An elderly lady was tending to her front yard. She was fidgeting with a bag of soil. Her yard was manicured. Her stucco house, immaculate. Not an easy task on this big corner lot at Rogers and Lauder.
We got to chatting and she told me that she nearly had a heart attack when she got a $12,000 tax bill for the home she lives in. “I always pay my taxes on time. I take care of my house. I take care of my property. Then I get this bill. What am I supposed to do?”
She was distressed. Even though Mayor Chow accepted responsibility for the hardship caused on folks like her, that didn’t answer the question of what happens next. People are still nervous. Particularly seniors. So, I asked her local councillor’s office, what’s next.
Councillor Bravo’s office advises that she submit a Notice of Complaint/Appeal. If her property was occupied for more than six months in 2023, she should not pay the Vacant Home Tax charge. As soon as City staff determine that her property is occupied, she will receive a letter by mail notifying her.
The City will reverse the Vacant Home Tax charge along with any interest that may have been incurred after the May 15 initial payment due date (if they receive a letter after that first payment date).
This will come as a great relief for our local senior. If you find yourself in the same situation, contact your local city councillor.
