District of Sooke Advances Application for Municipal & Regional District Tax Program

The District of Sooke is moving forward with its application to the Province of British Columbia for the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program. With Council’s endorsement at the April 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting, staff have been directed to submit the completed application package to the Province this week.

If approved, the MRDT could generate an estimated $450,000 annually to support strategic investments in our local economy. Funds collected through the MRDT can be directed to tourism marketing, destination development, visitor services, and community initiatives such as affordable housing. This reliable, performance-based funding supports both immediate and long-term goals for the community.

“Tourism is a pillar of British Columbia’s economy and a strategic investment portfolio for communities,” said Gail Scott, Community Economic Development Officer. “With the MRDT, Sooke will have the resources to strengthen its tourism sector and reinvest in initiatives that benefit both residents and visitors. The application reflects months of engagement with local stakeholders and alignment with provincial criteria.”

Tourism is one of British Columbia’s most dynamic industries, supporting employment across the province and contributing significantly to local business vitality. In Sooke, tourism helps fuel local shops and services, create year-round employment opportunities, and attract new investment. With MRDT funding, the District will be better positioned to enhance tourism offerings, manage infrastructure demands from visitation, and support projects that benefit the broader community.

“Our goal is to create a more self-sufficient, resilient economy,” said Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “Sooke has long been considered a bedroom community, but we’re taking meaningful steps to change that. By leveraging tourism as a key driver, we’re working to deliver social, environmental, and economic co-benefits that enhance the quality of life for residents today—and for future generations.”

Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray added, “The MRDT application is a milestone in our commitment to community economic development. It supports a more sustainable financial model by introducing a new, dedicated revenue stream that doesn’t rely on property taxes. This allows us to proactively invest in community priorities, advance Council’s strategic goals, and foster a thriving, inclusive community for all who live and visit here.”

To learn more about the MRDT, how funds can be used, and to view Sooke’s Tactical Plan, please see the associated staff report.

Related resource:

• Municipal and Regional Destination Tax Program (MRDT) – Destination British Columbia

Quick facts (source: Destination BC):

• The tourism industry in BC generated $22.1 billion in annual revenue in 2023
• This includes $5.2 billion in export revenue and $16.3 billion in restaurant receipts.
• Tourism contributed $9.7 billion to BC’s GDP in 2023, higher than any other primary industry.
• BC Hotels estimates that $4.3 billion in room revenues was generated in BC hotels in 2023

This initiative aligns with Action 1.2 of the CED Strategy, which focuses on developing and implementing a tourism strategy to attract visitors and support local businesses. By advancing the application for the Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, the District aims to secure additional funding for tourism marketing and development, thereby enhancing Sooke's appeal as a tourist destination.