Sicamous council supported a new bylaw needed to continue collecting a tax that supports local tourism initiatives.
On the agenda for council's Feb. 26 meeting was the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Bylaw, up for three readings.
Speaking to the bylaw, district chief financial officer Bianca Colonna explained its approval was required to allow the province to continue collecting the two per cent MRDT on accommodation sales within the municipality.
"Previously a bylaw was not adopted which is actually incorrect. We’re fixing it this go around," said Colonna.
The district first received authorization to collect the MRDT in 2020 and the new bylaw would enable continued collection or another five years.
The MRDT is collected by hospitality businesses (hotels, motels and short-term rentals). It is then remitted to the province through PST returns and later disbursed to the District of Sicamous. The district has authorized its Development Corporation to manage MRDT spending, which is used for financing tourism marketing, programs and projects.
Colonna noted staff just learned the bylaw was needed for the renewal, due at the end of February.
"We’ve got an extension for the adoption of this bylaw because Destination BC realized that we were checking all our boxes from our last application," said Colonna.
Council voted in support of the bylaw, with Coun. Siobhan Rich opposed.
MRDT revenue is linked to council's strategic priority to support the development corporation with its marketing of Sicamous as a tourism destination.
