Town of Happy Valley Goose Bay
Town of
Happy Valley - Goose Bay
Tourist Accommodation Tax
Beginning March 1, 2026, all rental accommodations – including short-term rentals such as Airbnbs, as well as lodging units – are required to be registered, permitted, and in compliance with provincial and municipal requirements. This will mark the introduction of 4% tax on the nightly rate of all tourist accommodations. This process is aimed at ensuring a safe and lawful environment for operating businesses in the Town, while respecting the broader community.
Accommodation providers will be responsible for registering, obtaining the necessary permits and following provincial and municipal requirements. Accommodation providers are also responsible for remitting collected tax to the Town every quarter. Those who do not comply will be subject to enforcement measures.
All revenue generated through the Tourist Accommodation Tax will be directly reinvested into the community through the upgrade and maintenance of facilities, accessible infrastructure improvement support, community services, and targeted local development initiatives.
Tourist Accommodation By-Law ➡️ What is the Tourist Accommodation Tax?
The Tourist Accommodation Tax is a 4 per cent fee collected on the nightly rate of each accommodation unit. This tax provides the Town of Happy Valley–Goose Bay with a dedicated revenue stream to support tourism promotion and strengthen the Town’s position as a premier destination in Labrador. Funds collected will help enhance visitor experiences, improve local amenities, and support long-term community development.
On December 16, 2025, the Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay officially adopted the Tourist Accommodation Tax By-law under Section C.T-6.2, s.129 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act, S.N.L 2023 with an effective implementation date of April 1, 2026.
Who will be paying the Tourist Accommodation Tax?
All operators of short-term rentals as defined in the Tourist Accommodations Act are required to pay the Tax to the municipality and must also be registered per the Tourist Accommodations Regulations as well as registered with the Town.
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Short-term residential rentals (including Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
- Hotels & Inns
- Motels
- Hostels
How will the funds collected be used?
As per legislation, revenue generated through the Tourist Accommodation Tax will be reinvested directly into the community:
- Upgrading or establishing facilities at key tourism sites (parking, washrooms and visitor information center services);
- Enhancing market readiness and digital readiness of assets and experiences;
- Product experience enhancement;
- Construction, maintenance and enhancement of tourism attractions;
- Directional signage; and
- Projects to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
When do I remit the Tax to the Town?
The Tourist Accommodation Tax will be remitted to the Town of Happy Valley -Goose Bay quarterly:
Period
January – March
April – June
July – September
Oct – December
Due Date
April 30th
July 31st
October 31st
January 31st
What if I do not remit payment to the Town?
The Tourist Accommodation Tax is mandatory. Failure to collect or remit the Tax in accordance with the By-Law permits the Town to:
- Assess an appropriate amount of tax based upon the number of units at a reasonable rate which shall be calculated on the basis of 100 per cent occupancy of the accommodation for the quarter;
- Render the Owner/Occupier personally liable to pay the appropriate rate of tax to the Town;
- Collect as a civil claim from the Owner/Occupier personally;
- Constitute a lien on the property in a like manner as an unpaid business tax; and
- Apply penalties at an accrued interest rate of 1 per cent per month.
FAQs
How much do I remit to the Town?
You will remit 4 per cent of the nightly rate of each accommodation unit. For example, if a nightly rate is $120.00, the accommodation owner will remit $4.80 for each night the accommodation or room is booked.
i.e. $120.00 x 4% = $4.80 30 nights booked x $4.80 = $144.00
If you have more than one accommodation or room in an accommodation that is rented separately, you have remit for each unit.
How do I remit my payment to the Town?
Tourist Accommodation Tax Calculation Forms are available online and for pick up at the Town Office.
Mail, email, or drop forms off at the Town Office quarterly along with your payment. Payment can be made by cheque, credit card (in-person), or EFT to payments@townhvgb.com. Ensure that you indicate the entity on your EFT and reference the Tourist Accommodation Tax.
How do I add this 4 per cent tax to my accommodation?
If you are unsure how to add this Tourist Accommodation Tax to your nightly rental software or platform, please contact your support team.