Kincardine considering Municipal Accommodation Tax, Short-Term Rental licensing

The Municipality of Kincardine is exploring the implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax and Short-Term Rental Accommodation licensing for overnight stays of 28 days or less.

This initiative is part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to support tourism, economic growth, and community prosperity.

Council has directed staff to investigate the implications of introducing this new tax, a widespread practice among municipalities in Ontario.

Applicable to transient accommodations, the tax aims to generate revenue for tourism-related initiatives and municipal services. It is applied to hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, including those listed on such platforms as Airbnb.

Any proceeds from the accommodation tax would be used to enhance local tourism amenities and infrastructure, with 50 per cent of the revenue directed to a not-for-profit tourism entity for promotional efforts.

Additionally, the short-term rental accommodation licensing framework is under consideration to ensure safe and compliant operation of these properties in the municipality. Licensing aims to address community concerns about these 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 round-table 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 proposed tax, and the short-term rental accommodation licensing process, including ways to provide feedback, visit the Municipal Accommodation Tax web page and the Short Term Rental licensing web page.