The City of Owen Sound wants input on a proposal to charge a new Municipal Accommodation Tax.
The tax is a fee of up to four per cent of the cost for short-term and overnight accommodation. In 2017, the province approved regulations allowing municipalities to charge that tax on accommodations like hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, including Airbnb and campgrounds.
Operators have a chance to learn more about the plan, and provide their views on the idea at an upcoming information session on April 25 in the Bay Room at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
The legislation requires half of the revenue must go to local tourism, such as promotion of overnight stays, and half can be used for city services and infrastructure.
The City is also looking into the possibility of licensing short-term accommodations like Airbnb and VRBO holiday rentals in Owen Sound, but that idea will be addressed during future consultations.
People can register for one of the two session, by going on line to OurCity.OwenSound.ca/MAT
