CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington Council has approved the introduction of a Municipal Accommodation Tax.
The by-law, passed at Monday night’s meeting, will see a five percent tax applied to short-term accommodations starting September 1st, 2026.
Paid by visitors, the tax will apply to hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, including bookings already made for stays after that date.
CAO Dan Wilson says the five percent rate is in line with similar municipalities across Ontario and is slightly above the provincial average.
“A 5% rate supports the Township’s broader objectives related to the establishment of the Municipal Service Corporation and the reinvestment of MAT revenues into destination marketing, visitor servicing, and tourism-supported infrastructure. The recommended rate strikes a balance between generating sufficient and stable funding to meaningfully advance tourism priorities while remaining proportionate, transparent, and aligned with best practices in Ontario,” the report said.
Council approved the recommendation.
Revenue generated from the tax will go toward supporting tourism, including marketing, visitor services, and local infrastructure.
Staff say the move is designed to create a stable funding stream while keeping the township competitive in the regional tourism market.
You can read the full report here.
