
The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Ad-Hoc Committee provides support, guidance and strategic advice to Stratford City Council and staff related to the establishment of a City policy for the use of the City’s portion of MAT revenues in the City.
The Ad-Hoc Committee will assist in structuring the guiding principles and make recommendations on the use of the City’s portion of MAT revenues. The principles and recommendations will be consolidated into a policy by City staff and presented to Council for their consideration.
| Background |
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On June 27, 2022, Council directed Staff to implement a 4% MAT on all room nights sold in the City, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals, except where limited by legislation. The introduction of MAT required entering into an agreement with Stratford Tourism Alliance (Destination Stratford) (the Tourism Entity) to share a portion of MAT revenues in accordance with the regulation for strategic tourism destination marketing investments by Destination Stratford. Council has directed MAT funds to date towards the LightsOn Stratford festival that has been installed annually by Destination Stratford. The future use of the City’s portion of MAT revenues are yet to be determined. During the 2025 Budget deliberations, staff were directed to develop terms of reference for an Ad-Hoc Committee that would provide recommendations on the use of the City’s portion of the MAT revenues. |
| Composition |
The Ad-Hoc Committee consists of five (5) members as follows:
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| Terms of Reference |
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Guiding Principles
Quorum A quorum shall be a majority of the whole Ad-Hoc Committee (3). If quorum is not attained within fifteen (15) minutes after the hour set for a meeting, the recording secretary shall call the roll and take down the names of the Members present and the meeting shall stand adjourned until the next meeting is called. Support Staff This Ad-Hoc Committee shall be assisted by the Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer and additional City Staff, who will provide expert advice, technical reports, background information and will prepare the recommendations of the Ad-Hoc Committee, including the drafted policy. Management of the Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting Schedule
Minutes of Meetings
Ad-Hoc Committee Working Process All decisions that lead to the formulation of recommendations for Council consideration will take place at the Ad-Hoc Committee meetings only and not through electronic or other outside exchanges. All pertinent information will be shared with all Ad-Hoc Committee members in advance of meetings. This can include, but not be limited to, meeting minutes, any supplemental information, public input, media requests, etc. Duties and Responsibilities The appointed member of Council is to serve as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee. Chair Preparation:
During Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings:
Specific to decision-making:
Specific to agenda items:
After Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings:
Members Specific roles and responsibilities for the Ad-Hoc Committee Members include: Preparation:
In Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings:
Director of Corporate Services / Treasurer Preparation:
In Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings
City Clerk Preparation:
In Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings:
Remuneration
Procedural Rules
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| Apply to be on the MAT Ad-Hoc Committee |
| The City is now accepting applications for the MAT Ad-Hoc Committee. To apply please complete an Application Form and return by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025. |