Looking for Event Support or Funding?

MRDT Event Funding

SAGreen MRDT Funding

CONTACT INFORMATION

Caitlin Thompson, Project Coordinator

250.833.0608 / projects@saeds.ca

Priority for funding considerations will be given to non-profit events & organizations planning events in Salmon Arm.
Applicants who are planning an existing or re-occurring event will be asked to demonstrate how their event has increased overnight visitors to Salmon Arm, and show major growth or enhancements to the event.
The primary goals of the MRDT event fund program are to increase overnight visitor stays during the 'shoulder seasons' thus resulting in an economic impact to the community and the Shuswap Region.

Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT)

MRDT PROGRAM

What is MRDT?

The Municipal and Regional District Tax (previously known as the Additional Hotel Room Tax) is a 2% tax levied on guests staying at hotels, motels, and other designated accommodations within the city. Following an extensive community consultation process, the Salmon Arm 5-year MRDT business plan was created and endorsed by area accommodators and tourism stakeholders and approved by the Province of British Columbia. This revenue will be used to support and expand tourism programs, tourism projects, and tourism marketing for Salmon Arm. The goal of the program is to increase the number of visitors to our community, ultimately supporting the growth of our tourism businesses.

Purpose

The vision of the Salmon Arm Municipal and Regional District Tax program is that Salmon Arm and the broader Shuswap region will be recognized as an all-season destination of choice for visitors from around the world. The primary focus of the program is shoulder and off-season tourism development which will be achieved by working collaboratively with partner organizations. Success for this program will be measured through increased accommodation occupancy rates.

Who is Overseeing the Implementation of MRDT?

The City of Salmon Arm is the lead MRDT applicant and has entered into a Third Party Service Agreement with Salmon Arm Economic Development Society (SAEDS) to administer the MRDT program on its behalf. An MRDT Committee has been formed by SAEDS, comprising tourism stakeholders who will directly oversee the implementation of the MRDT program in Salmon Arm.

In addition to the program information listed above, the MRDT program will also be used to support community groups hosting events as follows:

1. Marketing Support - For further information, direct questions to contact person listed below.

2. Event Planning Support - For further information, direct questions to contact person listed below.

3. Event Funding Support - In alignment with the MRDT program goals, a small grant fund has been established to assist community organizations hosting events in Salmon Arm. The MRDT Committee will consider all applications received throughout the year at bi-monthly meetings.

A primary decision - Making factor for funding allocation is the attraction of out-of-town visitors who are likely to require overnight stays, during the shoulder seasons.

*It is recognized that events may arise during the course of a year, that don't align with MRDT meeting dates. Under special circumstances, applications that require review before a scheduled committee meeting can be considered for an impromptu vote by committee members. This is determined by the committee members, and requires the availability of voting members.

Event Fund Eligibility Criteria

Applications for funding must be submitted via the on-line MRDT Grant Application Form listed below.
Applications will be accepted from registered non-profit societies, registered charities, or otherwise structured community organizations.
Event date must fall within the program goals of “shoulder” or “off-season” (September to June).
Events which have already taken place are ineligible for funding.
Funding must specifically support an incremental or new activity directly resulting in an increased number of out of town visitors and increased accommodation occupancy rates.
The event must take place within the City of Salmon Arm or prove beneficial to the Shuswap Region.
Organizations must provide a brief outcomes report and accounting of the use of the grant monies within 30 days following the event.
Funding not utilized within 1 year of the disbursal shall be forfeited and the funds shall be returned.
Events that are primarily fundraising focused are not eligible for event funding, but may be supported by other means, marketing or in-kind contributions.