Home - Town of Shelburne, Nova Scotia

Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program

: Published: Friday, 12 March 2021 10:05

Today, March 12, the Rankin government announced a $7.3 million program to support Nova Scotia’s hotel, motel and inn operators, who have been hard hit by the global pandemic.The Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program Part 2 provides qualified operators a 50 per cent rebate on payment of the first six months of their 2021-22 commercial property tax.This one-time payment will help ease some of the pressures experienced by operators resulting from the restrictions of the pandemic. Operators can use the rebate for any aspect of their business, such as hiring staff, paying down debt, paying utilities or ordering supplies."We know the tourism and hospitality sector has been severely impacted by the global pandemic,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth. "Travel and border restrictions, while important for our health and safety, have meant declines in visitors and ongoing cash flow challenges for our tourist accommodations operators.”Operators who received payments under the first Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program, which provided a 25 per cent rebate on the payment of 2020-21 commercial property taxes, will be automatically eligible.Just over 250 applications were received for the first program at a value of $6.7 million.As municipalities issue property tax bills at different times, the program will remain open throughout the year.Businesses must meet the definition of a roofed accommodation as set out in the Tourist Accommodation Registration Act, be registered as a host under the act, have more than five rooms, not be in arrears of property taxes or property tax installment payments and have experienced a year-over-year revenue loss of at least 30 per cent from April 1 to Oct. 31, 2020.New operators who were not in business before March 30, 2020, may still be entitled to a rebate if they can demonstrate lower than 50 per cent occupancy rate since opening their business.Program information and eligibility criteria will be available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/#support-for-businessQuotes:This is great news. I am so pleased the government has recognized how all of us in the hotel sector have been affected by the pandemic. The rebate program announced today will help us survive. It’s that important to our industry. Jeff Ransome, general manager of the Halifax Marriott HarbourfrontQuick Facts:the industry employs about five per cent of Nova Scotians, or close to 50,000 peoplethe first Tourism Accommodation Real Property Tax Rebate Program provided a 25 per cent rebate on the payment of 2020-21 commercial property taxesas of March 4, $6.7 million has been paid to 252 applicants to the initial program that closed in December 2020provincial pandemic-response programming for the tourism industry to date includes grants, business continuity vouchers and access to low-interest loans and credit. The sector is also being supported with programming, webinars and training.Additional Resources:Tourist Accommodation Registration Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/tourist%20accommodations%20registration.pdfProvincial COVID-19 supports for business: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/#support-for-businessFederal COVID-19 supports for business: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210312001

Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program

: Published: Thursday, 11 March 2021 11:27

Restaurants, gyms, hair salons and small businesses in the service sector are the lifeblood of Nova Scotia’s economy but have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Recognizing that, government is announcing a $7 million rebate program today, March 2, to help the service sector weather the impact of the COVID-19 shutdowns.

The Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program provides qualified businesses a one-time rebate of a portion of their paid property taxes. Qualified businesses can choose a rebate of $1,000 or 50 per cent of the commercial real property taxes paid for the final six months of the 2020-21 tax year.

“This is cash in the pockets for restaurants and other small businesses in the service sector,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “The rebate may be based on property taxes but is designed to be used by business owners to support any aspect of their business, including hiring staff or paying down debt, paying utilities or ordering supplies. We understand and appreciate the sacrifices that restaurants and other businesses in the service sector have made to protect all Nova Scotians.”

Nearly 3,300 businesses are eligible, including dine-in restaurants and drinking establishments; gym and fitness establishments; hair salons and barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments.

“I want to thank those businesses that have been following public health directives,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth. “We know that your businesses have been impacted by these latest necessary public health directives, as we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this virus. This program will provide eligible businesses with financial support.”

More details – including how to apply online– will be available mid-March at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/... .

Sou'West Nova Transit Offering Free Rides

: Published: Thursday, 11 March 2021 11:14

Sou'West Nova Transit is offering free rides to vaccinations!To learn more about Nova Scotia's vaccine roll-outa nd how to book your appointment when you are eligible, visit http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirusvaccine.

Community Clinics for Covid-19 Vaccination

: Published: Thursday, 11 March 2021 11:12

On Monday, March 8 at 7 a.m., 13,000 vaccination appointment bookings for March will open up.Eligibility:Nova Scotia residents 80 years and olderMust be born between January 1 to April 30Online Bookings: http://www.novascotia.ca/vaccinationTelephone Bookings: 1-833-797-7772 (toll-free)You do not need to have received a letter to book an appointment.Important:Booking appointments for those with birth months between May 1 to Aug. 31, and Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, will open later this month.If you’re not born between January 1 to April 30, your information won’t be accepted, and you won’t be able to book.When you book for appointment for your first dose, you second dose appointment will automatically be booked at the same time and location.Clinics will not accept walk-ins. All clinic appointments must be pre-booked.Please be patient. Everyone who wants a COVID 19 vaccine will be able to receive one.

Looking for Volunteer Nominations

: Published: Friday, 29 January 2021 11:28

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Town Council Meetings Update

: Published: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 15:36

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