Photo By Claire McCormack
Northern Bruce Peninsula will be receiving an update on how much revenue the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) brought in the last year.
The MAT is set at a rate of four per cent and currently applies to private short-term accommodations. The municipality is required to provide half of the net MAT revenue to the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce to support local tourism.
In a report from the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce, 2023/24 generated $173,197, an increase from $167,825 seen in 2022/23.
The funds generated went to support operational costs, various events and projects, and advertising tourism in the municipality for areas like Tobermory and Lion’s Head as well as the development of a website and signage.
To further drive tourism, the chamber is proposing a couple events for 2025 like a treasure hunt across the municipality, and a concert at the Tobermory Municipal Airport.
“There are a number of bigger name Canadian bands that could provide a great incentive for visitors to attend a destination event. Possibilities include Gordon Lightfoot cover, Blue Rodeo, Amanda Marshall,” says the report.
This update comes as the municipality is currently looking into the possibility of expanding the MAT.
While the chamber thanks the municipality for partnering with them on bettering tourism in the area, they are faced with many issues, including an uncertain budget.
“The road to determine the structure of the MAT and its extensions, leaves a budget that is in continual revision. The ability to retain staff and service providers to achieve the directives of the MAT agreement, where projects must be allocated for and plan one year in advance, have been hindered. Until funding from the municipality meets the needs and expectations of the MAT directives, the process to creating a Tourism Strategic Plan, and executing that plan will move at a slow pace,” says the chamber.
Council will receive this update on March 11 at 1 p.m.