The Town of South Bruce Peninsula collected close to $585,000 through its Municipal Accommodation Tax last year.
Staff say the $584,744 in collected tax is a 32 per cent increase over 2024, where it collected $439,941.
Half of that ($267,786) will go to the South Bruce Peninsula Municipal Accommodation Tax Association for the purpose of promoting tourism within the town, the other half goes to a Town reserve
Back in 2022, the Town began collecting a 4 per cent mandatory tax from all accommodation businesses like hotels, campgrounds and short-term rentals. Staff explain, the MAT program is a mandatory component of the short-term rental accommodation licensing.
Staff say there are 43 commercial businesses like motels and campgrounds in the town that are subject to the MAT program, and 345 licensed short-term rentals.
Staff note in a report Tuesday. “Town’s By-Law Enforcement Officer is actively engaged with establishments that are not in compliance with the By-Law.”
In 2025 there 30 new short-term rental licenses issued and 57 non-renewals.
These funds are used for the benefit of the community, with the goal of strengthening the local economy, growing the tourism sector, and ensuring that
the Town becomes the tourism destination of choice in Ontario.