Media Release: Invitation for Public Feedback on Municipal Accommodation Tax Draft By-law

September 20, 2024

(Lake of Bays, ON) The Township of Lake of Bays has released a Draft Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) By-law for public review and comment via a survey and public meeting. This important step brings the Township closer to implementing a MAT program, which aims to support and grow local tourism initiatives such as area promotion, trail system improvements, and the expansion of local events, among others.

Key points of the draft By-law include:

A proposed tax rate of 4% on overnight accommodations lasting 30 days or less
Applies to motels, resorts, B&Bs, and short-term rentals
Exemptions for campsites, shelters, hospitals, long-term care homes, educational institutions and accommodation provided by employers to their employees
Paid by visitors, not accommodation providers
Providers are responsible for collecting the tax with a quarterly remittance to the Township
To take effect on January 1, 2025, with the first remittance due by April 30, 2025
Consistency with MAT programs in other Ontario tourism destinations
Estimated annual revenue could range from $750,000 to $1.5 million, supporting tourism development, promotion in the region, and other municipal initiatives.

The Township’s Draft MAT By-law survey is now open where the public is encouraged to submit feedback by October 18th, 2024. Additionally, a public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, where Council will consider the draft by-law, and receive further feedback from residents, stakeholders, and accommodation providers wishing to speak to Council on the topic through a delegation.

The survey, draft by-law, and further information is available on the Township's website at lakeofbays.on.ca/MAT.

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Key Dates:

October 18, 2024: Survey closing date
November 12, 2024: Public Council Meeting to consider the proposed draft by-law
January 1, 2025: Effective date of the MAT program
April 30, 2025: First remittance due date for MAT collected in Q1 2025

Media Contact:

Morgan Lonsdale – Economic Development Coordinator
Township of Lake of Bays
mlonsdale@lakeofbays.on.ca
705-635-2272 ext. 1235