses $2.4 millionThe province's Municipal Act directs cities to rebate property taxes by 30 to 35 percent for the portion of the building that is vacant. The city fielded 536 requests for rebates in 2015, which totaled $3.6 million – a loss to the city of $2.4 million and a loss to education budgets of $1.2 million. "I don't think people keep buildings vacant just to save on taxes," he said.

Source: CBC News October 22, 2016 10:52 UTC