The MAT will apply at a rate of 4% per room night, aligning Bracebridge with neighbouring communities such as Huntsville and Gravenhurst. This implementation timeline provides local accommodators with the opportunity to prepare and establish the necessary internal processes for collection.

The Town undertook a community engagement process last summer to seek feedback from the local business and tourism sectors. Through online surveys and stakeholder meetings, local accommodators and tourism operators provided valuable input on the proposed MAT, its timing, and structure. Their feedback played a key role in developing a model that reflects local priorities and aligns with best practices across the region.

To ensure transparency and effective reinvestment, the Town plans to establish a municipal service corporation (MSC) to manage and distribute 50% of the MAT revenues to support tourism promotion in Bracebridge. The MSC board is expected to have a majority of members from the local accommodation sector, providing a direct voice in how tourism investments are made. The remaining 50% of the MAT revenue will be retained by the Town to support community services and infrastructure, including visitor-related projects.

For more information on the Municipal Accommodation Tax in Bracebridge, visit bracebridge.ca/MAT.

“Introducing the Municipal Accommodation Tax is an important step forward to sustainably fund tourism initiatives and community services that benefit both visitors and residents. We are committed to working closely with the local accommodation sector to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth of Bracebridge as a destination of choice.” – Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

The post Bracebridge Council Approves New Municipal Accommodation Tax To Support Local Tourism And Services appeared first on Muskoka411.

Currently, Bracebridge is the only urban centre in Muskoka that does not levy the tax. A MAT could generate revenue to help support local tourism initiatives and strategic priorities

Following public consultation, staff will report back to Council with the results along with a proposed implementation plan.

Background
On May 17, 2017, the Province enacted Bill 127, Stronger, Healthier Ontario Act 2017, which provides single and lower-tier municipalities with the authority to levy a transient accommodation tax or MAT. Later that year, the Province enacted Ontario Regulation 435/17: Transient Accommodation Tax, which contains the provisions necessary to implement a MAT in accordance with s. 400.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001. The Regulation allows single and lower-tier municipalities the ability to implement a MAT through a by-law with a set tax rate. The Regulation also permits municipalities to enter into agreements with entities to collect a MAT, acting as agents for the municipality, and prescribes a revenue sharing disposition formula where some of the proceeds are transferred to an eligible local tourism organization.

Ontario Regulation 435/17 is permissive in scope, allowing municipalities to apply a MAT to various accommodation sectors, provided the accommodation is short-term in nature. The public consultation will help identify agency needs and interest in applying the MAT.

The post Town Seeking Input On The Implementation Of A Municipal Accommodation Tax appeared first on Muskoka411.