As residents know, we have some eyesores in our town.
Under current rules, derelict commercial properties often pose a lengthy regulatory and legal process for us to deal with, meaning fire-damaged or abandoned buildings sit in highly visible areas for far too long.
That's why we're supporting the City of Edmonton's motion to amend the Municipal Government Act and introduce a derelict tax subclass for non-residential properties.
CBC recently spoke with Mayor Shelly Shannon about the Town of Peace River joining the City of Edmonton in calling for changes to provincial legislation on this subject.
When commercial properties sit vacant, deteriorate, or become long-term problem sites, municipalities need tools to encourage action. These properties can affect neighbouring businesses and residents, create safety concerns, and hold back downtown revitalization and redevelopment.
Mayor Shannon’s message was that this is not only an Edmonton issue. Communities like Peace River face these challenges too, and municipalities should have the ability to respond in ways that fit their local needs.
Peace River and Edmonton are now working toward a proposal through Alberta Municipalities that would ask the Province to amend the Municipal Government Act. The proposed change would allow municipalities to create a derelict tax subclass for non-residential properties.
This does not create a new Town tax today. It is about asking the Province to give municipalities another tool to address long-standing derelict commercial properties and support safer and more vibrant communities.
Pursuing this is a multi-stage process. Next, the resolution will go to Alberta Municipalities' Board of Directors, who will decide in July if the resolution proceeds for debate in the 2026 Convention in October.
Read the full story here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/commercial-derelict-properties-…
