The local municipality will be forced to defend its new zoning bylaw during three separate hearings in late June and October.
Appeals were filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), the provincial board that hears and adjudicates matters related to land use planning, environmental and natural features, heritage protection and more, regarding the township’s new zoning bylaw.
Two of the appeals, brought forth by Good Neighbours Tiny and the Tiny Township Association of Responsible STR Owners, question the zoning bylaw and the new short-term rental licensing bylaw.
These regulations have been heavily criticized by both short-term rental operators and those who have been complaining about short-term rentals ever since they were approved at an August 2022 council meeting.
“I believe it is an atrocious piece of regulatory policy,” said Glen Sloutsky, who addressed council on behalf of the Tiny Township Association of Responsible STR Owners back in February. “Our legal rights are being taken away with this bylaw.”
Those on the other side of the issue are worried the township won’t be able to properly enforce the bylaw and eliminate the rude, disrespectful renters, excessive noise, garbage and beach overcrowding issues that have plagued the township for years.
A five-day hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 23 to 27 to hear these appeals and decide whether the current short-term rental licensing bylaw will be allowed to stand as is.