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A small, white, single-story house sits on a grassy lot beside a sidewalk. Several windows and the front opening are covered with plywood, and the house appears vacant and neglected. Mature trees tower over the property, casting light shade under a clear blue sky. A corrugated metal building is partially visible on the left side.

To help keep East Gwillimbury (EG) neighbourhoods safe, attractive, and well cared for, the Town has launched a new Vacant Building Registry.

The registry is being introduced as a one-year pilot program that will be monitored and evaluated to assess its effectiveness in improving property maintenance and community safety. Approved by Council on July 23, 2026, the pilot took effect on August 1, 2026.

The new by-law is designed to help reduce issues commonly associated with long-term vacant buildings, including vandalism, graffiti, unauthorized entry, fire risks, and declining property conditions. Under the by-law, owners of buildings that have been vacant for 90 consecutive days or more must register their property with the Town, unless an exemption applies.

"The Vacant Building Registry is an important step in helping keep our neighbourhoods safe and well-maintained,” says Mayor Virginia Hackson. “This pilot gives the Town the tools we need to properly oversee vacant buildings, help reduce property deterioration to ensure a safe, welcoming community for everyone."

Vacant property owners are required to:

  • Register the vacant building with the Town annually.
  • Obtain an annual Vacant Building Permit.
  • Pay a one-time administrative fee of $375 and an annual permit fee of $850.
  • Provide proof of insurance and current contact information.
  • Post emergency contact 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.
  • Maintain inspection records and provide them to the Town upon request.

The by-law does not apply to:  

  • 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 of up to one year for property owners who have entered long-term care or following the death of a property owner.

Property owners can apply for a Vacant Building Permit through the Town's website or by visiting Customer Service located at the Civic Centre (19000 Leslie Street) or EG Sports Complex (1914B Mount Albert Road) during regular business hours.

Residents who wish to report a vacant building can email By-law Enforcement Services at bylaws@eastgwillimbury.ca. For more information about the Vacant Building Registry By-law, including eligibility, exemptions and permit requirements, visit eastgwillimbury.ca/VacantBuildingRegistry.