Underutilized properties in an urban centre, like brownfield properties, are a burden on the taxpayer. These properties are within the existing built up area of the city and have adequate services and other infrastructure such as roads, schools, community facilities, and public transit. The problem is that they don’t contribute much in the way of property taxes to pay for those services or to maintain the infrastructure that runs past their door.
The mandate of our Downtown Renewal Office is to maximize our return on 187 years of civic investment in the heart of our city.
Why?
- Cities with a vibrant downtown prosper.
- Downtown redevelopment is attracting significant private capital investment to Guelph.
- A high-performing downtown benefits all residential and business taxpayers.
Taxes on an underutilized property can go up as much as 36 times after redevelopment. Doing more with less is not just about containing costs, it is also ensuring we maximize the value of existing assets to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Our economic and growth strategies are delivering results.
Mayor Karen Farbridge's Blog 
April 28, 2014
Blog