The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) collected in Owen Sound is divided according to the MAT Agreement. The revenue is split evenly between the City of Owen Sound and the MAT Stakeholder Committee. The Stakeholder Committee, which includes both voting and non-voting representatives from local tourism-related businesses and organizations, oversees its share of the funds. The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce serves as the not-for-profit organization that administers the funds on behalf of the Stakeholder Committee.
The City of Owen Sound established a municipal accommodation tax in December 2023 with by law number 2023-127, and people staying in accommodations in the city began paying the tax in March 2024. The program requires fixed roof accommodations (hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and short term accommodations) and campgrounds to charge and remit a 4% municipal accommodation tax on all overnight stays within the city.
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Committee will provide transparent, evidence-based, strategic direction for Tourism in Owen Sound in the delivery of programs funded through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). Strategic direction and investments will grow the tourism economy of the community by supporting initiatives that align with one or more of Owen Sound Tourism strategic objectives.
Strategic Objectives include but are not limited to: