Cañon City Proposes 2.25% Excise Tax for Community Growth

Cañon City is set to introduce a 2.25% excise tax on amusements and experiences, aimed primarily at tourists, to fund community projects and facilities. This proposed tax is viewed as a crucial step in enhancing local amenities and supporting recreational opportunities, particularly as the city continues to experience significant growth and revitalization.

Community Development and Excise Tax Proposal

The initiative comes amidst a wave of positive changes in Cañon City, where Main Street is flourishing thanks to both longstanding and new businesses. Landmark buildings are undergoing restorations, and new ventures are emerging, helping to foster a renewed sense of community pride. The city has also made strides with the river corridor development plan, highlighted by the recent acquisition of the Skyline Steel property and the potential purchase of the Black Hills property. These developments aim to create a more connected and vibrant riverfront, which is vital to the community’s identity.

Additionally, the RE-1 school district, under the leadership of Superintendent Adam Hartman, is investing in state-of-the-art facilities and prioritizing the hiring of exceptional educators. This commitment reflects a broader investment in the youth of the community, ensuring they have access to opportunities that foster growth and development.

Taylor Edrington, the owner of Royal Gorge Anglers, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the community can operate the pool facility that has already received public approval. Edrington argues that the modest tax is a fair means to support this vision. He notes that the majority of those contributing to the tax will be visitors enjoying Cañon City’s natural attractions, rather than local residents.

Clarifying Misconceptions about the Tax

Edrington clarifies that the proposed excise tax will apply to all businesses offering experiences within city limits, not just the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. He points out that while some residents may be concerned about the impact of the tax, the overwhelming majority of revenue will come from tourists.

“Claims that tourism is down or that this small tax will hurt our economy are false,” Edrington asserts. He highlights that Colorado tourism has grown by over 30% in the past decade and nearly 3% in 2025 alone, indicating a robust tourism sector. Visitors to Cañon City will not be deterred by a minor increase in costs when considering the unique experiences available, such as rafting through the world-famous Royal Gorge or fly-fishing on the longest gold medal trout river in North America.

Edrington also addresses misconceptions regarding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s tax status. He asserts that the 4-R Act of 1976 does not exempt private tourist trains, which means that the railroad would be subject to the same tax as other for-profit tourist businesses in the area.

The discourse around this proposed tax has been clouded by misinformation from a small group of individuals and businesses, including Mark and Dawn Greksa of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Edrington accuses them of spreading falsehoods to protect their interests, which he believes undermine the community’s unity.

“This community is smarter and stronger than that,” he states. “We know that investing in our youth, our facilities, and our shared future benefits everyone.”

As Cañon City continues to advance, Edrington urges residents to support the tax proposal, known as 2B, as a means to invest in recreation and education, ultimately propelling the community forward. He sees it as an opportunity for collective progress, encouraging residents to vote in favor of the measure to sustain the momentum that Cañon City is experiencing.