By Rosalind Russell – Last month, Blind River council passed a motion to tax short-term rentals four percent as part of the Municipal Accommodation Tax, but the move is not sitting well with local business owners.
Under Ontario legislation, the tax allows municipalities to levy the tax on visitors who stay for less than 30 days at a motel, hotel, air BnBs, inn or bed and breakfast.
Local business owners sent a letter to council last week stating the tax is relatively unheard of in small communities, and it came as a great surprise to them since there had been no prior consultation.
The letter also states the tax would require businesses to provide confidential information to town office staff that the owners believe is unnecessary and would involve additional costs and more.
Council agreed to hold an information session for operators early in the New Year.
Photo: Business owners in Blind River want a discussion with council stating they were not consulted about the Municipal Accommodation Tax. Photo by Vista Radio
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