Orillia Council has approved a new Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) licence fee structure that will take effect for the 2026 licensing year. The updated fee will be $680 per bedroom, with a maximum fee of $2,040 per STRA property.
Currently, STRA operators in Orillia pay a single flat fee regardless of the size of their rental. The new fee structure aims to create a more equitable system that better reflects the scale of operation and potential impact on surrounding neighbourhoods.
“A per-bedroom fee is a fairer way to distribute costs among operators,” said Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia. “It recognizes that larger properties have greater earning potential and a higher likelihood of requiring enforcement resources compared to smaller rentals.”
The City’s Business Development, Tourism and Modernization Division noted that tourism continues to be a key economic driver for Orillia. The City’s Economic Development Strategy identifies the growth of the tourism sector as one of four major goals over the next five years.
“Short-term rental accommodations play an important role in supporting a diverse tourism economy,” said Michael Ladouceur, Director of Business Development, Tourism and Modernization. “Offering a mix of traditional and non-conventional accommodations helps attract a wide range of visitors to Orillia. The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) collected through these rentals allows the City and Orillia & Lake Country Tourism to reinvest in local tourism development and promotion.”
While supporting tourism growth, staff continue to monitor the potential impacts of STRAs on long-term housing availability and affordability.
For more information about the City’s STRA licensing program, visit orillia.ca/ShortTermRentals.
