OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITIES AND REGIONAL AREAS
Accommodators can voluntarily participate in the Province of BC Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, where funds collected are utilized exclusively for local tourism marketing, programs, and projects.
The tax is intended to help grow BC revenues, visitation, and jobs, and amplify BC’s tourism marketing efforts in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The program is jointly administered by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and Destination BC.
the local MRDT Opportunity
If the majority of accommodations agreed to levy the tax, a charge of up to 3 % could be applied to sales of short-term accommodation. An attempt was made in 2021 with the in the Village of Keremeos, Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Area B (Cawston), Area G (Hedley), Area H (East Gate/Tulameen) and was not successful, as signatures from a minimum of 51% of those properties that represent 51% of the units must sign on to the program. Further, due to the Town of Princeton’s out-of-country ownership of the motel properties at the time, the majority could not be reached.
New funds from this source would be dedicated to promoting the experiences and operators within the tax collection area and the accommodators would contribute to and approve the plan and budget.
Administration of the funds could be through the Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS).
For more information contact support@similkameenvalley.com
