Our proposed empty homes tax is first and foremost about bringing rental homes back into the market," said Robertson. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says he wants to tax owners of vacant secondary properties up to two per cent. In July, the province responded by granting the city the power to tax vacant homes. The province also introduced a 15 per cent tax on foreign home buyers in August aimed at curbing property speculation. Victoria City Council has also indicated it wants to tax vacant homes as well, but has not tabled a proposal.

Source: CBC News September 14, 2016 14:39 UTC