Search

Search results

1. Tax discrepancies hurt renters in major Canadian cities

   Appeared in the Toronto Sun, May 6, 2020 The COVID pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of the Canadian economy, including the ability of renters to pay rent. The situation underscores a longstanding, yet little known, issue—the disproportionate ...

2. Perverse incentives may help erode housing affordability

   Rising incomes and low interest rates have generated tremendous demand for housing across the country. ...

3. Calgary making tough tax decisions other cities aren’t

   Before the spread of COVID-19, Calgary was already struggling with another kind of acute problem—a municipal budget crisis. The energy industry’s half-decade-long downturn has led to soaring commercial space vacancies in the downtown core ...

4. Queen’s Park postponing property tax reform today could hurt businesses tomorrow

   Many small businesses have undoubtedly been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many must shut their doors for an undetermined period of time, while others have made the difficult decision to lay off staff. All three levels of government ...

5. Despite residential hike, Vancouver businesses still disproportionately shoulder property tax burden

   Appeared in Business in Vancouver, February 11, 2020 Thanks to a city council vote in December, Vancouver homeowners face a seven per cent property tax increase this year—the highest in recent years—which city staff say will add an extra $100 to $200 to a ...

6. Montreal retail woes underscore need for property tax reform

   Approximately 15 per cent of Montreal's street-level retail spaces are vacant. ...

7. Property tax rates much higher for businesses than residents—which can cause serious problems

   Appeared in the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, November 23, 2019 When homeowners receive their annual property tax bill from city hall, they’re likely unaware that the shop down the street pays a higher property tax rate—probably much higher. For ...

8. Property tax rates in Calgary and Edmonton much higher for businesses than residents

   Appeared in the Calgary Sun, November 21, 2019 In recent years, Calgary has learned the hard way about relying too heavily on the commercial property tax base to fund local services. Due to the significant drop in downtown commercial real estate values, ...

9. Property tax imbalance erodes political accountability, discourages business investment

   Appeared in the Fredericton Daily Gleaner, October 31, 2019 In many cities and towns across Canada, residential properties are increasing in value, while some local businesses are struggling to survive. There are different reasons for this development ...

10. Property taxes hurting businesses—and communities—in the GTHA

    Appeared in the Ottawa Sun, October 23, 2019 Ask people about their least favourite taxes and there’s a good chance the property tax will feature in the mix—maybe right at the top. And for good reason. With rapidly rising assessment values in recent years ...