Municipal Accommodation Tax Feasibility
Frontenac County is continuing to explore whether a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) could provide a dedicated source of funding to strengthen tourism, support the visitor economy, and invest in the experiences and amenities that help Frontenac County grow as a destination.
No decision has been made to implement a MAT.
In July 2026, County Council approved a second phase of feasibility work to address several questions identified through research, public engagement and discussions with accommodation businesses, hosts and Township partners. This phase is intended to provide better local data, examine practical administration options, strengthen connections with the tourism business community, and develop governance options before any future implementation decision is considered.
Current work includes direct outreach with accommodation businesses and hosts; a Tourism Economic Impact and Seasonal Analysis; creation of an industry advisory group; review of MAT administration and opportunities to coordinate with Township short-term rental licensing work; and development of a business plan for a potential tourism-focused Municipal Services Corporation.
Staff expect to report back to the Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee in spring 2027 with updated findings, options and recommendations.
Accommodation businesses and hosts are encouraged to stay involved throughout this work. Questions or requests for a meeting can be sent to ecdev@frontenaccounty.ca
Project Tasks
The next phase of feasibility work focuses on five areas.
1. Education and Community Awareness
An important finding from the initial engagement process was the need for clearer information about MAT and its potential role in supporting tourism in Frontenac County. The County is developing educational information and continuing conversations with residents, accommodation hosts, tourism businesses and Township partners. This work will help explain how MAT operates, who would pay and collect it, how revenues could be invested in tourism, and how a future program could be managed and reported on.
2. Administrative Feasibility and Short-Term Rental Coordination
A central question is whether a potential MAT program could be administered fairly, consistently and cost-effectively across Frontenac County.
This work includes reviewing how eligible accommodation businesses and hosts would be identified, how visitor-paid funds could be collected and remitted, what technology and staff resources would be required, and whether third-party service providers could help simplify administration.
The County is also working with Township partners to explore the relationship between MAT administration and short-term rental licensing. A coordinated licensing approach could help establish a reliable inventory of accommodation hosts, improve consistency across participating Townships, and create opportunities for shared administrative services. Options being examined include common licensing requirements and potentially shared County-level administration of Township programs. These approaches remain under consideration and would require further discussion and decisions by the participating municipalities.
No County-wide licensing program or MAT administration model has been recommended or approved at this stage.
3. Tourism Economic Impact and Seasonal Analysis
The County is working with tourism consulting firm Bannikin to better understand the economic contribution of tourism and the seasonal nature of accommodation activity across Frontenac County. This research will build on existing information about short-term rentals while developing a more complete understanding of traditional accommodations, visitor activity, tourism-related employment and local economic benefits.
4. Tourism Industry Advisory Group
The County will establish an informal advisory group to provide practical advice throughout the next phase of feasibility work. The group will bring together accommodation hosts, traditional accommodation businesses and tourism business representatives from across Frontenac County. Members will help identify opportunities, discuss administrative considerations, provide perspectives from the tourism business community, and contribute to the development of potential approaches. Recruitment is anticipated in November and December 2026, with more information to be shared as the process is finalized.
5. Tourism Governance and Business Planning
The County is exploring whether a tourism-focused Municipal Services Corporation could provide an appropriate organizational structure for managing and investing a share of potential MAT revenues. This is a planning exercise only to explore potential structures that can provide transparency and industry input. No decision has been made whether to establish a new tourism organization.
Timeline
Fall 2026: Education and outreach activities, tourism research, and administrative feasibility discussions continue. The County will also work with Township partners to examine opportunities for coordination.
November–December 2026: Recruitment for the Tourism Industry Advisory Group.
Winter 2027: Completion of the Tourism Economic Impact and Seasonal Analysis, further review of administration options, and development of a business plan for a potential tourism-focused Municipal Services Corporation.
Spring 2027: Staff expect to report to the Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee with updated findings, options and recommendations before any future decision regarding MAT implementation.
What We Heard Through Community Engagement
During fall 2025, the County gathered feedback through public open houses, a virtual information session, an online survey and direct discussions with accommodation businesses.
Participants emphasized the importance of clear information, fair and consistent administration, transparency in the use of funds, involvement from the tourism business community, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism investment can be experienced across Frontenac County.
Some participants also raised concerns about competitiveness, costs and the implications for smaller accommodation businesses.
This feedback has helped shape the current phase of feasibility work, particularly the focus on education, administrative feasibility and continued industry involvement.
The full findings are available in the Bannikin MAT Engagement Summary Report.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Frontenac County will provide regular monthly project updates through Engage Frontenac, along with additional information when important milestones are reached.
Accommodation hosts and tourism businesses are encouraged to participate in the ongoing conversations, share their perspectives, and help inform the feasibility work.
To ask a question or request a meeting with County staff, please contact ecdev@frontenaccounty.ca.