The Bottom-Up Revolution How To Use Property Taxes to Clean Up Your Community
Aug 5, 2025
Explore how Edmonton is tackling derelict properties through innovative solutions and a groundbreaking Derelict Tax Subclass. Ashley Salvador shares insights on promoting safer neighborhoods and the importance of accountability for property owners. Discover the role of local governance in community revitalization and how grassroots involvement leads to transformation. Learn about proactive initiatives that engage residents and foster sustainable practices in urban planning, encouraging a vibrant, safer community.
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Derelict Properties Causing Fires
- Ashley Salvador describes neighborhoods plagued by vacant, derelict properties that frequently burned and endangered residents.
- She recounts seeing a 30% reduction in structure fires after the city acted on the problem properties program.
Use Codes To Force Property Remediation
- Use municipal codes proactively by sending fire rescue to secure vacant buildings and force remediation at the owner's expense.
- Escalate enforcement up to 24/7 security to incentivize owners to clean up, redevelop, or sell.
Tax Policy Reframes Owner Incentives
- Edmonton created Canada's first derelict tax subclass to reflect higher emergency and bylaw costs.
- The city can levy triple residential rates on derelict properties to shift incentives toward cleanup or redevelopment.