Kimberley City Council has approved the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Bylaw for another five years.
In the City Council meeting this week, it was announced that an increase to the tax rate from two per cent to three per cent was also approved, starting in 2027.
The purpose of MRDT collection is to provide funding to contribute to the increase of local tourism revenue, visitation, and economic benefits, supported by both local governments and tourism industry stakeholders.
The amount of MRDT funding received each year is based on the relative occupancy levels of the hotels and other short-term rental accommodations located within the municipal boundary.
At the April 26 Council meeting, a request was made to change the designated recipient of the MRDT Program from the City of Kimberley to the Tourism Kimberley Society.
Ultimately, Council opted to keep the City of Kimberley as the designated recipient of the funds.
In the staff report presented to Council this week, it was revealed that approximately $280,000 was received through the MRDT in 2025.
Tourism Kimberley estimates that the increase to the MRDT rate would add approximately $50,000 – $100,000 of extra revenue.
The report says the renewal would allow for continued collection of the Resort Municipality Initiative funding of approximately $160,000 per year.
Now the City will submit the renewal application package to Destination BC, which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance by the June 30 submission deadline.
The renewed tax structure is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.
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