Eganville – Bonnechere Valley Township tabled a decision last week on whether to support a resolution urging the province to give municipalities the power to levy a Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax.
Council briefly discussed the matter at Tuesday’s committee meeting after receiving a resolution passed by the Township of Clearview, which argued that vibrant main streets are vital to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Ontario communities. The Clearview resolution contended that long-term vacant commercial storefronts drag down a community’s character, reduce foot traffic, deter business investment, and undermine neighbouring small businesses.
The resolution calls on the province to amend the Municipal Act to authorize municipalities to impose a “Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax” or similar levy — with the goal of pushing property owners to put idle retail spaces back to productive use.
Mayor Jennifer Murphy asked CAO Annette Gilchrist whether there was any reason to oppose the resolution. Ms. Gilchrist said no, noting, “at the end of the day, we’ve all got them.” Mayor Murphy then asked council to defer the matter to the next meeting.
Councillor Meredith Caplan Jamieson said she wanted a better understanding of what the resolution would actually accomplish. Ms. Gilchrist explained that commercial and vacant commercial properties currently fall under different tax classes, with Mayor Murphy adding that, if the province acted on the resolution, municipalities could tax vacant storefronts at the same rate as operating businesses.
“So it’s to entice people to sell their vacant buildings rather than let them sit for 10 years?” Coun. Caplan Jamieson asked. “Or do something with them,” Mayor Murphy replied.
Councillor Caplan Jamieson acknowledged the issue hits close to home.
“We have a big problem with storefronts,” she said. “It’s gotten better over the years, but people in the community feel sad to see… this could be so much more of a vibrant town if we had those businesses functioning.”
Councillor Tracey Sanderson echoed the concern, noting some properties have been sitting empty for far longer than a year or two.
By Gerald Tracey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 25, 2026 at 07:38
Recent Comments