Kimberley city council has approved a plan to raise the Municipal and Regional District Tax to three per cent as part of a broader push to boost tourism and extend visitor stays year-round.
The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is a hotel/short-term rental tax that currently sits at two per cent and helps fund tourism projects and marketing.
Kimberley city council has approved the request from Tourism Kimberley to increase the MRDT from two per cent to three per cent. With the increase, the money collected from MRTD will go further in supporting tourism growth, longer stays and new experiences.
“More people are coming to Kimberley, there’s probably going to be more accommodators in the area, and the three per cent will add, and we have the opportunity to continue collecting the money without it costing the locals anything. And then really put together a strong plan on how to implement it slowly, strategically, consistently, and collaboratively going forward to help benefit the community as best possible.” said Danny Page, Tourism Kimberley Interim Executive Director.
Council has also directed staff to prepare the first three readings of the MRDT renewal request. The current MRDT agreement expires March 31, 2027, and the renewal application is due June 2026.
Tourism Kimberley also requested to change the Designated Recipient from the City of Kimberley to Tourism Kimberley. As of now, the City of Kimberley will remain in charge of the funds, while Tourism Kimberley continues to run programs.
A new MRDT bylaw is being prepared and will come back to Council soon for approval steps.
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