During the Council meeting on Tuesday, the city of Sherbrooke expressed interest in implementing a tax on each registered vehicle within its jurisdiction to fund public transportation, mirroring a practice adopted by the greater Montreal area.
Guylaine Boutin, Sherbrooke’s assistant general manager, introduced the proposal, citing Law 39, which grants authorization to impose a registration tax at the municipal level. The city aims to finalize its interest by March 15, 2024, for implementation in 2025.
Mayor Évelyne Beaudin highlighted the measure as a long-awaited opportunity to diversify revenues, emphasizing its importance.
Marc Denault, former president of Société de transport de Sherbrooke expressed concerns over additional charges, cautioning against exceeding a $50 threshold.
Discussions also focused on fund allocation transparency, with officials like Nancy Robichaud advocating for clarity. The Finance Department confirmed the tax’s sole dedication to public transportation.
