Assistance Programs for Businesses and Commercial/Industrial Property Owners

COVID-19 Property Tax Payment Plan

Council has approved the creation of a Special Pre-authorized Property Taxes COVID-19 Payment Plan for 2021 which would allow all tax payers whose taxes were paid in full by Feb. 28, 2020 —  and who have since experienced severe financial hardship due to the pandemic — to pay their outstanding 2020 and 2021 property taxes penalty and interest free over a 12 month period.

Applications must be received by Jan. 29, 2021.

For more information visit the 2021 Pre-authorized Property Taxes COVID-19 Payment Plan Page.

Property Tax Rebate for Vacancies in Commercial/Industrial Buildings

In accordance with the Municipal Act, the City of St. Catharines offers a property tax rebate to owners of commercial or industrial buildings that have vacancies.  

How Does it Work?
An entire commercial or industrial building may be eligible for a rebate if it was unused for at least 90 consecutive days.


A vacant suite or unit within a commercial building or a vacant portion of an industrial building may be eligible for a rebate if:

  • It was unused for 90 consecutive days

In the case of a commercial building, the vacant suite or unit is:

  • Clearly delineated or physically separated from the used portions of the building and either capable of being leased for immediate occupation, undergoing or needing repairs that prevented it from being leased for immediate occupation, or was unfit for occupation

In the case of an industrial building, the vacant portion is:

  • Clearly delineated or physically separated from the used portions of the building.

Read our Tax Rebate Application for Vacancies in Commercial/Industrial Buildings.

For more information call 905.688.5600.

Cancellation, Reduction, Refund of Taxes

There are circumstances where a property owner can apply for a Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Property Taxes. These reasons may include, but are not limited to, a change in property class, or a demolition or fire.

For more information call 905.688.5600.

Rates and Fees Transition Program for City Facilities

At its meeting on Oct. 16, 2017, City Council approved a new rates and fees transition program. It is a three-year transition program, with minimal increments, for businesses that have been operating at City facilities for at least three years and have experienced a substantial raise in their rates and fees.

Businesses that have been operating for more than three years at City facilities who have who have experienced a substantial increase in their rental fees are eligible.

For more information call 905.688.5600.

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