It still seems like a property tax assessment on the house, which doesn't take into consideration the owners tax bracket, Would benefit the community the local governments?
Property tax on residences isn't they only place municipalities get revenue, they also get taxes from commercial (shops & companies) property. If the foreign owners never move into the house and don't rent[0] it there is no additional revenue in the form of purchasing things or working at an employer in the city.
[0]https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-province/20141127/281...