Gibsons council is calling for a more equitable distribution of tourism tax revenue, backing a motion that would direct a larger share of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) toward local affordable housing.
At its July 22 regular meeting, council supported the Sunshine Coast Tourism Society’s application to renew the MRDT and increase the rate from two per cent to three per cent.
Coun. Christi Thompson introduced an additional motion, which passed unanimously, that asks that 50 per cent of any new MRDT revenue — beyond existing commitments — be allocated directly to Gibsons’ Affordable Housing Fund.
The MRDT is collected from short-term accommodations and funnelled through the province to Sunshine Coast Tourism, then to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
Gibsons’ request needs to be incorporated into Sunshine Coast Tourism’s MRDT application, and approved by the province, which has final say over how MRDT funds are used.
Currently, the funds support a regional housing coordination wage, but Gibsons council argued that additional revenue should be distributed based on local needs and contributions.
“We all shared a concern that there’s no jurisdiction-specific breakdown on the tax revenues,” Thompson said. “Each local government contributes differently through tourism regulation and investment, and faces varying pressures on infrastructure and housing.”
“Gibsons has shown strong leadership in affordable housing, both in policy and resources,” Thompson said. “We should be advocating for a more equitable share of funds collected within our community.”
Council members noted that Gibsons has taken on a disproportionate share of the region’s affordable housing development, due in part to its zoning and density.
They also expressed hope that other communities, such as Sechelt, might adopt similar motions to direct MRDT revenue toward their own housing initiatives.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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