The Town will be hosting Public Meetings to discuss the Short-Term Accommodations (STA) Licensing By-Law, Amendments to the Zoning By-Law and Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in Lincoln.
We encourage all members of the public to attend the meeting to provide valuable feedback. Residents can also make a written submission to the Town, or register as a delegate to speak to Council. To register as a delegate, visit lincoln.ca. For more information, contact Allison Martin, Planner at 905-563-2799 ext. 502 or amartin@lincoln.ca.
The Public Meeting is scheduled to be held as follows:
- Monday, October 16, 2023
- 6 p.m.
- Council Chambers | Town Hall | 4800 South Service Rd | Beamsville, ON
Short-Term Accommodations (STA) Licensing By-Law / Amendments to the Zoning By-Law
The amendments to the existing Zoning By-law provisions and the implementation of a Licensing By-Law propose to regulate and license Short-Term Accommodations (STA) for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of persons residing in residential properties, minimizing potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town. View the project webpage at SpeakUpLincoln.ca for further information in this regard.
The Licensing By-Law proposes to:
- Require all STAs to obtain a license from the Town.
- Implement a standard STA Licensing application process.
- Implement a Demerit Point and Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
- Establish a registry of all STAs within the Town.
Amendments are proposed to the current Zoning By-law provisions for STAs. Potential Amendments include:
- Clarification on the type of structures STAs are permitted to be located in.
- Provide for a maximum number of guest rooms.
- Implement new and amend existing definitions for types of STAs.
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
What is MAT?
A MAT is a tax imposed by a local government or municipality on lodging establishments, including hotels, motels, inns, and more. It is collected from guests during their stay and serves as a vital revenue stream for tourism, including tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and public services— benefitting both visitors and residents.
Why Implement a MAT Tax in Lincoln?
As defined in the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2025, Lincoln’s greatest opportunity for economic growth resides within its diverse tourism sector. While the Town recognizes the importance of tourism, we want to ensure that economic growth within the sector is balanced, ensuring sustainable tourism is top of mind. The MAT’s dual purpose is to support economic growth and job creation within tourism through additional destination marketing, while shifting the cost burden of these services away from residents to visitors, specifically those who opt for short-term overnight accommodations. The Town has begun seeking public input to help determine the MAT rate and other important details.