Those waiting for direction from council regarding short term rentals in Bonfield may be in for a long haul, as the township estimates a 14-month process to review the issue.
Bonfield’s chief administrative officer (CAO), Brian Walker, updated council during its regular meeting on March 22, as per council’s request.
Short term rentals—often listed on sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo—have become a divisive issue for residents. Presentations have been made to council, and petitions circulated both for and against allowing homeowners to rent their property for short periods.
Licences are required to operate short-term rentals in many municipalities, and homeowners “have to sign annual agreements with the municipality.” Limits on how many short-term rentals can exist within a municipality have been imposed, as have occupancy limits regarding how many guests are allowed per square meter of rental space.
Fire and emergency regulations could also need to be revised, same with parking permits, noted Bonfield’s chief administrative officer (CAO), Brian Walker, and investigations might need to be undertaken to identify how natural habitats could be impacted. All of which could mean additional costs, “and most municipalities have had to increase their by-law enforcement staff,” to ensure regulations are followed.