On March 11, 2019 Belleville City Council passed a motion and on June 25, 2019 passed By-law No. 2019-126 to establish a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on short-term accommodation stays of 30 days or fewer. Since 2019, the program has raised $1 million dollars per year in additional revenue.
In 2024, [the Economic Development Committee] are projecting growth of the MAT to $1,200,000 through enhanced tourism product development, curated events with proven growth potential, essential community partnerships, innovation in short term accommodation regulations and a dynamic marketing strategy to reach the new and existing markets we know visit Belleville. Should the sector priorities change, an economic development specialist with transferable expertise is in place.
50% of MAT funds raised must go to an “eligible tourism entity” for the exclusive purpose of promoting tourism. Belleville and other municipalities transfer their funding to the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board. Funding provided by year:
- 2021 – $325,000
- 2022 – $450,000
- 2023 – $500,000
- 2024 – $595,350
Spending
Unlike some other municipalities, Belleville does not report how they spend their portion of the MAT funds. Projects include:
- 2020 $50,000 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- 2021-1.060 $110,000 Dr. James Bertram Collip Monument and Reflection Courtyard
- 2022 Operating Budget
- $77,000 Pop-up Enhancements (D6-2)
- $20,000 Lighting Committee – Fireworks
- $87,500 The Year of the Garden (D6-8)
- $50,000 Diwali Festival (D6-11)
- $10,000 Caribana Event (D6-12)
- 2023 Operating Budget
- $15,000 Quintelicious (D6-3)
- $40,000 Diwali and Caribbean Festivals (D6-16)
- $39,000 Feasibility Study for Addressing Museum Needs (D6-17)
- 2024 Operating Budget
- $25,000 Lighting Display Drone Show in the 2024 Operating Budget (D6-7)
- 2023-1.114 $105,000 Anti-Vehicle Barrier System for Fire Department
- 2025 Operating Budget
- $139,900 for the Tourism stream of the Grant Program (D2-9)
- $60,000 for the Arts & Culture stream of the Grant Program (D2-9)
