Kenora’s Municipal Accommodation Tax is expected to generate over $850,000 this year.
Right now, the city is planning to spend $714,000 on various projects.
Chief Administrative Officer Kyle Attanasio says the biggest chunk of the funding, $250,000, will be put into reserves for the Community Improvement Plan.
“A formal report is going to come forward that lays out the findings of the CIP work that we’re doing right now,” Attanasio explained to city council recently.
“It will lay out the criteria, and sort of walk through the process. So, it’s just earmarked right now, but council will get to decide how they want to spend that money that we’ve earmarked.”
Director of Economic Development and Tourism Stace Gander they also want to do an economic development study for Kenora’s new hospital in conjunction with the Northern Policy Institute.
“What is the overall economic benefit going to be of a new hospital that’s coming into the community. But this is broader than just the hospital project. This is 115 acres. There’s going to be numerous elements…there is a long-term care facility that’s going in there.”
The city is chipping in $15,000, the NPI $15,000 and FedNor will contribute the rest.
The city will also be putting $140,000 into its tourism marketing campaign and $15,000 for its contribution for a housing needs assessment.
City council was also asked if they want to see some initiatives that will enhance tourism or benefit the community.
A full list of the MAT projects can be found here
(File photo)