It’s a divisive issue that has sparked heated debate in council chambers and social media all over Northern Ontario: Should short-term rentals be regulated? One side touts the benefits of short-term rentals to local economies while the other expresses concern about the behaviors of renters and whether infrastructure can handle an influx of visitors to the region. The arguments on both sides of the issue are compelling – and the debate is spirited.
In August, Tiny Township enacted a bylaw that requires those who run short-term rentals, like Airbnb, to register and license their places. License applications will be received by the Township between October 4th and November 15th. The regulations also limit rentals to 92 days a year. The township plans to hire more staff to enforce the bylaw.
Allison and Victor Dias are cottage owners who operate short-term rentals in the Magnetawan area. On social media, they are among the most vocal proponents of short-term rentals and are circulating a petition to allow supporters a seat at the table with local government to discuss the issue. Like many owners, they rent their cottages to offset the costs associated with owning property.
“We want to have it emphasized that we are responsible short-term rental owners,” Allison says. “We also love Magnetawan, and we are invested in our community, and many of us just have to be able to do this to maintain our property in Magnetawan. We want to work collaboratively with everyone in the community to address the issues but to do that we need to have the opportunity and we need to have quantifiable data.”
Allison and Victor also point out the significant economic benefits to communities with short-term rentals. The couple employs four people during the peak season and encourages renters to visit local restaurants and businesses.
But to those who oppose short-term rentals, it’s the behaviors of some renters that are the problem. Many lakeside communities in Northern Ontario have taken steps to regulate short-term rentals, saying that it causes disruptions to close-knit communities. Another frequent complaint is renters ignoring lake etiquette and making boating and water sports dangerous for everyone.
But Victor Dias says communities should not be so quick to point the finger at renters. “Yes, we hear these complaints without any real (proof) to back up that the person going down the lake is a short-term renter. There’s never been an investigation to say, yes, that person was renting that cottage.”
Allison adds, “There is a perception amongst full-time residents that if they are not familiar with a face on the lake they automatically assume that it is a short-term renter. Often we’re finding (it’s) the owner and their personal friends or family. We have also been advised by the municipality that they actually don’t formally track the number of complaints. …at this time there doesn’t appear to be statistics backing up the number of complaints that are being brought forward.”
The safety of short-term rentals is one of the top concerns in urban communities. In January 2020, a shooting at a Toronto condo used as a short-term rental left three men dead and two others injured. In 2019, five people were killed at a Halloween party that was listed on the Airbnb site. The company took quick action saying they have “zero tolerance for this type of behavior.” They have since implemented age restrictions for renters and a ban on “open-invite” parties.
Many cottage owners also have strict rental agreements in place to ensure guests are aware that respect for the community is mandatory, and renters must sign off on the agreement. Many owners also will not rent to large groups or have an age requirement. But that may not be enough to satisfy commercial cottage rental businesses who are asking for a level playing field when it comes to zoning and regulations.
Victor says responsible owners want to work with people who oppose short-term rentals while still giving owners the right to earn the income needed to keep their property. “Let’s put a noise bylaw into place, fireworks bylaw – let’s assess the number of issues within a one-year time frame and then determine if we need to proceed with licensing bylaws and regulations.”
So, do YOU think short-term rentals should be regulated? Cast your vote on our 705blackfly.com poll and post your comments on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NorthernBuzz.
