The long-running debate over short-term rentals in Severn Township spilled into council chambers Wednesday morning, as frustrated residents demanded action as councillors agreed to commission a staff report that could shape the municipality’s approach to licensing and enforcement.
The push came in part from a detailed petition signed by residents in Washago, who argued that short-term rentals are operating as commercial businesses in residential zones. They cited specific addresses on Treeline and Shoreview drives, saying the operations violate zoning bylaws and disrupt community life.
Coun. Wanda Minnings, who put the motion before council, said she has been approached repeatedly by residents about the lack of rules and wanted to bring the issue back for formal study.
“I’ve been on council since this term began in 2022, and we haven’t had this discussion in a while,” Minnings said. “Almost all of our sister municipalities, a huge majority across the province, have or are considering short-term rental licensing. Our due diligence as a council is to have staff pull everything together so that we’re working with facts rather than just newspapers or websites.”
She clarified that her motion should not include bed-and-breakfast establishments, since those are owner-occupied and differ significantly from investor-run short-term rentals.
Other councillors largely backed the request for a report.
Coun. Jim McIntyre said the township could not make informed decisions without it, while Deputy Mayor Judith Cox suggested members submit specific questions in advance, such as potential costs, transparency, and enforcement tools, to ensure staff could cover them fully.
Coun. Mark Taylor said Severn should learn from both the successes and failures of its neighbours.
Coun. Philip Brennan agreed, but stressed the need for balance.
“We need a cost-effective program in terms of the taxpayer,” he said. “Short-term rentals are here to stay. We need to protect traditional cottage use while addressing business-oriented operations. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to have an effective program.”
The township’s clerk detailed how enforcement currently works under the Good Neighbour bylaw. Complaints about noise, garbage and parking violations are followed up, but with only two bylaw officers, enforcement is reactive and often slow. Repeat complaints can trigger proactive enforcement, but serious penalties require provincial court action that can drag on for months. Police must handle larger issues, such as parties and trespassing.
Mayor Mike Burkett highlighted the recent case in Tiny Township, where the municipality won a landmark decision upholding its right to regulate rentals, though the matter is under appeal.
He also pressed staff to clarify whether Severn’s own zoning bylaws already prohibit commercial enterprises in residential areas, as many residents believe.
Council voted to have staff return with a report in late fall, likely November or December, pulling together case law, municipal examples, zoning implications and possible licensing frameworks.
Minnings closed the discussion by stressing the request is about building a foundation — not rushing into a bylaw.