Should the city of Toronto slap a tax on vacant homes?

That’s what city hall is asking residents as it looks to address housing availability and affordability.

(Toronto Sun / Fotolia)

The city says vacant homes represent a potential source of readily available housing and a tax might encourage owners to rent them out.

The province recently introduced legislation that would empower Toronto to introduce such a tax.

But city council’s asked staff to consult on the possible benefits and potential administrative approaches to identifying vacant units.

Residents can share their views by completing an online survey at http://s3.amazonaws.comwww.toronto.ca/VHT or by attending a meeting Tuesday August 22, 6pm to 8pm in Committee Room 1 at city hall.

The city will also be conducting a public opinion poll to get residents thoughts on the potential tax.

Staff’s expected to report its findings later this year.