The Cowichan Valley Regional District is taking steps to renew a key tourism funding program.
The CVRD, working with Tourism Cowichan, has launched an engagement process to renew the Municipal and Regional District Tax, or MRDT, for the 2027 to 2031 period.
The provincially authorised tax helps fund tourism marketing, visitor services and destination development across the Cowichan region. The MRDT is a tax of up to three per cent on short-term accommodation sales collected on behalf of participating local governments to support tourism programs and projects.
The current MRDT rate in the region is two per cent, and officials are exploring options to increase funding through the renewal process.
Planned steps include stakeholder consultations, development of a five-year strategic plan and gathering support from eligible accommodation providers.
The CVRD expects to submit its renewal application to the province by July 2026.
