Woolwich Approves 2026 Municipal Accommodation Tax Allocation of Funding

Woolwich, ON – The Township of Woolwich has approved the 2026 Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) allocation of funding, investing in local tourism initiatives that support economic development, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen the Township’s position as a year-round destination.

Building on the success of the 2025 program, Township staff collaborated with local tourism and industry partners to develop a strategic funding approach for 2026. The MAT, collected from overnight stays in local accommodations, is reinvested directly into initiatives that attract visitors, encourage overnight stays, and support local businesses.

“This investment reflects Council’s commitment to growing tourism in a way that benefits our entire community,” said Mayor Sandy Shantz. “By reinvesting MAT revenues locally, we’re supporting small businesses, celebrating our heritage, and strengthening Woolwich as a vibrant, year-round destination.”

The 2026 MAT program includes a total investment of $476,500 across a range of initiatives designed to support tourism growth and community vibrancy.

“This year’s MAT investments reflect a strong commitment to growing Woolwich’s tourism economy in a sustainable and strategic way,” said Kurtis Wells, Economic Development and Tourism Officer with Woolwich Township. “By reinvesting visitor-generated revenue into local events, tourism infrastructure, tourism business development, and marketing initiatives, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local businesses and strengthening our communities.”

Key highlights of the 2026 investments include:

Arts, Culture, and Events: Support for signature festivals and cultural experiences, including initiatives led by The Village of St. Jacobs BIA, Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, Kissing Bridge Art Show, WEFT Fest, All That Worldly Jazz Festival, Tiny Art Gallery, U SPORTS Women’s Hockey National Championships, and the National Trust Heritage Conference.

Tourism Infrastructure: Enhancements to visitor experiences through projects such as the St. Jacobs Country Wayfinding Project, Elmira – Waterloo Central Railway visitor shuttle, St. Jacobs Village tractor maintenance and preservation, upgraded production elements at Drayton Entertainment, and development of a Mennonite Story tour bus.

Downtown Maintenance and Beautification: Continued investment in maintaining and enhancing the visual appeal of Elmira and St. Jacobs downtown cores.

Tourism Marketing: Expanded tourism marketing efforts, including the St. Jacobs collaborative campaign, a new visual storytelling initiative, support for Drayton Entertainment visitor marketing, and the introduction of a tourism Ambassador Program.

Tourism Business Development: Support for industry growth through tourism workshops and an annual networking event for local operators. 

Grant Programs: Continued investment through The Woolwich Way – Destination Development Fund and The Woolwich Way – Marketing Material Fund to support local businesses and organizations.

These investments reflect the Township’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable and competitive tourism sector that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

For more information on the MAT Administration Policy and related programs, please visit the Township of Woolwich website.

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Media contacts:

Rae Ann Bauman, Corporate Communications
519-669-6021
communications@woolwich.ca

For more information, contact:

Kurtis Wells, Economic Development and Tourism Officer
519-669-6020
kwells@woolwich.ca