Chris in the News: Make room for your new vacation friend

Hamilton Mountain News

July 15, 2010

This summer, a stay-cation may be all we can afford. On July 1, the HST came into effect in Ontario and British Columbia. If you’re planning a sunny weekend with family and friends, make some room for your new friend, the Harmonized Sales Tax!

Here are some of the extra costs you will face with the HST in place:
Green fees for golf: Thinking about hitting the course? You can expect to pay an extra $10 in green fees per person, or the cost of one visit to the refreshment cart.

Local theatre: Perhaps taking in some culture is on your agenda this summer. To support your local theatre company you can expect to pay $6 more for you and a guest.

Camp sites: Getting back to nature and taking in the great outdoors is always on the to-do list for Canadians. Camping will now cost you more, factor in an extra $4.

Gasoline and diesel: Count on $3 more per fill-up, multiply that several times if you’re driving any distance this weekend. How far is it to Wally World again?

Ferry rides: Canada boasts more waterways, lakes, and rivers than we can see in a lifetime. Hundreds of small businesses make their living chauffeuring weekenders along beautiful shores. This weekend, and from now on, you can expect to pay an extra $4 for a family trip.

Fishing licences: If taking your kids fishing is the plan, be sure to factor in $5 more per licence.

Maybe all that planning and travel isn’t your style. Maybe your stay-cation includes a day at the spa, skipping all this HST nonsense. Think again and check your bank account. Manicures, pedicures, facials — for that day at the spa, you can expect to shell out an extra $25 more to be pampered.

The fact is this summer’s vacation will cost you, your family and your friends more.

Thanks, Dalton and Stephen! Happy holidays to you, too!

Chris Charlton is MP for Hamilton Mountain. Columns from the Mountain’s elected provincial and federal representatives appear monthly.