Edmonton has passed a new tax subclass that will tax derelict property owners, including properties abandoned during demolition or construction as part of a larger effort to combat “problem properties and encourage community vibrancy.”

Starting next January, any properties in “mature residential areas” that are considered derelict as of Dec. 31 will receive a letter explaining the subclass and potential tax implications. Preliminary “visual inspections” of residential properties would have been completed and assessors will conduct a secondary inspection in December based on their physical condition.

At Wednesday’s city council meeting, administration provided a slightly modified definition of the subclass from the version presented in March to include properties abandoned while in the process of construction or demolition. As of Aug. 31, 274 properties have been identified as derelict.

Under the subclass a “derelict residential” property is defined as a home that shows serious signs of neglect, is dilapidated, falling into significant disrepair or is uninhabitable. It includes properties that have been abandoned in the process of being constructed or demolished.

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