The Chamber is showing support for the non-property tax revenue instruments presented in the City’s report going before the Governance and Priorities Committee today. We urge Council to continue to explore all revenue options to optimize the economic benefits of the District at the lowest possible cost to Saskatoon businesses and homeowners.
 
An Accommodation Levy is one such tool. A nominal levy charged to guests in local hotels, motels, and online vacation rentals is common practice among most municipalities across Canada, buttressed by:

1. Good governance: An independent, oversight board consisting of hoteliers and other destination marketing stakeholders to ensure levies are collected, remitted, and allocated for their intended purpose and not directed to the City’s general revenues.

The City of Ottawa is a best-practice example where the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA) oversees the collection of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.

2. Financial transparency: All monies levied, remitted, and allocated are audited for accuracy and reported publicly on statements provided to Saskatoon City Council as part of its normal financial reporting.

3. No burden on business: 100% of the levy, and its administration, is paid by the guest with no out-of-pocket expenses borne by hoteliers.
 
Read the full letter here.