A new short-term rental licensing by-law is in the works and set to take effect January 2023, following Gravenhurst Council’s approval at the May 31st Planning Council.
“We’ve heard from the community that we would greatly benefit from this new licensing platform; it would help ensure compliance of accompanying by-laws and most importantly promote being a good neighbour,” said Mayor Paul Kelly. “I think that is the most important element, mutual respect, so that we can all enjoy our surroundings,” added the mayor.
While the new by-law will not take effect until January, the Community Growth and Development Department is taking proactive measures to promote the new by-law and help introduce and educate those who it applies to. In addition to the by-law, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) will be initiated, which will enable the Town to enforce compliance with regulatory requirements, as opposed to processing through the Provincial Offences Court.
“It is an effective, quick, clear and tangible way for regulators to respond to infractions,” said Kristen Ford-Bickers, Manager of By-law Services. While working on the AMPS program, administration is in the process of developing the framework for the licensing program to be finalized late summer/early fall; elements include annual fees, application requirements, and implementation timelines.
“With this new by-law, every renter must sign off on a code of conduct. In the meantime, there are a variety of other municipal by-laws that are in place to address many of the behaviors that have been described as problematic. These by-laws include those related to open burning, noise, parking, property standards, dark sky lighting, site alteration and site plan control. We will continue enforcement of these by-laws,” said Ford-Bickers
Within the by-law, a Short-Term Rental Accommodation is defined as “the use of a dwelling unit that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, license, rental agreement, or similar arrangement for any period equal to or less than twenty-eight (28) consecutive calendar days, throughout all or any part of the calendar year, unless otherwise prohibited by this by-law or any other by-law of the Town of Gravenhurst.”
Further information will be shared on the Town’s Good Neighbour webpage and through the Engage Gravenhurst Platform as it becomes available. Additionally, the Town will be reaching out to resident and lake associations to advise of the forthcoming by-law.
