Magnetawan’s short-term rental bylaw is on track for a major overhaul after council and short-term rental provider Justin Bellon agreed to hold a special public meeting within the next two weeks, aiming to adopt a final, clarified bylaw by year-end.
Bellon spoke to council Oct. 8, representing short-term rental providers in the Magnetawan area.
- The municipality plans to remove the “three-week rule” from the bylaw which previously allowed property use by family or friends without a licence for up to 21 days.
- The current seven-day minimum rental period for the off-season will likely be removed. Operators successfully argued this change is necessary to allow for more flexible weekend and shorter-term rentals, which they said is crucial for attracting tourists and supporting local businesses outside of the main summer season.
- It is expected a proposal to reduce of the maximum number of licenses to 40 from 70 will be rejected. The number will likely remain at 70 or the limit will be removed in order to encourage all existing operators to become licensed.
- Council is proposing to remove the demerit point system from the bylaw, with deputy clerk Erica Kellogg calling it excessive administration. Fines will remain the mechanism for enforcement against licensed operators who contravene the rules.
The next step is for town staff to draft the revised bylaw document, which will then be posted on the municipal website for all stakeholders, licensed short-term rental operators, residents and the wider community, to review.
The forthcoming special open council meeting will serve as the final negotiation and consultation step.