By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), told County Council at its June 4 meeting he recently completed the county-wide tour where he visited each of the seven local municipalities regarding the possible implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).
Essex Free Press files note Orr presented the idea to Town of Essex Council at its May 5 meeting. Essex Council directed Administration to bring a report to Council considering adopting the proposed Municipal Accommodation Tax. Orr asked all municipalities to respond to the request prior to August 31, 2025.
The purpose of implementing a MAT is to directly benefit the municipality and to support local tourism growth and development, while providing municipalities with another revenue source to do so, Orr noted.
“Overall, we received supportive comments and answered some really good questions,” Orr said. When looking at all of Essex County, Orr estimated the MAT could bring in around $42M in revenue, which would work out to $1.7M-$2.5M per municipality.
“It’s a new revenue stream that does not come at a cost to your residents,” he said. The MAT would be applied by hotels and possibly short-term rentals. 50% of the funds would go to TWEPI, with the remainder sticking with the municipality. This revenue stream, Orr noted, would not impact the annual funds it receives from the County of Essex.
Essex Free Press files noted that during 2025 Budget deliberations, TWEPI received $782,000 from the County of Essex as its annual contribution. It also receives funds from the City of Windsor.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue asked if TWEPI anticipates American visitors to the region would increase or decrease this summer, in the wake of US tariffs.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” Orr said, adding tourism hinges on the economy. If individuals are cautious of spending, they will hang onto their dollars or perhaps take smaller trips.
He is thinking it will be an all-right year, as hotel accommodations have remained steady year-over-year.
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