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The regulations, designed to balance supporting Orillia’s local tourism industry while ensuring responsible hosting, safe accommodations and the livability of city neighbourhoods, have yielded positive results in a short span of time.

“The City’s short-term rental regulations are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and surrounding residents,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “The level of compliance we’ve seen so far is encouraging and we hope that this continues during the busy summer season.”

Currently, there are 22 licensed short-term rental locations in Orillia and more are anticipated to register in the next several months. The City has utilized the enforcement provisions in the Short-term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law, and eight charges have been laid to date in an effort to gain compliance.

“Our compliance level exceeds expectations so far, especially considering the relatively short period since the implementation of the by-law,” said Ian Sugden, General Manager of Development Services and Engineering. “Known operators have either registered, removed their listing or transitioned to long-term rentals.”

Reporting Concerns:

Concerns regarding licensed short-term rental accommodations should first be directed to the responsible person listed for each location. The list can be found at orillia.ca/ShortTermRentals. If a complaint is filed with the responsible person and no action is taken, please see the chart below for a list of agencies to contact to report various types of concerns.

Chapter 730 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code – Short-Term Rental Accommodations establishes standards and requirements for short-term rental accommodations including measures such as fire safety regulations, noise control and adequate insurance coverage. The program allows the City to monitor and manage the short-term rental market in Orillia. The licensing ensures compliance and establishes a clear process for addressing issues and complaints using a demerit point system to assist with enforcement.

For more information on Orillia’s short-term rental regulations, including a list of licensed locations, visit orillia.ca/ShortTermRentals.

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The Council has proposed a new bylaw that will license, regulate and govern STRAs and is aimed at addressing the critical concerns surrounding this booming industry. These concerns were identified through a number of community discussions and a public survey in the summer of 2023 with 488 respondents.

At its core, the problem isn’t the practice of short-term renting of properties but rather the behaviours that often accompany these rentals. Complaints range from nuisance behaviour, such as noise violations, to concerns about safety and health. Muskoka Lakes is known for its serene and peaceful environment, and vacationers sometimes fail to recognize the need for quiet and solitude valued by permanent residents and cottagers, explained Muskoka Mayor Peter Kelley in an interview with Muskoka411.

“In most cases, the actual landowner is not present, there’s nobody there representing the operator of the short-term rental business, and so it’s like an unsupervised commercial resort hotel, and it’s been leading to all sorts of issues,” said Kelley.

The draft bylaw, which could be modified after today’s discussions once the Council reviews the feedback they received, states that:

• A STRA is defined as 28 consecutive days or less. However, a premises rented for 14 days or less per year it is not considered a STRA.
• A STRA can only be rented out half the time. (50 per cent of the days in the summer months and 50 per cent of the rest of the year)
• For the summer months, the length of stay must be a minimum of seven consecutive days. For the balance of the year, the minimum stay must be a minimum of three consecutive days.
• A responsible person must be available to respond to concerns with a STRA within one hour.
• A license will be required to operate a STRA at a cost of $1000 for two years. With a license application, required submissions include proof of insurance, a site map, floor plans, proof of sewage disposal system maintenance, fire safety plan and photos.
• Non-compliance results in demerit points. Fifteen demerit points will result in a license being suspended.
• An inspection of the STRA may be required with the application or at any time after a license is given.
• The Township intends to utilize tracking software to monitor STRA activity with a 24/7 hotline to report concerns. This system comes at a cost of $ 75,000 per year for the Township.
• Fines of up to $10,000 per day and up to a maximum of $100,000 will be issued for violating this bylaw or any other bylaws.

The draft bylaw can be seen in its entirety here.

Jayne McCaw, President of Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, who has operated over 3000 rentals over the last nine years, was the first member of the public to raise and speak on the bylaw Tuesday.

McCaw and others who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting disagree with the Council’s assessment that short-term renters are a major source of noise disturbances. “Noise complaints can be anybody,” she told the Council. In her experience, it is often the property owners who are responsible for the noise, and the complaints that are levied at renters are the fault of a small handful of “negligent owners” who will “rent to anyone who will pay without regard for neighbours and the community,” McCaw said in an email to Muskoka411.

Others who spoke at the meeting made the case that the Township would be better served if the Council found a way to address the noise and safety concerns specifically without punishing responsible rental hosts.

“The proposed bylaw will do nothing to curb the main issues and complaints that were expressed in your survey that was conducted last summer and is simply an unfair tax on the vast majority of STR hosts that follow the rules,” said Dave Warner, a property owner on Skeleton Lake. “The Township of Muskoka Lakes doesn’t have a short-term rental problem. It has a bylaw enforcement problem.”

In our interview with Mayor Kelley, we asked why this new STRA bylaw is necessary when existing bylaws address noise and safety concerns.

“With our conventional bylaw enforcement (when we) try to enforce noise violations, we’re pretty powerless to do much about it other than issue a ticket, but we’re not issuing a ticket to a landowner,” said Kelly. In order to target the property owners when violations take place, the Township needs to know who owns the property and “the licensing system requires that kind of disclosure.”

Additionally, the consequences for repeat offenders need to be “more dramatic than a $50 fine,” Kelly expounded. The proposed bylaw would provide more “toothiness” to enforcement. “If you’re persistent and refuse to get on board, you’re going to lose your license to operate your business.”

Another issue raised was the economic impact this bylaw could cause. McCaw and others argued that “by over-regulating the licensing system, the council is risking making STRAs overly complicated and expensive, which directly risks the Township’s continued economic success,” said McCaw. “For every dollar a renter spends on accommodation, they spend two dollars locally.”

McCaw asked the Council to give exemptions and special treatment to cottage rental agencies like hers that are already licenced under the Travel Act.

Several community members spoke passionately about how rental income has made their dream of cottage ownership or homeownership a reality or allowed them to keep a property in their family for many generations. They worry that if this bylaw passes, the restrictions on short-term rentals and licencing fees would make it too costly to cover their property expenses.

“It’s allowed me to hold onto the family cottage, which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise,” said Earl Gardner, who has owned a cottage on Lake Rosseau for 64 years.

One advocate at the meeting for the proposed bylaw was Laura Ender, who is a waterfront property owner in Utterson, and both her next-door neighbours are full-time Airbnb operators.

“As the majority of speakers this morning have mentioned, their focus is the economic impact. Few have mentioned all of the other impacts this has,” said Ender. She described a multitude of problems with having short-term renters next door, including the loss of privacy, garbage disposal, and the impact on private gravel roads, septic systems and watershed zones.

Her most significant concern was the safety of her children when renters let their dogs off-leash. “Each and every guest last summer on both sides brought a dog, or more than one dog with them, said Ender. “Every time when a new renter checks in, I have to ensure that me and my family are on guard to see if this new dog is friendly… (the renter’s dogs) often jump on our children, and I’m left to fear what are the risks here that I’m going to have to incur.”

The next step in the process towards STRA licencing is for the Council to review the comments made at this meeting and make the necessary revisions before considering approval.

The post Muskoka Considers Licensing Short-Term Rentals appeared first on Muskoka411.

Public Meeting Date: February 13^th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

This public meeting will be held in a hybrid forum with both electronic participation via ZOOM, and in-person participation for those wishing to attend in person. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, Ontario and will commence at 9:00 a.m. More information about viewing and/or participating via ZOOM is included in this Notice and can be found on our website at www.muskokalakes.ca. Members of the public may also observe the proceedings by accessing the live webcast at www.muskokalakes.ca.  If the live webcast fails, the meeting recording will be posted at https://muskokalakes.civicweb.net/Portal/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed Short Term Rental Licensing By-law is available on the “Engage Muskoka Lakes” webpage dedicated to the Short Term Rental project or from the By-law Division weekdays between 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Municipal Office, or at  rkennedy@muskokalakes.ca or by phone at (705)765-3156, by Fax at (705) 765-6755, or by mail at The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Box 129, Port Carling, Ontario, P0B 1J0.

Please reference “Draft Short Term Rental By-law” in your correspondence.

ANY PERSON may make verbal representation by participating either in person or via the ZOOM meeting and/or may make written representation prior to the meeting. Comments can be submitted by emailing bylaw@muskokalakes.ca or by regular mail or the Municipal Office drop box outside the main entrance to the Municipal Office located at 1 Bailey St., Port Carling.

DATED at the Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes this 3^rd day of January, 2024..

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Short-term rental operators can begin to submit applications now for compliance beginning January 1, 2024. Licences must be renewed annually.

Applicants must submit the following items when applying for a licence:

• Certificate of insurance;
• Complete floor plan of the property;
• Site diagram;
• Signed licensee code of conduct and acknowledgement;
• Articles of incorporation or other incorporating documents if the property is owned by a corporation;
• Wood energy technical transfer report if there are any wood burning appliances in the property;
• Proof of septic system pump-out, if applicable, dated within the last five years;
• Fire inspection certificate; and a
• Building inspection certificate.

A short-term rental is a term used when all or part of a dwelling is used to provide accommodations for less than 28 consecutive days and can occur in various forms of residential dwellings, such as detached and semi-detached homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartments. The short-term rental licensing program does not apply to hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.

The Town’s By-Law Enforcement branch monitors short-term rental activity and related concerns within Bracebridge. The licensing by-law will be enforced using a demerit point system and monetary penalties may be incurred. To submit a complaint regarding a short-term rental property, please call 705-645-5264 ext 3250 or email bylaw@bracebridge.ca.

To learn more about the short-term rental licensing by-law and review the requirements, visit bracebridge.ca/STRA.

The post Bracebridge Introduces New Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing Program appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Orillia Council has approved regulations for short-term rental accommodations that are meant to strike a balance between supporting our local tourism industry while ensuring responsible hosting, safe accommodations and the livability of our neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We heard from residents that short-term rentals were becoming an issue in Orillia, and I believe that this is an appropriate solution.”

Chapter 730 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code – Short-Term Rental Accommodations establishes standards and requirements for short-term rental accommodations to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and surrounding residents. This includes measures such as fire safety regulations, noise control and adequate insurance coverage.

Under the new by-law, all short-term rental operators are required to obtain an annual licence from the City. This will enable the municipality to monitor and manage the short-term rental market in Orillia with a cap of 150 operating short-term rental accommodations at one time. The licensing will help ensure compliance with regulations and establish a clear process for addressing issues and complaints using a demerit point system to assist with enforcement. Residents will be able to report concerns to the City, which will investigate and take appropriate action in response to non-compliance with the regulations.

The annual licence fee will be $2,000 and is anticipated to fund the cost to administer and enforce the program. Under the new by-law, short-term rental accommodation providers will be required to collect Municipal Accommodation Tax, which will bring in further funding to promote the local tourism industry.

As part of the approval on Sept. 11, 2023, Council adopted the new by-law effective Jan. 1, 2024 and approved funding for compliance monitoring software and hiring a full-time staff member to begin in October 2023 to build and administer the program and to enforce the new by-law once in effect.

“Staff reviewed short-term rental accommodation regulations at numerous municipalities to learn what has worked best to help build our approach for implementation in Orillia,” said Shawn Crawford, Director of Legislative, Building, Parking and Transit Services. “Once we have the appropriate staff member hired later this year, the City will be reaching out to short-term rental accommodation operators in Orillia to raise awareness about the regulations and requirement for licensing beginning in 2024.”

Until the new by-law comes into effect, the City’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers as well as the Ontario Provincial Police will continue to enforce the by-laws currently in place that regulate various issues related to short-term rental accommodations such as noise, dogs at large, parking, garbage accumulation, and open-air burning.

For more information regarding short-term rental accommodation regulations in Orillia, please visit orillia.ca/ShortTermRentals.

The post Council Approves Short-Term Rental Property Licensing Regulations appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The use of short-term rental accommodation properties has increased immensely over the past few years, not only Muskoka Lakes, but across the globe,” said Mayor Kelley. “There have been a number of discussions as it relates to Short Term Rentals in Muskoka Lakes and as a result, the Township is looking to the community for input to determine how to best regulate Short Term Rental Properties.”

A Short Term Rental is defined as, all or part of a dwelling unit, rented out for less than 28 consecutive days in exchange for payment. This excludes hotels, motels, resorts and traditional bed and breakfast establishments.  A Short Term Rental can be on an urban, rural or waterfront property.

Members of the public are encouraged to view the Short Term Rental properties page on the Township’s community engagement platform –  www.engagemuskokalakes.ca –  and provide your thoughts and opinions before July 4, 2023.

In addition to the online survey, the By-Law Division will be hosting a future Public Open House.

The post Township Of Muskoka Lakes Seeking Public Input On Short Term Rental Properties appeared first on Muskoka411.

Virtual Public Open House
Tuesday, November 1 | 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Meeting Link

In-Person Public Open House
Tuesday, November 15 | 4:30 to 7:30 pm
Bracebridge Sportsplex, 110 Clearbrook Trail

In consultation with WSP Canada, the Town is working to create a program for short-term rental accommodations that will include consideration of amendments to the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and Licensing By-law, as well as a municipal accommodation tax. Participate in the open house sessions to learn more about short term rental accommodations, watch a detailed presentation from WSP Canada and provide your feedback. A recording of the November 1 virtual session will be shared online after the event for those unable to attend.

A short-term rental or short-term accommodation is when all or part of a dwelling unit is used to provide over-night accommodations for a period that is equal to or less than 28 consecutive days in exchange for payment.

Beginning May 19, 2022 all property owners who offer a short term rental accommodation in Bracebridge are required to register their property and obtain a licence to operate legally in accordance with By-law No. 2022-032.

To learn more about short term rental accommodations, visit engagebracebridge.ca/STR.

“I encourage everyone to participate in one of the open houses to help shape a short-term rental accommodation plan that best represents Bracebridge. The Town is committed to working with stakeholders and interested parties to achieve an approach that reflects the values and priorities of our town.” – Stephen Rettie, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Bracebridge

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All those operating a STRA are reminded that they must be licensed with the Town and registered with OHRMA for the MAT program.

For more information on the program or to apply, Please visit www.huntsville.ca

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The Town of Gravenhurst — also known as the Gateway to Muskoka — just announced it would implement a licensing program for the municipality’s coveted short-term rental properties.

The picture-perfect region is a popular choice for cottage-seeking vacationers with dollars to drop; that is, if they’re able to score a rental before it’s booked solid for the season due to off-the-charts demand.

The move to implement a licensing program comes following a November 16 council meeting after a report by Melissa Halford, director of development services, and a presentation by Jeff Loney, manager of economic development.

A year ago, Gravenhurst voted in an information campaign to better inform both renters and property owners of their rights and responsibilities so all-too-common short-term rental horror stories are avoided. Essentially, it educates both renters and property owners about local bylaws.

But many passionate local voices said the move simply wasn’t enough. Things like partying, fire concerns, and excess garbage are too often the reality in cottage country when it comes to bad apple short-term guests.

So, this past summer, the Town of Gravenhurst conducted a survey to gauge what people thought should be done about short-term rentals.

Of 343 respondents, 184 were in favour of educating renters and property owners; 91 were in favour of licensing short-term rentals; 92 were in favour of licensing short-term rentals and restricting their location; 70 were in favour of prohibiting short-term rentals; and 50 respondents were in favour of relying on existing bylaws.

Short-term rentals undoubtedly contribute to the local economy and ensure more people can discover and enjoy the pristine part of the province. But they’re just in need of a little fine tuning to protect all parties involved.

“Gravenhurst has taken a very positive step in managing some of the challenges that short-term rentals can present. As with most municipalities (and in fact cities and towns across the world), local governments have had to grapple with the significant change that short-term rentals have brought to their areas,” says Maryrose Coleman, co-founder and director of Muskoka District Rentals.

Muskoka District Rentals, a local staple when it comes to luxury cottage rentals, submitted a statement to the Town of Gravenhurst recommending licensing as a viable way to both manage rentals and help the township track those owners that are not being respectful.

“While the vast majority of owners and renter guests are respectful of the quiet enjoyment of the property and of their neighbours, there are always a few bad eggs who disrupt the neighbouring properties,” says Coleman. “This is most often with excessive noise and can be innocent as the fact that not everyone is aware of how sound not only travels but amplifies over water. Occasionally we have a less than respectful guest, or worse, an owner renting on their own with no concern for the neighbours, who is simply trying to ‘make a buck’ and gives renting a bad rap.”

The best route for buyers and renters is to use a trusted service to avoid both unnecessary headaches and rental scams.

“As a premiere luxury rental agency in cottage country, one of our primary goals is to ensure that guests have a wonderful time at their rental property while at the same time respecting the enjoyment of the lake for the neighbours. while at all times protecting our owner’s valuable real estate assets,” says Coleman.

“Our guests sign a contract that outlines the concept of respect for the quiet enjoyment of the lake and are also given copies of the Good Neighbours Code as well as the Safe Quiet Lakes Boaters Code. We ask our owners to let their neighbours know they will be renting with us and to give them our contact details in case they have any concerns. Happily the vast majority of the time we have happy owners, neighbours, and happy guests!”

As for the fate of the licensing program, the next steps include assessing costs associated with implementing the program, what information will be gathered, and if staff must be hired to help.

Gravenhurst won’t be the first cottage country region to make the move: both Lake of Bays and the Town of Huntsville have their own licensing programs for short-term rentals.

Click here for the original article.

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