A Simcoe, Ontario resident has launched an online petition calling for the removal of Norfolk County’s 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), which applies to hotel stays and short‑term rentals. The petition began circulating in early February 2026 and argues the levy inflates travel costs and places local tourism operators at a competitive disadvantage.
The petition comes after Norfolk County councillors approved a 5.5% residential property tax increase for 2026. Local critics say adding fees for overnight visitors discourages stays and spending at shops and restaurants, while county officials and tourism advocates say the MAT provides a dedicated revenue stream to support tourism promotion and infrastructure.
The provincial government granted municipalities the authority to levy a transient accommodation tax in 2017, and Norfolk County implemented its 4% MAT in 2019 (per the research briefing). Under the county’s current approach the revenue is split roughly half for local tourism‑related infrastructure and services (for example, trail and signage maintenance) and half for regional marketing and promotion.
If the petition attracts substantial signatures, it could prompt Norfolk County Council to review the MAT during upcoming budget or policy sessions, though a petition does not automatically force repeal. Local accommodation operators are divided: some say the MAT’s marketing dollars are essential to attracting visitors, while others contend the surcharge hurts bookings and creates added administrative burden for small hosts.
