Councillor M. Griffin has introduced a motion for June 22, 2026 directing staff to prepare a report on solutions for vacant properties in Central Elgin. The report is to examine options such as vacant property registries, taxation tools (including potential vacancy tax policies), enforcement mechanisms, and incentive-based approaches, with specific consideration for emergency responder safety, housing availability, and neighbourhood stewardship.The motion references the City of St. Thomas’ recently approved vacant property registry and notes that vacancy taxes are used elsewhere to discourage underused properties. This motion signals the start of policy and program design work that can lead to new administrative systems, data platforms, and enforcement workflows.Vendors in property data management, permitting/registry software, revenue and taxation systems, compliance analytics, and policy advisory services have a chance to position solutions that support a vacant property registry, differential tax treatment, risk mapping for fire/police, and community engagement as staff begin scoping options.

St. Thomas’ newly adopted vacant property registry is cited as a model, suggesting future alignment or interoperability opportunities for vendors working in both municipalities.