Provide input on three proposed tourism initiatives

Norfolk County Council is asking residents, businesses, and visitors to share their thoughts on a proposed approach to tourism in the community.

Norfolk County is considering a:

These initiatives may affect how visitor accommodations operate, how tourism is supported and promoted, and how tourism-related revenues are managed in Norfolk County. They are being considered to help manage tourism growth, support the local economy, and address community impacts.

Your feedback will help inform future reports and Council decisions. Council has approved all these initiatives in principle.

What’s being considered


A short‑term rental is a home, cottage, or part of a home that is rented for short periods, usually less than 30 days, to visitors or travellers. Examples include a cottage, a home, or a room in a home. The draft approach looks at registration, safety, parking, zoning, and enforcement.

Read the draft Short‑Term Rental (STR) By‑law.


A municipal accommodation tax is a 4% tax (user fee) added to overnight stays in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. The tax (user fee) is paid by the visitor. The funds collected would be used to support tourism promotion and economic development in Norfolk County.

Read the draft Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).


A municipal development corporation is a corporation owned and established by a municipality to support economic development initiatives and partnerships, and to operate as the destination marketing organization (DMO). A DMO is a group that helps attract visitors to an area by marketing local attractions, events, and experiences, and sharing information that helps people plan their visit.

The proposed MDC‑1 is a governance model that could help support tourism marketing and related initiatives, with representation from Norfolk County Council, the tourism industry, and the broader community.

Read the Municipal Development Corporation (MDC) governance model.

How to provide your feedback

You can share your thoughts online or in person.

Prior consultation

Residents were also asked for feedback on economic development initiatives in 2025.


Norfolk County is considering:
  • Establishing a Municipal Development Corporation (MDC)
  • Industrial Land Development
  • Implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

Your feedback will help shape recommendations to Council

A Public Open House, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, allowed residents to share their feedback in person.

Online surveys asking residents for feedback on the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), Municipal Development Corporation (MDC), and Industrial Land Review were conducted in September and October 2025.

Results from both these engagement activities were incorporated into the recommendations to Council.

Learn more about the initiatives

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

What is it?

Ontario municipalities can charge a 4% fee on hotel stays and short-term rentals. Over 80 municipalities have adopted this tax to support tourism, economic development, and all accommodation providers.

VIDEO: Should tourists help fund Norfolk County's growth? You decide.

VIDEO: Should tourists help fund Norfolk County's growth? You decide.


How would it work?

The MAT would apply only to visitors staying at local accommodations (e.g., hotels, motels, Airbnb). The fee is added to the guest's bill when they stay at a local accommodation. Revenue could support:

  • Tourism marketing
  • Destination development
  • Recreation and cultural facilities

What does this mean for residents?

This is not a tax increase for residents. Only visitors staying at local accommodations would pay the fee. Funds could improve the quality of life and support tourism initiatives, potentially managed by an MDC.

Municipal Development Corporation (MDC)

What is it?

A County-owned corporation that could pursue business opportunities more efficiently. An MDC could:

  • Develop unused County lands
  • Manage tourism assets (e.g., marinas)
  • Create public-private partnerships
  • Secure grants and investments
  • Lead projects that generate jobs and growth

How would it work?

The MDC would operate independently from Council but remain transparent. It would be governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Council, including:

  • Local representatives
  • Industry experts
  • Council members

The CEO would report annually to Council. The Economic Development Department could be integrated into the MDC or work alongside it.

What does this mean for residents?

An MDC could strengthen Norfolk’s economy and generate revenue to offset service delivery costs. It could require upfront investment and dedicated resources.

Industrial Land Review

What is it?

Norfolk County is reviewing its industrial areas to determine:

  • If there is sufficient and appropriate land for new businesses
  • What infrastructure improvements are needed
  • How to better attract investment

This review may involve collaboration with the proposed MDC and public-private partnerships.

How would it work?

urbanMetrics is analyzing current land availability, infrastructure needs, and market conditions. Potential recommendations may include:

  • Strategic land acquisition
  • Infrastructure upgrades
  • Incentives for business attraction

What does this mean for residents?

Improved industrial land development could bring more businesses and jobs to Norfolk County. This initiative would require investment but could lead to long-term economic benefits.