MIDLAND TO CONSIDER MUNICIPAL ACCOMMODATION TAX

ANDREW MENDLER amendler@simcoe.com

Tourists visiting the Town of Midland could eventually have to pay a four per cent municipal accommodation tax.

The Province of Ontario hasgivenmunicipalitiesthe ability to levy a hotel tax. This tax would be tacked on to rates charged by local hotels and short-term rental accommodations and paid by anyone who rents a room.

Iflevied,50percentofthe revenue must be shared withanot-for-profittourism organization and used to increase visitation and visitor spendinginthecommunity.

"We have told all of our staff that it is abundantly clear we need to provide re- tone" and working to create a resilient, responsive and collaborative council. He would also like to revisit plans for the Midland Bay Landing site.

"If I am in that chair we are going to have the conversation about changing direction," said Gordon. I'm not guaranteeing that it's going to happen, but we are going to have a conversation, look at alternatives and decide if that decadeoldplanthatseemstoreally rubalotofpeoplethewrong way is in fact the right way to go."

ForJonathanMain,running for mayor has been a long-time aspiration. He hasspentthepasttwoterms -eightyears-oncouncil,sat on various committees and believesitistimetotakethe next step.

"The hope was to get experienceatthecouncillevel and get myself in a position where I would be prepared and have some momentum to run for mayor," said Main.

"I know how important public policy is and what a difference we can make to the local population by having great municipal services."

Steweart Strathearn has unfinished business to tend too.

"Thejob'snotdone,"said Strathearn."Thereisalotof unfinished business and I think I've got the ability to bring both council and staff together to get it done."

Midland has a significant infrastructure deficit, with Strathearn estimating there's approximately $150 million worth of infrastructure that needs to be replaced.

"Unless we grow in a responsible, planned way, that (financial) burden rests on the existing tax base," said Strathearn. "Town hall needs to be more nimble. We have put moreemphasisonplanning and engineering within the town, so they can handle and increased number of applications for development." lief to our businesses and ourresidents.Soifthereare toolsourtherethatcanhelp us with that, let's explore them, let's have conversations," said David Denault, the town's chief administrative officer.

The municipal election is slated for Oct. 24. For an up-to-datelistofcandidates, visit simcoe.com.

On June 15, council authorized staff to investigate the implications of implementing such a tax. This includes preparing a draft bylawandestablishingaworking group to provide input on the bylaw.

"I do want to know what the hoteliers think about it .. and take that input into consideration" said Mayor Stewart Strathearn.

"IfIamsittingherebeing asked to consider somethinginthebudget,Iwantto be able to know that I am making (a decision) based onfactsfromthepeoplewho are going to participate."

Coun. Cher Cunningham agreed with the mayor.

"Many municipalities in thecountyaredebatingthis question right now and goingouttotheiraccommodation (providers) to see if we can make this something thathasapowerful,positive impact on attracting tourists to the area," said Cunningham.

Barrie, Orillia and Huntsville are among those that have already implemented the tax.

Not everyone on council was on board with the idea.

Coun. Bill Gordon was offended by the notion. "We arecomingoutofapandemic.Wearestillfloppinglikea deadfishtryingtorevivethe economy and businesses, we have runaway inflation, increased interest rates ... there are a lot of headwinds for the municipality."

The motion was narrowly approved with a 5-4 vote.