Critical step

Dear editor:
I am writing in support of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) recently passed by Fort Frances council.
I believe this is a critical step forward for the community as it allows for a permanent means of raising much-needed tourism marketing and infrastructure development funds without affecting the local taxpayer.
It also is a mechanism which builds upon its success, for any increase in local tourism will increase the amount of MAT collected by area hoteliers.
The Rainy River Future Development Corp. (RRFDC) and the Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association (NWOTA) worked to implement a similar Destination Marketing Fee a decade ago but to no avail.
The new MAT supports that earlier initiative.
I would like to commend town council, Tannis Drysdale, and all Fort Frances area hotels and motels for their patience and perseverance on this file.
(Signed),
Geoff Gillon
Executive Director,
Rainy River Future
Development Corp.,
Fort Frances, Ont.