London's Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee Reviews Tourism Funding and 2027 Rates

London's Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee reviewed tourism funding, 2027 water and wastewater rates, municipal recreation fees and reporting on decisions made under delegated authority. The committee approved the 2027 utility rates and amended municipal fees, including a freeze on City-delivered registered and drop-in recreation fees at 2026 levels for 2027.

The fee changes are expected to reduce revenue by approximately $131,000, with the shortfall referred to the 2027 budget process. The meeting was the committee's final meeting of the current council term.

Topics Discussed

MUNICIPAL ACCOMMODATION TAX

The committee reviewed Tourism London's annual report on the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), which is paid by overnight visitors at hotels, motels and short-term rentals rather than through municipal property taxes.

Councillor Elizabeth Peloza said, "This isn't the London taxpayers' money. This is coming from tourism dollars coming to the city and then being reinvested in different events and infrastructure." Half of the MAT revenue goes to Tourism London for marketing and event attraction, while the other half supports municipal tourism infrastructure. Staff identified the Canada Life Place expansion as a previous allocation.

Tourism London representative Ms. Finn described the tax as "an incredible game-changer" for attracting events, including the World Figure Skating Championships. Councillor Jerry Pribil called for London to use its UNESCO City of Music designation to promote local musicians and events.

Staff said they are reviewing whether Tourism London's reporting schedule can be aligned with the city's tourism infrastructure reserve fund report.

2027 WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES

The committee approved the staff recommendation for 2027 water and wastewater rates by a vote of 14–0. No members of the public spoke during the scheduled participation meeting before the vote.

RECREATION FEE FREEZE AND MUNICIPAL FEE CHANGES

The committee approved an amendment moved by Mayor Josh Morgan to keep City-delivered registered and drop-in recreation program fees at 2026 levels through 2027.

Morgan proposed "freezing those rates at the 2026 levels for 2027" for programs involving individuals and families. The freeze applies to registrations for municipal programs listed in the City's Spectrum guide. It does not apply to facility rentals or several other services, including arenas, pools, courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields, Labatt Park, Storybook Gardens, picnic sites, special events, leadership and training programs, or seniors' bus trips.

Staff said the City does not distinguish between residents and non-residents when people register for recreation and sport programs. The amendments are expected to reduce revenue by approximately $131,000, with the shortfall referred to the 2027 budget update process.

Councillor Corrine Rahman raised concerns about unequal access to recreation services across neighbourhoods, saying, "Who is actually benefiting is part of the discussion that we need to continue to have at this council because it's not equal across the city."

DELEGATED AUTHORITY REPORTING

Councillor Susan Stevenson, seconded by Councillor Steven Hillier, proposed additional public reporting on decisions made by city staff under the Delegation of Authority bylaw.

The motion directs staff to report back with "a jurisdictional scan of other municipalities' best practices and recommendations on how to provide the highest level of transparency and public reporting" on delegated decisions.

Stevenson said there had been difficulty obtaining information about some delegated decisions, including through freedom-of-information requests where information had been redacted. City Administration said it would review reporting practices, examine approaches used by other municipalities and consider the potential cost of a centralized public reporting portal.

The City Manager said the review is expected to return to committee in the first quarter of 2027, under the next council term.

END OF THE COUNCIL TERM

The meeting was the final Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee meeting of the current council term. Chair Josh Morgan thanked committee members and recognized Councillor Corrine Rahman for serving as vice-chair while he was ill.

Motions

• 2027 Water and Wastewater Rates: Passed unanimously, 14–0.
• Amendments to the Consolidated Fees and Charges By-law: Passed unanimously, including the freeze on 2027 City-delivered registered and drop-in recreation program fees.
• 2027 Budget Update Referral: The estimated $131,000 fee-related revenue shortfall was referred to the 2027 budget update process.
• Delegated Authority Reporting Review: Passed, directing staff to examine reporting practices and administrative options. The review is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
• Adjournment: Passed following a motion by Councillor Paul Van Meerbergen, seconded by Councillor Steven Hillier.

Attendees

Councillors identified as present in the excerpt:

• Mayor Josh Morgan
• Councillor Skylar Franke
• Councillor Elizabeth Peloza
• Councillor Jerry Pribil
• Councillor Corrine Rahman
• Councillor Susan Stevenson
• Councillor Steven Hillier
• Councillor Paul Van Meerbergen

City staff and presenters identified:

• Ms. Barbon, city staff
• Ms. Smith, city staff
• Ms. Finn, Tourism London