Vacant buildings can have a significant impact on surrounding neighbourhoods. They are more vulnerable to deterioration, vandalism, graffiti, unauthorized entry, fire risk, and property maintenance issues. 

To help address these concerns, Council approved a one-year Vacant Building Registry By-law on July 23, 2026. The by-law takes effect August 1, 2026.

This pilot program will help improve oversight of vacant properties while supporting safe, clean, and better-maintained neighbourhoods across East Gwillimbury. 

Who Does the By-law Apply To? 

The by-law applies to buildings that have been vacant for 90 consecutive days or more, unless an exemption applies. 

Owner Responsibilities

Owners of vacant buildings are required to: 

  • Register the vacant building with the Town each year. 
  • Obtain an annual Vacant Building Permit.
  • Pay a one-time administrative fee of $375 and an annual permit fee of $850.
  • Provide current primary and secondary contact information. 
  • Provide proof of insurance.
  • Post content information at the property.
  • Inspect and monitor the property at least once every 14 days.
  • Keep the property secure and maintain it in compliance with the Town's Property Standards and Property Maintenance By-laws.
  • Keep records of inspections and provide them to the Town upon request. 

Fees

Fee                                                       Amount 

One-time Administrative Fee               $375

Annual Vacant Building Permit            $850

Exempt Buildings 

The following properties are exempt from the by-law:

  • Seasonal owner-occupied dwellings (vacation homes).
  • Buildings with active construction or demolition permits.
  • Accessory buildings on occupied properties.
  • Non-residential farm buildings.
  • Buildings owned by public authorities.
  • Temporary exemptions (up to one year) for owners who have entered long-term care or following the death of a property owner. 

Apply for a Vacant Building Permit 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the purpose of the Vacant Building Registry By-law?
The by-law is intended to help the Town identify vacant buildings earlier, improve monitoring, reduce safety and property standards issues, and help prevent buildings from deteriorating over time.
What is a vacant building?
Generally, a vacant building is a building that is unoccupied or appears to be unoccupied for an extended period, or is in a condition that suggests there is little or no control over an unauthorized entry.
When would the by-law apply?
The by-law would apply when a building has been vacant for 90 consecutive days, unless an exemption applies. 
What would an owner have to do if their building is vacant?
An owner would be required to register the building, obtain a permit, provide contact information, provide proof of insurance, monitor the property regularly, and comply with the requirements of the by-law for as long as the building remains vacant. 
How often would the property need to be checked? 
The permit holder would be required to attend the vacant building at least once every 14 days, or more often if directed by the Town.
Would owners need to keep records? 
Yes. Permit holders would be required to keep a log showing when the property was checked and any remedial action that was taken, and provide that log to an Officer if requested. 
Would owners need insurance? 
Yes. The by-law would require proof of liability insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence at the time of application or renewal. 
What are the fees? 
The fees are a one-time administrative fee of $375 and an annual permit fee of $850. 
Are there exemptions? 
Yes. Proposed exemptions include some buildings under an active building permit where construction or demolition is actively underway, seasonally occupied dwellings that are maintained, certain farm-related buildings, and buildings owned by public authorities. Temporary exemptions are also proposed in limited circumstances such as when an owner is in care or has passed away.
What is a contact notice? 
A contact notice is a sign that would need to be posted on the property with a phone number that is current and actively monitored so the public can report concerns related to the vacant building. 
What happens if the building becomes occupied again? 
The permit holder would be required to notify the Town in writing when the property has been re-occupied and provide satisfactory evidence. If the vacancy ends within three months of the permit being issued or renewed, the by-law provides for a 50 percent refund of the permit fee. 
 What happens if an owner does not comply? 
 Failure to comply could result in administrative penalties, orders, additional cost recovery measures, or prosecution, depending on the nature of the non-compliance. 
Is this a permanent program?
Council approved a one-year pilot program starting August 1, 2026, so the Town can review how the program works in practice and report back to Council.

To report a vacant building, email By-law Enforcement Services.