The new municipal accommodation tax, implemented April 1, 2019, managed to raise almost $80,000 in just two months, and if that continues Huntsville could see many more events being hosted here.
Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison told his fellow councillors at their July 22 meeting that $79,973.62 had been collected between April 1 and May 31.
He emphasized the need to discuss some parameters around the organization and communication of events, particularly those held in Huntsville’s downtown. Municipal representatives have received complaints from downtown merchants who are concerned that such events are having an adverse effect on their businesses, especially during their busier summer months.
It’s really important for us to have that discussion because it looks as though they are going to generate some significant dollars and we’ll probably be looking to host some more events, so it’s going to get busier.Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison
The tourism entity, which will decide how to spend the majority of those funds (30 per cent will go to the municipality), has been incorporated.
The Board of Directors for the tourism body will have four representatives from the Huntsville Hotel and Motel Association (HHMA), one representative from the Downtown Huntsville Business Improvement Area (BIA), one representative from the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, and one representative from the Town of Huntsville.
The chair is Deerhurst Resort’s Jesse Hamilton (HHMA), the vice-chair is Hidden Valley Resort’s Scott Doughty (HHMA), and the secretary will be Whimsical Bakery’s Christine Kropp (BIA).
They’ve adopted a mission statement which is to grow year-round occupancy in Huntsville, and their vision is to be the best tourism destination in Ontario, Aitchison told his colleagues. Their value statement is to be collaborative, creative, progressive, inclusive and respectful of the natural environment.
Aitchison said they’re beginning to explore a strategic planning process, and they’re evaluating banking and staffing options.
Related stories:
Consultations to take place about the impact downtown events are having on Main Street merchants
Huntsville’s accommodation tax kicks in this Monday, April 1st
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My humble apology, the caption on the article implied that business would increase due to extra taxation. That is the furthest thing from the truth.
No Jim,
Increasing taxes is not good for the economy. What we are trying to do is shift the tax from your property to the bill of those who are staying in the motels, hotels, resorts and cottage rentals. These fees are common in countless towns and cities across North America and I believe that the people working in the resorts who struggle to pay their property taxes should not have to pay to market the community on top of paying for what municipalities should be spending money on like fixing our crumbling road network!
This is a great step forward for Huntsville. We have travelled a lot in retirement and we have paid an accommodation tax of 2% or 3% on the hotel bill almost everywhere we visit including Vancouver, Peterborough, Kingston, and most US locations. When the tax is used as intended, it replaces money that local taxpayers were paying to promote tourism. That freed-up money is then available to improve the location and make it more appealing to visitors.
Increasing taxation is going to make business improve. Really Scott you must be considering a run at Federal Politics . Increasing taxation is good for the economy, REALLY?
Real dumb idea? How about using some of these funds towards the men’s
shelter winter time needs.
I would start with researching MOAB USA which is on every outdoor enthusiasts bucket list. I have been there twice and can’t wait to go back. I would also visit the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder CO which is considered the best in North America and could be easily duplicated in Huntsville.