The Township of Oro-Medonte is intensifying efforts against illegal short-term rentals (STRs) by implementing a zero-tolerance approach that involves enforcing municipal bylaws on weekends and leveraging the use of fire and building services in the process.
In addition to fines for an STR operator, the township could seek an injunction against a property found violating its bylaws, meaning increased penalties.
The local Association of Responsible STR’s president, Barry Sookman, called the township’s increased enforcement government overreach.
Sookman said the restrictions on private operators have unintended consequences on those who wish to have a cottage but can’t afford to purchase.
Mayor Greenlaw said the township would investigate complaints on weekends for the time being but added that it intends to return to regular weekday scheduling in the quieter months. However, the amendment could return should complaints increase.