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Page 1 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Reference Committee
Staff Report
To
Community Safety Committee
Subject
Short-Term Rentals Regulation
Date
March 26, 2025
Ward
All Wards
From
S. Schlichter, Director of Economic & Creative
Development
W. Cooke, Director of Legislative & Court Services
Executive Member Approval
B. Araniyasundaran, General Manager of Infrastructure
and Growth Management
J. Schmidt, General Manager of Community & Corporate
Services
CAO Approval
M. Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer
Recommendation(s):
1.
That the Report to the Community Safety Committee dated March 26, 2025,
concerning the regulation of short-term rentals be received for information purposes.
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this report is to respond to City Council direction identified in motion 24-
G-033 to provide the Community Safety Committee with information concerning the
regulation of short-term rentals.
Motion: On March 6, 2024, City Council adopted motion 24-G-033 regarding SHORT
TERM RENTALS which directed:
"1. That staff in the Legislative and Court Services Department in consultation with
the Economic and Creative Development Department investigate options to further
regulate and enforce Short Term Rentals in order to curtail some of the issues such
as noise, waste and concerns associated with people renting homes that are not
their principal residence and report back to the Community Safety Committee.
"2. That the Barrie Police Services Board be requested to provide correspondence
back to the Community Safety Committee concerning options for a tiered response
by the Barrie Police Service to address complaints concerning Air BnB's especially
if they have received multiple complaints about an individual property."
Page 2 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Key Findings:
Present Situation in Barrie
Number of STRs: The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming identifies 560 short-
term rentals in Barrie as of May, 2024. This report shows the property count to be steadily
growing year-over-year with an increase of 13% from May, 2023 and an increase of 65%
from May, 2019. A slight decrease has been noted for December, 2024 of 503 available
listings.
STR types: Highlights of the distribution of STR property types in Barrie include:
-
65-66% of available listings are for houses
-
46-48% of available listings have 1 bedroom
More specifically, of the total amount of STRs in Barrie between May and December, 2024
are estimated between 368 - 400 houses and 114-124 apartments.
STR complaints: Of the 560 STRs, a small number have received complaints which have
been brought to the attention of City staff and members of Council.
Complaints received: Through Municipal Law Enforcement, City staff determined that for
the period of June 2023 to December 2024, only five complaints were received in relation
to STRs and that these five complaints were in relation to two STR properties. Staff also
reviewed through Service Barrie that for the period of October 2023 to December 2024
only two complaints and 11 inquiries were received in relation to STRs.
STR mentions: The above numbers reflect complaints and inquiries that identified an STR.
If a complaint or inquiry is made and the complainant does not identify that it is in relation
to an STR, then City staff would be unaware.
STR Complaint Management
STR complaint management bodies: STR complaints are managed by the City of Barrie,
Barrie Police Services, Barrie Fire, Airbnb, and other internet-based accommodation
sharing platforms.
City STR complaint management: City By-laws which impact short-term rentals include
parking, property standards, burn permits, and noise. By-law enforcement information can
be found on the City of Barrie website at barrie.ca/bylawenforcement which outlines that
City staff take reports regarding all by-law violations at 705-739-4241 and
[email protected]. Residents are also able to file by-law complaints via the
City of Barrie app. Enforcement Services monitors compliance with By-laws and takes
action when necessary.
Page 3 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
BPS STR complaint management: Non-emergency complaints related to noise,
disturbance of the peace, damage/mischief to property or suspicious circumstances can
be reported to and enforced by Barrie Police Services (BPS) via the Barrie Police Service
Online Reporting System found at barriepolice.ca/services/online-reporting or by phoning
their non-emergency phone number 705-725-7025. Details on these complaints can only
be disseminated through a Freedom of Information Request submitted via BPS's online
portal found at barriepolice.ca/services/foi-request-form/.
Barrie Police Services only identify residences by address and not by their designation.
They do not have data specific to STRs.
BFES STR complaint management: Barrie Fire and Emergency Service reported six
complaints were received from July 2022 to December 2024 specific to open air burning
for an STR property. Violations were found in three of the cases. Barrie Fire does not collect
data specific to STRs; the aforementioned property was identified as an STR via other
sources.
BPS Proposed Tiered Response Plan
BPS response: In response to #2 of motion 24-G-033 regarding SHORT TERM RENTALS
which directed the Barrie Police Services Board, "...to provide correspondence back to the
Community Safety Committee concerning options for a tiered response by the Barrie Police
Services to address complaints concerning Air BnB's especially if they have received
multiple complaints about an individual property," the Barrie Police Services Board stated
in an email received by City staff on April 19, 2024, that, "... we only identify residences as
address and not by their designation. We would not have data for this type of request."
[See Appendix "A" BPSB Response Airbnb 24-G-033]
Financial Implications:
There are no financial impacts associated with this report as the report has been
submitted for information purposes only.
Potential financial impacts: Should the Community Safety Committee choose to provide
further direction to staff regarding the regulation of short-term rentals, the section titled
"Analysis - Estimate of Resources Required to Regulate Short-Term Rentals" beginning
on page 9 of this report provides resourcing considerations.
Alternatives:
No alternatives: Given that there are no recommendations being made to the Community
Safety Committee as the report has been submitted for information purposes only, there
are no alternatives proposed.
Page 4 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Strategic Plan Alignment
Additional Background Information and Analysis:
Background - Terminology
By-law 2019-022 references internet-based accommodation sharing platforms that provide
accommodation for a continuous period of less than 30 nights, otherwise known as short-
term rentals (STRs).
STRs do not include the following:
-
Universities and colleges;
-
Hospitals, private hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes,
hospices or treatment centres;
-
Houses of refuge or lodging for the reformation of offenders;
-
Charitable, non-profit philanthropic corporations organized as shelters;
-
Short-term shelter accommodation provided by the City or its agencies;
-
Tent or trailer sites provided by a campground, tourist camp or trailer park;
-
Accommodation supplied by employers to their employees in premises
operated by the employer; and
-
Every hospitality room in an establishment that does not contain a bed and is
used for displaying merchandise, holding meetings or entertaining.
Background - Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
MAT: The City of Barrie began implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on
January 1, 2019 for hotels, motels and inns. This was extended to internet-based
accommodation sharing platforms for STRs on February 11, 2019 following discussions
with Airbnb Ireland UC (Airbnb), who approached the City of Barrie about the development
of a Voluntary Collection Agreement between both parties.
Affordable Place to Live
Community Safety
Thriving Community
Infrastructure Investments
Responsible Governance
x
The recommendation of this staff report
aligns with Council's goad of responsible
governance as it does not recommend
taking
any
action
without
further
investigation.
Page 5 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
VCA with Airbnb: On April 15, 2019, the City of Barrie and Airbnb finalized and entered
into a Voluntary Collection Agreement for the collection of the MAT.
The City of Barrie was one of the last municipalities to establish an agreement with
Airbnb, and while the initial intent was to establish agreements with other internet-based
accommodation sharing platforms that serve STR properties in Barrie, no other platforms
currently collect and remit the MAT to the City of Barrie.
Tourism Barrie's role with MAT: As the City's "Tourism Entity," Tourism Barrie collects
the MAT from hotels, motels and inns and remits the City's portion on a quarterly basis as
per the MAT Agreement between Tourism Barrie and the City of Barrie.
Airbnb MAT: Alternatively, Airbnb remits its MAT directly to the City of Barrie and the City
remits Tourism Barrie's portion to them, also on a quarterly basis.
Background - STR Complaint Management by Airbnb
Airbnb complaint management: On September 18, 2023, City staff met with Airbnb Policy
Manager for Canada to gain insight into Airbnb's processes for receiving and handling
complaints about Airbnb properties:
-
Airbnb has its own property standards and parties or promotion of parties are
not permitted on the platform.
-
Airbnb has an investigative arm for complaints that reviews both what the host
and guests are promoting on the platform.
-
Airbnb
provides
24-hour
neighbourhood
support
outreach
through
"Neighbourhood
Support
-
Airbnb
Help
Centre"
found
at
airbnb.ca/help/article/3290 which includes a call request for urgent
neighbourhood situations and a reporting tool for other neighbourhood
concerns.
Background - STR Complaint Management by Other Internet-Based
Accommodation Sharing Platforms
Other internet-based accommodation sharing platforms that serve short-term rentals
in Barrie offer programs or procedures for submitting complaints. Vrbo's Stay Neighborly
program found at stayneighborly.com is one example where residents can submit concerns
related to nuisance issues via an online form. The website states that a Vrbo customer
service team reviews submissions and if a complaint matches a property on Vrbo, they will
alert the owner of the concerns.
Background - Current Regulations Related to Rentals in Barrie
Current regulations related to rentals: The City of Barrie does not currently regulate
STRs, but does have regulations in place for Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses as
well as requirements for Second Suites or Accessory Dwellings.
Page 6 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
By-law 2006-266 (Business Licensing) currently regulates and requires a license for
dwellings operating as Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses within the City. As stated
on the City of Barrie website, a Boarding, Lodging and Rooming House does not include a
group home, hotel, motel, hospital, children's home, assisted living facility, or a bed and
breakfast establishment, or other similar establishments.
Second Suite requirements are outlined in sections 5.2.9.1 and 5.2.9.2 of the City's
Zoning By-law. A separate registration process is followed for units created prior to July 14,
1994; however, these units still must be registered. Similar to the licensing of Boarding,
Lodging and Rooming Houses throughout the City, Second Suites or Accessory Dwellings
are required to be registered with Development Services. The registration of the dwelling is
only required at the time of inception and does not require annual inspections or approvals.
Background - Current Enforcement Responsibilities for Rentals in Barrie
Departmental responsibilities: The following highlights the various regulations or duties
addressed by Legislative and Court Services, Development Services and Barrie Fire and
Emergency Services staff, specifically related to rental licensing or registration:
-
Legislative and Court Services (Enforcement Services) - addresses Business
Licensing and Property Maintenance measures for Boarding, Lodging and
Rooming Houses which include review of the applications and supporting
documentation, annual inspections for compliance and enforcement of
licensing regulations as required. In addition to the operation of the business,
inspections are also conducted at the time of application for interior conditions
including but not limited to items such as mold, handrails, flooring, roofs, facia,
stairs, windows, infestations (bed bugs etc.) and general maintenance of
interior as well was exterior property conditions such as long grass and
weeds, garbage, and debris and un-plated or inoperable vehicles etc. Note:
Property Standards / Yard Maintenance and Business Licensing currently
applies City wide.
-
Development Services (Zoning Enforcement) - addresses complaints
regarding possible Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses and unregistered
Second Suites. Locations are reviewed initially to ensure proper approvals are
in place and that zoning standards are being met. Should a violation be found,
options are available to bring the units into conformity with the zoning by-law
or completely removing the unregistered units or conditions. Compliance can
be lengthy if spaces have tenants within or to complete the actions to achieve
conformity.
-
Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (Fire Prevention) - conducts inspections
related to licensing or registering a Boarding, Lodging and Rooming House or
Second Suites to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code as well as
attending to complaints of unsafe conditions under the Ontario Fire Code.
Existing management tools: Current property standards, zoning, yard maintenance by-
laws and the Ontario Fire Code address many of the matters that currently influence the
need to pro-actively investigate regulation short-term rentals; however, current resources
are not sufficient to keep up with the volume of properties and violations in a manner that
addresses neighbourhood concerns on an ongoing basis.
Page 7 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Analysis - Community Impacts of STRs
The impact of STRs on communities, tourism and housing is an issue discussed on a
global scale with responses and measures ranging widely across municipalities.
Additionally, the discussion on STRs continues to evolve with findings varying between
municipalities. The Government of Canada recently developed the Short-Term Rental
Enforcement Fund for municipalities that have strict STR regulations in place in order to
limit short-term rentals that take away units from the long-term rental market across the
country. However, a recent StatCan report demonstrates that less than half a per cent of
STRs could be used as potential long-term housing among the country's five largest CMAs
(Arbenser, Larry; Marie-Christine Bernard; Andrew Dormer; and Owen Vipond, July 30,
2024, "Short-term rentals in the Canadian housing market" Statistics Canada from
150.statcan.gc.ca). In Barcelona, a partial ban on STRs in 2021 has led the city to announce
the elimination of its approximately 10,000 STRs by 2028 to combat over-tourism (Relman,
Eliza and Dan Latu, Aug 11, 2024, "Barcelona is banning Airbnbs. Other European cities
have cracked down already - with some success." Business Insider from
businessinsider.com). New York City justified their regulation of STRs in 2021 citing an effort
to support the housing crisis. According to a recent report on the effects of regulation from
July 2023 to July 2024, NYC's STR rules have hindered tourism in its outer boroughs,
increased hotel costs by 7.4% and led to increased rents by 2.4% (Catron, D.J., Sept 6,
2024, "Airbnb takes aim at NYC a year after "failed STR regulations." PhocusWire from
phocuswire.com).
General challenges: While a Barrie-specific community impact study of STRs has not been
completed, general challenges faced by municipalities related to short-term rentals, include:
-
Properties being used as 'party-houses';
-
Maintenance of the property;
-
Number of parked vehicles;
-
Garbage complaints;
-
Decreased number of housing stock; and
-
Commercialization of STRs (i.e. "Ghost Hotels" which are not being zoned or
taxed the way other hotels are.).
Current management: Many of the above-mentioned challenges relate to By-law violations
and are managed by Enforcement Services.
Community impact: In reviewing the issues around regulation for STRs, common themes
on both sides of the issue regarding community impact include:
-
STRs offer property owners an opportunity to earn additional income at a time
when many are facing housing affordability challenges.
-
STRs bring an influx of visitors to the area which support tourism spending
and the growth of the local economy.
Page 8 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
-
The regulation of STRs enables responsible tourism by potentially reducing
the impact on long-term housing stock at a time when many are experiencing
the effects of a housing crisis.
-
Regulation of STRs that limits them to an individual's principal residence may
add vacant homes, whether detached houses or condo units, back into the
housing stock as long-term housing options.
-
The growth of STRs may act as an amplifier of the housing affordability crisis
and may not be the root cause of the problem in many municipalities.
-
Regulation of STRs may influence the regulation of medium-term rentals
(which are identified by a minimum stay of 30 nights but less than one year)
which could include student housing, corporate apartments, stays for film
crews or entertainment workers, insurance relocations, and other potential
cases for medium-term rentals.
-
Regulation of STRs provides the City with the opportunity to collect the MAT
on properties operating outside of an internet-based accommodation sharing
platform. The extent of the potential revenue from this is indeterminate,
pending the number of STRs and the costs associated with collection and
enforcement.
Analysis - Comparable Municipalities
Comparable municipalities: Staff undertook a review of 13 different municipalities and
their approaches to the regulation (or non-regulation) of short-term rentals. In looking at
comparators, it is necessary to keep in mind that the enforcement approaches,
demographics, regulations, and duties vary significantly between municipalities. [See
Appendix "B" Comparable STR Management Across 13 Municipalities]
Host compliance tool: It was noted by multiple municipalities that prior to onboarding a
third-party host compliance tool, a significant amount of enforcement resources was
required to chase compliance among existing STRs. Host compliance tools offer STR
address identification, compliance monitoring, distribution of notices to STRs, simplified
mobile permitting and tax collection, and other services designed to provide a streamlined
process to STR regulation management.
Analysis - Considerations for a Regulatory Program for Short-Term Rentals
There are two main regulatory tools available to local municipalities to regulate STRs:
-
Zoning By-laws which set out rules about how land can be used; and
-
Licensing By-laws which establish rules around how businesses may operate.
Under the City's Business Licensing (General) By-law (2006-266), the City licenses
hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses.
STRs are not currently required to be licensed within the City of Barrie.
Considerations for regulatory program: For the City to implement a regulatory program
Page 9 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
for STRs, it would need to consider the following:
-
By-law updates:
o Zoning By-law (2009-141);
o Business Licensing (General) By-law (2006-266); and
o Fees By-law (2024-024);
-
Potential development of a Short-term Rentals By-law;
-
Staff resourcing;
-
Enforcement measures;
-
Third-party host compliance tool; and
-
Community consultation and public engagement.
Analysis - Licensing Fees & Fines
Fees By-law: There are several approaches to STR regulation and associated fees being
utilized across municipalities and vary from limited number of licenses, variable licensing
fees based on number of STR's owned or principle place of residence. Should Council
choose to regulate STRs, staff would recommend that the licensing of STRs be fair and
consistent with the current Fees By-law.
Analysis - Estimate of Resources Required to Regulate Short-Term Rentals
Working group: If Council were to direct staff to pursue the regulation of short-term rentals,
staff would recommend establishing a working group consisting of representatives from
departments impacted by the regulation with leadership from either the Economic and
Creative Development Department or Legislative and Court Services, or both.
Reprioritization of responsibilities: As this is not in the Business Plans for any City
department, it is anticipated that additional resource support would be required to support
the development of the regulatory framework. Reprioritization of responsibilities would be
required along with consideration of impacts on supporting City departments including but
not limited to Economic and Creative Development, Marketing and Communications,
Enforcement Services, Purchasing, and Finance.
The working group would complete the public consultation and develop the regulatory
framework and associated policies, budget and additional software requirements for
recommendation to Council. Additional resources through a third-party consultant may be
required to support staff with developing a regulatory framework.
Page 10 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Township of Ramara snapshot: As an example of other communities, the Township of
Ramara, one of the municipalities listed in the above-mentioned Analysis, has 80 licensed
STRs enforced by the following staff complement:
-
1 FT Manager of By-law
-
1 FT Senior Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
-
2 FT Officers
-
4 FT Seasonal Officers
The Township of Ramara is also supported by a third-party host compliance tool.
Resources: Pending the creation of a regulatory framework and associated number of
STR's that the City of Barrie would be regulating, the resources to enforce would need to
be scaled accordingly.
A review of current resources was conducted and found that there is no capacity within
the existing staff complement within the Enforcement Services, Development Services and
Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Departments to undertake and implement a new short-
term rental regulation program without a reduction in other core duties. As a result,
additional staff members would be required to be added to these service areas.
Host compliance tool: Additionally, many comparator municipalities utilize a third-party
host compliance tool to report to the City on STR address identification, compliance
monitoring, distribution of notices to STRs, simplified mobile permitting and tax collection,
and other potential supports. Initial investigations into associated costs for a tool of this kind
will depend on the number of STRs within a municipality as well as the varying services a
municipality chooses to employ within the tool. A third-party host compliance tool would
create administrative efficiencies for regulating STRs, but staff resourcing to enforce
regulation would still be required.
Consultation and Engagement:
There was no public consultation required in relation to this Report.
Tourism Barrie: As the City's tourism entity that collects the MAT on its behalf, Tourism
Barrie was and will continue to be consulted by City staff as it pertains to the regulation of
STRs, available third-party host compliance tools, and the collection of the MAT from STRs.
Community consultation required: Based on research of other municipalities, prior to the
implementation of a regulatory program for short-term rentals, community consultation and
public engagement was conducted to determine key areas of interest or concern related to
the regulation of STRs.
Page 11 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Working group: Should Council choose to direct Staff to pursue the regulation of short-
term rentals, staff would recommend establishing a working group consisting of
representatives from departments impacted by the regulation with leadership from
Legislative & Court Services, Economic & Creative Development, or both. The work of this
working group would include community consultation and public engagement among other
tasks.
Environmental and Climate Change Impact Matters:
There are no environmental and/or climate change impact matters related to the
recommendation.
Appendix:
Appendix A - BPSB Response Airbnb 24-G-033
Appendix B - Comparable STR Management Across 13 Municipalities
Page 12 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Page 13 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Appendix B - Comparable STR Management Across 13 Municipalities
Municipality
STR
Regulation
in Effect
General Licensing Requirements
Notes
Township of
Ramara
YES
- Annual licensing fee of $3000
- $5M liability insurance
- Property site plan
- Dwelling floor plan
- Guest Code of Conduct
- Appointment of a responsible person
- Septic system report
- Garbage/recycling/compost storage
plan
- Winter snow removal plan
- Review/approval by all municipal
departments
- Mandatory site inspection
- Regulation a response to receiving
complaints related to STRs (noise,
parking, garbage, over-occupancy,
property standards).
- Utilizes STR Compliance Tool.
- Restrictions in effect (Occupancy
Rate, 300-metre setback between
licensed STRs, no municipal debts,
no open building permits or orders
to comply, no active by-law
enforcement files or POA fines
owing).
- Does not use zoning to define or
regulate STRs.
- Map and contacts for each STR
available on town website.
- Active waiting list.
City of
Kawartha
Lakes
YES
- Annual licensing
o Hosted / partial year $150
o Hosted / full year $300
o Unhosted / partial year $750
o Unhosted / full year $1500
- $113 fee for Orders
- $232 fee for Certificate of Compliance
- Annual and bi-annual licensing fee
- Insurance requirements
- Site drawings
- Annual declarations/inspections
(licensing, WETT, HVAC)
- Required contact person
- Parking plans
- Floor plans
- Fire safety plans
- Regulation a response to public
complaints (noise, over-occupancy,
trespassing, disturbance of the
peace).
- Kawartha Lakes Municipal Housing
Pledge (2024) - staff to explore an
MAT for STRs from which a portion
of revenues will be used to create
an affordable housing reserve fund.
- Utilizes STR Compliance Tool.
- Restrictions in effect (Occupancy
Rate).
- Licensing program is funded by
STR operator fees (not the
taxpayer).
- Inspection fees increase for each
violation.
City of
London
YES
- Licenses both the "Broker" (Platform)
and the "Host" (Provider)
- Certificate of Insurance required.
- MAT collection via ORHMA
For Hosts:
- STRs are only permitted at resident
address/principal address
- Maximum of two STRs per Resident
Address
- No corporations - only individuals
- Annual license fee of $196
For Brokers:
- Brokers collect MAT for the City
- Typically corporations
- Regulation a response to noise and
property standards complaints.
- Regulation also to support goal of
reducing the impact on housing
stock.
- Utilizes STR Compliance Tool.
City of
Toronto
YES
- Registration fee of $375
- Short-term rentals are only allowed in
a person's principal residence
- A person can rent up to three
bedrooms for an unlimited number of
nights per year or the entire home for
a maximum number of 180 nights per
year
- Amended zoning by-law to create a
new land use called "short-term
rental" that is permitted in principal
residences across the city.
- Prohibits short-term rentals that are
not in a person's principal
residence.
Page 14 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
- The principal residence must be in a
residential area of the city
- Operator must post the city-issued
short-term rental registration number
on all advertisements and listings
- Provide guests with alternate
emergency contact and instructions
on how to contact 911
- Provide guests with an emergency
exit plan
- Keep records to provide to city upon
request:
o Number of nights the STR was
rented
o Nightly and total price charged
for each rental
o Rental type (room rental or
entire home)
- STRs must collect and remit 6% MAT
- Licences companies that facilitate
short-term rental activity, like
Airbnb.
- Created a registry for anyone who
operates a short-term rental in their
home.
City of Orillia
YES
- Annual licensing fee of $2040
- Certificate of Insurance required
- Two inspections to take place prior to
issuance of licence
o Property Standards
o Fire Prevention
- MAT applies to all STRs
- Cap of 150 STRs operating at one
time within city.
- All licenced STRs posted to Orillia
website.
Town of
Collingwood
YES
- Annual licensing renewal required
ranging from $1250 to $2500
- Must collect and remit 4% MAT
- Cap of 200 STRs operating at one
time within city.
- Utilization of STR host compliance
tool.
- Regulation intended to:
o
Minimize neighbourhood
issues and respect
neighbourhood character;
o
Minimize the effects on long-
term rental and housing
supply;
o
Protect the health and safety
of residents and visitors;
o
Improve compliance with
enforcement;
o
Establish a fair and balanced
approach to regulation; and
Support tourism and opportunities
for residents to earn supplemental
income.
Township of
Severn
NO
The Township of Severn does not
currently regulate short-term rentals.
In referencing STRs on their website,
the Township of Severn directs traffic to
"Good Neighbour By-laws"
- Noise By-law
- Open Air Burning By-law
- Parking By-law
- Zoning By-law
The Township also has a STR webpage
which offers resources pertaining to
applicable by-laws and how to contact
STR platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
City of
Brampton
YES
- Annual licensing renewal fee of $150
required
- Floor plan
- Proof of property ownership
- Short-term rentals are permitted in
the principal residence only for a
maximum of 180 days per calendar
year.
Page 15 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
- Certificate of Insurance
- Business registration and/or articles of
incorporation (where appl.)
- Criminal Record Check
- No more than three bedrooms are
to be rented individually.
- The Property owner muse have
proof of Commercial General
Liability Insurance.
- Any STR host who contravenes the
provisions of the By-Law is guilty of
an offence and liable to fines and
other penalties.
Guelph
YES
- Business licence required ($216.40)
- Initial inspections required ($250.74):
o Zoning
o By-law
o Fire
o Building
- Annual renewal inspections required
($233.05):
o Fire
o By-law
- Principal residence plus one (A
host can have an STR in their
principal residence plus at one
other property provided they reside
within the city).
- This approach is considered to help
"... ensure that STRs are truly part
of the sharing economy, powered
by local hosts, and now
commercially operated pseudo-
motels."
Hamilton
YES
Entire Dwelling
- Licence fee: $1006.81
o Processing fee
o Licence fee
o Fire administrative fee
o Certificate of Compliance
o Zoning Verification Certificate
- Renewal fee: $491.81
Partial Dwelling
- Licence fee: $344.81
o Processing fee
o Licence fee
o Fire administrative fee
o Zoning Verification Certificate
- Renewal fee: $191.81
Broker Licence fee: $5000 ($60 renewal
fee)
- Limited to principal residences only.
- Differentiates between operators
(individuals) and brokers (online
platforms like Airbnb).
Kitchener
NO
The City of Kitchener does not currently
regulate short-term rentals.
- Kitchener launched a review of their
lodging house bylaw and
considered regulating short-term
rentals in May, 2023.
- As of June, 2024, Kitchener City
Council amended their Official Plan
and Zoning By-law to permit
lodging houses city-wide and made
no changes to regulate STRs.
Waterloo
YES
- Rental application includes:
o Application form
o Proof of ownership
o Parking and floor plan
o Insurance declaration
o Electrical safety inspection
o Gas/oil fuelled appliance
inspection
o Criminal background check
o Application fee
- Fees vary depending on class and
range from $421 - $720
- Renewal fees vary depending on
class and range from $241 - 389
- Waterloo requires that all low-rise
residential rental units (including
short-term rentals) be licenced to
ensure safe accommodations.
Oro-Medonte
Discussions
ongoing
Final regulations currently being
developed by Oro-Medonte staff.
- Recently implemented an
administrative monetary penalties
(AMP) program
Page 16 of 15
City of Barrie Short Term Rentals Regulations
Draft Municipal Licensing By-law for STRs
and B&Bs is being reviewed.
- Staff is drafting a licensing by-law
- Staff will host public information /
consultation sessions on the draft
licensing by-law
Report Author:
K. Eatch, Tourism Coordinator, Economic & Creative Development
File #:
Pending #: P6/24