City launches Vacant Building Registry to support safe, secure and well-maintained properties
NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The City of Niagara Falls is launching its Vacant Building Registry to support the safety, security and maintenance of vacant properties across the community.
The registry follows City Council's direction to take a proactive approach to vacant buildings and help prevent properties from becoming neglected or unsafe. City Council approved the Vacant Building By-law 2025-140 on December 9, 2025.
The registry provides the City with a proactive way to monitor vacant buildings and work with property owners to address potential safety, security and property standards concerns.
What property owners need to know
Under the Vacant Building By-law, owners of vacant properties on which a building is situated are responsible for ensuring the property is maintained and that the building is closed off from public access, including all doors and windows.
Owners of vacant buildings are required to register their property with the City within 60 days of the building becoming vacant, unless an exemption applies.
Registration includes an annual registration fee of $1,000 and a one-time initial administration fee of $350. The total fees due at initial registration are $1,350. The $1,000 annual registration fee applies for each subsequent year that the building remains vacant.
The City encourages property owners to be proactive by setting up a CityView account and pre-registering for the program. Having a CityView account will provide a quick and efficient way to register a property when registration is required.
Property owners can visit the City's CityView portal to create an account and access City services.
Failure to register or comply with the Vacant Building By-law may result in administrative monetary penalties and other enforcement action. Under the City's Administrative Monetary Penalty System, a $500 penalty may apply for each visit by an enforcement officer until the property complies with the by-law, where applicable.
Why is the City introducing a registry?
Vacant buildings can become vulnerable to deterioration, unauthorized access, vandalism, pest infestations, fire and other safety concerns when they are not properly maintained or secured. The registry allows the City to identify vacant buildings and take a proactive approach to monitoring properties and supporting compliance with the City's property standards and other applicable requirements.
Property owners who are unsure whether their property is subject to the Vacant Building Registry or whether an exemption applies are encouraged to contact At Your Service Niagara Falls.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Brown
Acting Senior Manager of Municipal Enforcement and Security Services
City of Niagara Falls
pbrown@niagarafalls.ca