The Municipal District of St. Stephen Council met in February at the Garcelon Civic Centre to address issues ranging from financial oversight to a controversial tourism accommodation levy.

The meeting opened with a presentation of the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements by accounting firm Teed Saunders Doyle. Peter Logan, representing the firm, assured council that the town remains in compliance with Canada Public Sector standards. He highlighted a significant jump in the property tax warrant, which rose from $5.8 million to $7.8 million following the amalgamation of surrounding communities. Logan also emphasized the importance of $3.9 million in conditional transfers, funding that will support capital projects over multiple years.

Council later approved the financial statements and moved forward with borrowing resolutions from the Bank of Nova Scotia and RBC, aimed at funding municipal services and infrastructure projects.

Tourism Levy Sparks Debate

One of the evening’s more contentious discussions centered on a proposed Tourism Accommodation Levy Bylaw, which would impose a 3.5% charge on overnight stays.

Joe Moffatt, leaseholder of Oak Bay Campground, raised concerns about the impact on tourism. “If this levy goes through, I don’t know how it’s going to affect everyone else, but I think we’re moving backward, not forward,” he told council.

Bed and breakfast owner Susan Thomas echoed those concerns, particularly given the strain on travelers already facing economic uncertainty. “Adding another 3.5% onto the existing 15% tax doesn’t seem fair to our Canadian customers,” she said.

Council did not make a final decision on the levy but acknowledged the concerns from local business owners.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded with plans to present the proposed municipal plan to the public, a step toward shaping the future of St. Stephen’s development.