Residents on both sides of the short-term-rental feud continue to voice concerns over Tiny Township’s new short-term-rental licensing bylaw.
Glen Sloutsky addressed council on behalf of the “responsible hosts of Tiny” during a meeting Feb. 1. He mentioned a number of reason why he believes the legislation needs to be amended.
The bylaw, which was passed by the previous council on Aug. 11, limits property rentals to 92 days a year, requires minimum six-day rentals, limits the number of guests to two per bedroom, and introduces restrictions on parking and advertising.
It also requires short-term-rental operators to pay a $1,500 licensing fee, cover the cost of a handful of home inspections, allows for warrantless entry by an inspector, places the responsibility on the operator for any violations or illegal activity that occurs on the property, and discloses the operator’s personal information online.
He requested a pause on enforcement in order to allow for collaborative dialogue between the township and its residents.
If conversations and changes don’t occur, Sloutsky said, the group would have no choice but to take legal action.
The group has already filed an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal.
An appeal of the bylaw has also been filed by Good Neighbours Tiny, a group actively opposing short-term rental accommodations.
Several residents who are part of the contingent pushing back against short-term rentals, also addressed council Feb. 1.
“Although Tiny has had acceptable cottage rentals for decades, a new type of short-term rental has invaded the township, which are more commercialized in nature with the objective being investment for profit making,” said Lafontaine resident Germain Muller. “This has created numerous problems and challenges for residents.”
Muller voiced concerns about rude, disrespectful renters, excessive noise, garbage and beach overcrowding, to name a few.
She was displeased with Tiny’s plan to pass certain responsibilities to a third party and noted many residents are still unsure how the bylaw will be enforced.
Dan O’Rourke, another Lafontaine resident who spoke to council Feb. 1, said the bylaw needs to be in place to cut down on “ghost hotels” — cottages or homes that are solely used as short-term rentals.
While he would like to see some changes made to the legislation, he doesn’t see a reason to pause the licensing program and urged council to keep it in place.
Council is expected to discuss the bylaw during its Feb. 22 meeting.