Debate over a proposed Municipal Accommodation Tax is set to continue today at Norfolk County Council, where three deputations are scheduled to address councillors on the issue.
Council previously voted 5–4 to move forward with the tax “in principle” during a Council-in-Committee meeting, signalling openness to the idea but stopping short of final approval. Because that vote occurred at the committee level, the decision must still be ratified by full council before any bylaw can be enacted.
Today’s meeting is expected to focus heavily on public input, with registered speakers offering perspectives both for and against the proposal.
The renewed discussion comes amid strong public reaction, including an online petition that has gathered more than 1,400 signatures calling on council to scrap the idea.
The proposed Municipal Accommodation Tax, often referred to as a MAT, would apply to overnight accommodations of 30 days or less.
That would include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals. Traditional tents and campers would not be included, and clarification is still being sought regarding how glamping sites would be treated under provincial regulations.
If implemented, municipal staff estimate the MAT could generate approximately $700,000 annually.
Under provincial rules, at least 50 per cent of the revenue would be directed toward tourism marketing initiatives, while the remaining funds could be used for tourism-related infrastructure such as beach maintenance, washrooms, signage and event support.
Mayor Amy Martin introduced the original motion, emphasizing that further public consultation and policy development would be required before the tax could come into effect.
Several councillors who voted against the motion stated they do not necessarily oppose a MAT in principle, but expressed concerns about timing and the lack of clarity around how the program would be structured.