Sault Ste. Marie Council Rejects $50K for Downtown Plaza Events

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Sault Ste. Marie city council has voted against allocating an additional $50,000 from the municipal accommodation tax (MAT) to support events at the downtown plaza. The council decided the existing $18,800 budget for plaza programming was adequate, despite staff recommendations to use more of the MAT funds to activate the public space.

Why it matters

The decision not to increase funding for the downtown plaza events highlights ongoing debates around how Sault Ste. Marie should use its tourism-focused MAT revenue. Some council members believe the existing budget is sufficient, while city staff argued for more investment to drive foot traffic and economic activity in the city center.

The details

Last fall, city council agreed to consider using a portion of the MAT collections to support events at the downtown plaza. Staff then recommended allocating $50,000 in MAT funds, but council rejected that proposal and decided the $18,800 already budgeted was enough. The MAT is a 6% charge on short-term accommodations that the province allows municipalities to use for tourism promotion and development.

• In fall 2025, city council agreed to consider using MAT funds for downtown plaza events.
• On April 14, 2026, city council voted against the $50,000 MAT funding request.

What’s next

The city will proceed with the existing $18,800 budget for downtown plaza programming, though council may revisit the issue of additional MAT funding in the future.