The Municipality of Kincardine is exploring the implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) licensing for overnight stays of 28 days or less. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to support tourism, economic growth, and community prosperity.
Council has directed staff to investigate the implications of introducing a MAT, a widespread practice among municipalities in Ontario. The MAT, a tax applicable to transient accommodations, aims to generate revenue for tourism-related initiatives and municipal services. The tax is applied to hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, like those listed on platforms such as Airbnb. Any proceeds from the MAT would be used to enhance local tourism amenities and infrastructure, with 50% of the revenue directed to a not-for-profit tourism entity for promotional efforts.
Additionally, the STRA licensing framework is under consideration to ensure safe and compliant operation of short-term rental properties in the Municipality of Kincardine. Licensing aims to address community concerns about STRA operations, including noise, waste management, and safety standards.
Public engagement is a vital part of this process. The municipality will conduct community consultations, including a public survey, public open houses, and roundtable discussions. The goal is to gather input on potential impacts to help address concerns raised by residents, business owners, and visitors.
For more information on the MAT and STRA licensing process, including ways to provide feedback, please visit Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) webpage and the Short Term Rental (STRA) Licensing webpage .
For more information reach out to Lorie Fioze at lfioze@kincardine.ca or by calling 519-396-3468.
