In Favour of the Ontario “Staycation” Tax Credit

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Square & Compass Promotions is writing this in support of MPP Wayne Gates’ legislation to create an expanded version of the (former) provincial “staycation” tax credit.

To be a Freemason is to be a traveller.

As Anthony Bourdain stated:

• “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food [or sit in their lodge], it’s a plus for everybody.”

Travel and visitation is an incredibly important part of the Masonic experience.

It is also a very important part of life.

It is also a very important part of local economies (including within Ontario).

As MPP Wayne Gates (from Niagara region) notes:

• “In Niagara alone, tourism is responsible for over 40,000 jobs and 2,800 businesses.” [Heslop, Bonnie “Wayne Gates wants Ford government to bring back staycation tax credit in face of U.S. tariffs” 16 April 2025 https://www.610cktb.com/news/wayne-gates-wants-ford-government-to-bring-back-staycation-tax-credit-in-face-of-us-tariffs.html]

When Masons travel, they expand their masonic experiences while also supporting the communities to which they are travelling.

Being a Freemason (especially a travelling Freemason) means supporting the businesses and people in local communities.

The same is also true of anyone travelling to visit and explore beautiful masonic architecture. As we discussed in our Medium Story: “Masonic Buildings as Tourist Destinations [2022]:”

• “For most, a masonic building represents a meeting place in which masons gather and perform their masonic duties.
• However, a masonic building can represent something else also…a destination which attracts both tourists and locals engaging in a “staycation” to support and spend money within the community!
• Masonic buildings, especially those built during the masonic “boom periods” of the 1920s and 1950s, often encapsulate the magnificence and grandeur that Freemasonry reached in these periods.
• This magnificence and grandeur can attract tourists and locals to either tour masonic buildings or simply admire (or take photographs) of the buildings’ facades.”

In 2025, Ontario residents travel to the US has significantly decreased.

Anecdotally, we at Square & Compass Promotions have also heard many Ontario Freemasons advise that for the foreseeable future they are much less likely to travel to the US.

Based on the following factors:

• 1 — The importance of travel for growth within freemasonry;
• 2 — The importance of travel to and for local economies; and
• 3 — The decline in travel from Ontario to the US

we, at Square & Compass Promotions, fully support MPP Wayne Gates’ legislation to create an expanded version of the (former) provincial “staycation” tax credit.

We also encourage all Ontario masons to support the same.

We ALSO encourage all Ontario masons (if the legislation passes) to take advantage of the “staycation” tax credit and travel within Ontario.

We ALSO (ALSO!) encourage Ontario residents to travel and visit Ontario masonic destinations (including the beautiful Windsor Masonic Temple and Ballroom).

• Visit masonic lodges in a brand new city!
• Check out the masonic buildings and architecture across small town Ontario!
• Attend a masonic banquet or celebration in a brand new town!
• Join masons at our Grand Lodge’s July 2025 Annual Communication.

And, while doing all of the above, enjoy the local restaurants, stay in local accommodations, check out the tourist attractions, and support the business and people of the communities in which you find yourself!

The legislation (if passed) will: “expand eligibility to a wide range of tourism-related expenses and would extend the program permanently to provide long-term support to the sector.” [Heslop, Bonnie “Wayne Gates wants Ford government to bring back staycation tax credit in face of U.S. tariffs” 16 April 2025 https://www.610cktb.com/news/wayne-gates-wants-ford-government-to-bring-back-staycation-tax-credit-in-face-of-us-tariffs.html]

We fully support MPP Wayne Gates’ legislation to create an expanded version of the (former) provincial staycation tax credit, and encourage every Freemason to do the same!

All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any Masonic group.