Edmonton approves derelict property tax forgiveness program [Video]

The city has approved a prorated tax forgiveness for derelict property owners.

The move is being billed as an incentive for owners to clean up their properties and comes after the establishment of a derelict residential subclass last fall.

Under the new subclass, properties assessed as derelict are charged at a tax rate approximately three times higher than the general residential tax rate.

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With the new policy, owners could apply for a refund of the derelict property tax for the portion of the year that their property was cleaned up.

The city says cleaning up derelict properties is a priority because they have a negative impact on neighbourhoods and cost the city more in services like fire rescue response and bylaw enforcement.

“It all goes to what we’re trying to achieve with our derelict property class,” Cate Watt of the city told reporters on Wednesday. “We also recognize it’s about …