Shaping Pemberton & SLRD Area C’s Visitor Economy

Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) Community Assessment

This report has been prepared to provide clear, evidence-based information about the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), how other communities have benefited from the MRDT, and an analysis and projection of how the MRDT can support the Pemberton and SLRD Area C economy.

MRDT is an optional provincial tax of between 2% and 3% that can be applied to short-term accommodation. It is collected by accommodation providers, including hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rental operators, alongside Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

The tax is charged to and paid by accommodation users (ie., visitors).

MRDT is widely established across British Columbia, with approximately three-quarters of residents living in an MRDT-designated area. Pemberton and SLRD Area C do not have an MRDT, leaving our region without a key source of stable visitor-funded investment. This assessment is to provide context and background for community members to facilitate discussion on implementing the MRDT in Pemberton.