The City of Salmon Arm Hotel Room Tax Levy received final approval at council on July 25.
Council voted unanimously to endorse the bylaw to add a two per cent tax on hotel accommodations. The revenue from the tax will finance tourism marketing, programs and projects to increase overnight stays as measured by improved hotel/motel occupancy rates.
Provincial government approval will be based on a Municipal Regional District Business Plan, put together by the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.
Council supported a recommendation to authorize the mayor and corporate officer to execute a Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) for a five-year term, and a related bylaw that will see the Economic Development Society administer the tax on the city’s behalf.
Economic development manager Lana Fitt presented the plan to council earlier this month, reporting that nine of the city’s 10 accommodation properties had signed on in support. The nine operators represent 99 per cent of available rental properties in the community.
Corporate officer Erin Jackson says the new tax will be implemented April 1, 2017.
