Here is the latest update on the residential Vacant Unit Tax (VUT).
As of 9 a.m. today (Jan 13), nine days after the portal launch, we have received approximately 140,000 completed declarations, representing 42 percent of residential properties required to submit a declaration.
The following communications tools are being used to promote the declaration period and the requirement to complete a declaration for all residential properties:
o Detailed program information on Ottawa.ca/VUT. Basic information on submitting declarations is available in Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Somali
o A public service announcement that was released on January 9th
o Social media campaign
o Online ads
o OC Transpo exterior and interior bus ads
o Digital screens at City of Ottawa facilities
o Radio ads in various languages on CHIN Radio
o Posters and handouts available at City recreation facilities, libraries and Client Service Centres
o A buckslip outlining information on accessible options available in ParaTranspo vehicles and suitable locations
o A demonstration on completing the declaration at the Seniors’ Round Table
o The second notice and two handouts are being issued to affected residential property owners over the next week. These letters were generated prior to the end of 2022, so those who have already declared will be included in the mailout. Property owners who have already completed the declaration can disregard the second notice (LINKED BELOW).
o A message included in water bills
o English and French videos on how to complete a declaration as paid YouTube content
Staff are monitoring the latest trend of questions being received by the public. In response, the City just released a “You Asked” feature story to address some of the common questions received thus far. For example, 30% of the calls received pertain to a “Property not found!” error message when property owners are searching for their property.
If residents have difficulty completing the property search step, they can contact Revenue
Services at 613-580-2444 or by e-mail at vut_ilv@ottawa.ca.
Sincerely,
Joseph Muhuni
Deputy City Treasurer, Revenue Services