Property Tax Discount Reviews
York Region is considering changes to three property tax relief measures to encourage new purpose-built rental housing, align discounts with Regional policies and plans, and ensure any updates meet the needs of residents.
Three surveys were used to collect public input on the Vacant and Excess Land Discount, a new Multi-Residential (Municipal Reduction) property tax subclass and a property tax deferral for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities.
The surveys are now closed, thank you to those who have provided input.
Reporting the Results
York Regional Council will use recommendations based on the survey results and other factors to determine if any changes will be made to the Vacant and Excess Land Discount or new Multi-Residential (Municipal Reduction) property tax subclass in the 2025 tax year.
Initial findings from the Property Tax Deferral survey will be reported to York Regional Council in 2025. The initial findings and other factors will be reviewed to determine potential changes to the property tax deferral program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities.
About the Property Tax Discounts
Vacant and Excess Land Discount
Since 1998 York Region has offered a property tax discount for Vacant and Excess Commercial and Land, as classified by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
Properties in the Commercial class receive a 30% discount on their property taxes, while properties in the Industrial class receive a 35% discount. The cost of the discounts are passed on to other property owners.
York Region is currently the only Regional municipality still providing this discount since the province began phasing out the discount in 2017. This discount is currently being reviewed to ensure consistency with existing policies.
If the discount is eliminated, York Region will not absorb the savings but will pass the savings on to other tax payers. Determining where the savings are passed, will be based on recommendations from the survey results and other factors.
New Multi-Residential (Municipal Reduction) Subclass
In response to the housing affordability crisis, the province provided municipalities the ability to offer a property tax discount on properties that qualify for the new Multi-Residential (Municipal Reduction) property tax subclass.
York Regional Council adopted the new subclass on May 23, 2024, through bylaw 2024-19, to ensure a seamless transition if the subclass is implemented after consultation with the public.
York Region is considering implementing a discount of up to 35% to encourage construction of new purpose-built rental properties.
Properties with at least seven units that were built as long-term rental properties may be considered purpose-built rental properties.
If implemented, the discount will apply to all purpose-built rental properties with permits issued on or after May 23, 2024.
Please see the 2024 Tax Policy Report for more background information and MPAC’s About My Property page for information on your property’s assessment.
York Regional Council will use recommendations based on the survey results and other factors to determine if a discount should be implemented for the 2025 tax year.
Low-Income Senior and Low-Income Persons with Disability Tax Deferral
Since 1998, York Region has offered property tax relief for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities as required by the Municipal Act, 2001. This program administered by the local cities and towns, allows partial or complete interest-free deferral of property tax increases to eligible homeowners for as long as they own their home. If the property ownership changes, the deferred property taxes must be paid in full.
Initial findings from survey results will be reported to York Regional Council in 2025. The initial findings and other factors will be reviewed to determine potential changes to the program.
On March 27, 2024, York Regional Council approved the 2024-2027 Plan to Support Seniors which included a review of the Region’s Low-income Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Tax Relief Program to ensure it meets the needs of eligible residents.
