Back to SearchStarting in the new year operators of short-term rentals can begin to apply for licences from the City.
In 2021 Council approved a Licensing and Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for short-term rentals (STRs), such as those operated through online portals like AirBnB and VRBO. These new tools compliment amendments made to the City’s Zoning By-law late in 2020 that redefined STRs as home-based businesses. The amendments, combined with licensing and AMPS, will allow the City to better regulate, and enforce compliance with City by-laws, as they relate to STRs.
The City will introduce the system in a phased approach, starting with Wards 5 and 6 at noon on Jan. 4, 2022. The licensing system will open to properties in Wards 4 and 3 on Feb. 1, and Wards 1 and 2 on March 1. All properties can apply for a licence starting on Jan. 4, however licence applications will not be reviewed until the date associated with the property’s Ward has passed.
“It’s great to see this project coming to fruition, as a City we’ve worked hard to create a fair system that will allow these businesses to operate and support tourism, while balancing the needs of residents and neighbours including preventing some of the negative impacts we have seen in the past like noise complaints, property standards violations and parking issues,” said Manager of By-law Enforcement and Licensing Paul Chudoba.
The creation of an AMPS provides the City with enforcement mechanisms related to by-law and licensing compliance, allowing for monetary penalties to be leveed through an internal process.
In addition to monetary penalties through the AMPS the licensing by-law establishes a system of demerit points associated with various infractions ranging from Fire and Building Code violations to waste, parking and noise related issues. Infractions carry point weights ranging from two to 10 points. Demerit points will remain active against a licence for two years, with penalties, including licence suspension, incurred based on demerit point totals.
To better address issues with STRs the City will also launch a STR hotline, allowing residents to report STRs that are operating illegally or in contravention of municipal by-laws such as property standards. The hotline, at 905.688.5601 ext. 1787 (1STR), will answer calls until 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., a voicemail can be left for a By-law Enforcement Officer to follow up on. Enhanced By-law Enforcement service delivery hours will be provided from Victoria Day to Labour Day, in addition to normal working hours. By-law Enforcement Officers will be available to respond to complaints received Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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