Welcome to the MRDT Program on Hornby Island

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Hornby Island is a place where the natural beauty of the land and the close-knit community define what makes our home so special. 

The MRDT (Municipal and Regional District Tax) program helps ensure that the benefits of visitations and activity on the island are reinvested in a way that enhances the lives of our residents, supports local initiatives, and strengthens our island’s sustainable growth.

Funds from the MRDT program are collected from visitors staying on the island, including many former residents, family, and friends who return to reconnect with their roots. These funds are directed back into the community, supporting programs and projects with widespread benefits. Our primary focus for these funds is  is on creating opportunities for local enrichment, whether through cultural experiences, local events, or initiatives that engage both residents and visitors in meaningful ways.

The MRDT program ensures that Hornby Island remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and visit. The ESI (Experience and Sports Initiatives) Fund focuses on creating and enhancing community-driven events, experiences, and initiatives that attract a broad range of people to the island while being mindful of the impact on our environment, resources, and ferry capacity.

• Support the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of Hornby Island.
• Position Hornby Island as a preferred multi-night destination, encouraging longer stays during the off-peak seasons.
• Increase visitation during quieter months (Fall, Winter, Spring), spreading the benefits of tourism across the year.
• Ensure that the economic and social benefits of tourism are felt by the residents and the local community.
• Encourage collaboration among local businesses, organizations, and residents to build a rich and sustainable island experience.

By focusing on initiatives that are community-driven and support the well-being of Hornby Island’s residents, the MRDT program contributes to the growth of a vibrant island community that is welcoming, sustainable, and connected. 

                     Thank you for being a part of what makes Hornby Island unique!