Area resident Barbara Moody wrote to MidlandToday noting a nuance within a recent government tax incentive by the Ontario government.
Moody has been following the continued meetings of the Tiny Township Short-Term Rental (STR) Task Force as the group of Tiny council, staff, residents and STR owners attempt to sculpt draft bylaw legislation to deal with the contentious issue prior to the upcoming tourism season.
In the letter, Moody wrote that Tiny Coun. Gibb Wishart “has often referred to STRs as a commercial business operating within a residential zone.
Moody pointed out wording in the province’s press release Staycation tax credit, specifically as it relates to the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“My interpretation is that this now legitimizes them (STRs) as being commercial businesses which should not be permitted in a residential zone,” wrote Moody, adding “my understanding is that an STR does not improve the economy like restaurants and the legitimate hospitality sector.”
“This Provincial program will not impact how Tiny may determine to define, zone or license Short-Term Rentals within the municipality,” stated Tiny communications/committee coordinator Jenna Reid through email. “That is the ultimate decision of Council and will not impact the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Task Force’s discussions, as their mandate is clearly defined in the Council-approved Terms of Reference.”