The past four years have been an adventure for many, and David Levesque is no exception. He’s manager of Gatekeeper’s Retreat Bed & Breakfast in Old Town: During the pandemic, he saw business slow significantly for vacation rentals like his in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but with stasis came an opportunity for much-needed change.
The town began bringing the hammer down on unlicensed, rule-breaking short-term rentals that have disturbed some neighbourhoods with loud parties and other activities — and according to some, things are better now.
The council members who’ve served the community since 2018 certainly agree — they’ve been emphasizing this point during their election campaigns this fall.
In December 2020, the town updated the short-term rental bylaw for the first time since 2013, and last July, began a compliance program called Granicus, with a 24/7 support line for resident complaints.
“We used to have over 100 (short-term rentals) that we were chasing,” said Coun. Wendy Cheropita during the all-candidates’ debate night on Sept. 28. “Now, we’re down to just a couple.”
The future, both short-term rental operators and residents say, should see the town keep its control over the situation with stronger, more appropriate bylaws and enforcement.
Last year, the town’s short-term rental subcommittee reviewed the entire bylaw and gave 33 recommendations for changes in July, according to Coun. Gary Burroughs.
“It’s time we did something about it,” Burroughs said during the Sept. 28 debate.
The updated bylaw, he said, [would] distinguish between bed and breakfasts, cottage rentals, villas, and country inns. The two categories will be hosted and un-hosted rentals (where the host lives on the property vs. when they don’t.)
Garrison Village resident John Buchanan said the next term of council should focus on making sure bylaw officers enforce the rules around late-night activity.
Putting the bylaw into action will be on the next term of council’s agenda.