Economic Development Opportunities Review

Norfolk County is evaluating the feasibility and implementation potential of creating a Municipal Development Corporation (MDC) to benefit the County.

What is it?

Norfolk County could establish a County-owned corporation to pursue business opportunities more efficiently and effectively. An MDC could help us develop surplus County lands, manage tourism assets like marinas, create public-private partnerships, secure grants and investments, and lead projects that generate jobs and economic growth.

How would it work?

The MDC would operate independently from County Council while following our Strategic Plan and maintaining full transparency. It would be governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Council, including local representatives, industry experts, and Council members. The CEO would report annually to Council, and the County’s Economic Development Department could either be integrated into the MDC or work collaboratively with it.

What does this mean for residents?

An MDC could strengthen Norfolk’s economy and create new partnerships that generate revenue for the County, potentially offsetting service delivery costs. However, it could require upfront County investment and dedicated resources.

This short (5-minute) survey is intended to collect important insights that will inform the feasibility and implementation potential of creating a unique Municipal Development Corporation for Norfolk County. Please take a few minutes to share your perspectives on this potential economic development tool.

Norfolk County is exploring whether we should take a more active role in preparing industrial land for businesses, potentially working with the proposed Municipal Development Corporation (MDC) and through public-private partnerships.

How would it work?

We’re conducting a comprehensive review of our industrial areas to understand:

• Whether we have sufficient and appropriate land available for new investments and expansions
• What infrastructure improvements (roads, water, electricity) are needed
• How we can better attract companies to invest in our community
  
  

What does this mean for residents? 

Better industrial land development could bring more businesses and jobs to Norfolk County. This initiative would require County investment but could lead to increased employment opportunities and economic growth in our community.

This short (5-minute) survey is intended to collect important insights that will inform the opportunities surrounding Norfolk County’s industrial land potential. Please take a few minutes to share your perspectives on this potential economic development tool.

Norfolk County is evaluating the feasibility and implementation potential of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) to strengthen tourism promotion and tourism development.

What is it?

Since 2017, Ontario municipalities have had the option to implement a Municipal Accommodation tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals. This creates sustainable funding for tourism promotion and development. Over 80 municipalities across the province have adopted this approach to support local economic development and tourism initiatives.

How would it work?

The MAT is a user fee charged to visitors staying at local accommodations (hotels, motels, B&Bs, Airbnb, etc.). A small fee of 4% is added to the guests’ bill when they stay at local accommodation providers.

What does this mean for residents?

This is not a tax increase for Norfolk County residents. Only visitors using local accommodations would pay this fee. The revenue would fund tourism marketing and destination development, potentially through a dedicated tourism organization that could be managed by the proposed Municipal Development Corporation (MDC). Funds could also support quality-of-life improvements like recreation facilities that benefit visitors and residents.

This short (5-minute) survey is intended to collect important insights that will inform the feasibility and implementation potential of adopting a MAT in Norfolk County. Please take a few minutes to share your perspectives on this potential tourism development tool.