Whereas an increasing number of residential properties in Ontario are being utilized as short-term rental (STR) accommodations, with the fastest growth occurring in rural areas and small towns (David Wachsmuth, Canada Research Chair in Urban Governance at McGill University); and
Whereas while vacation rentals, in-home bed and breakfasts and temporary rental accommodations have existed for decades, the number of properties being used for short-term rentals has exploded with the advent of multi-national online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo; and
Whereas this trend is significantly disrupting traditional housing markets and communities, putting sharp upward pressure on housing prices and depleting scarce long-term rental stock through conversion into short-term accommodations (Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Canadian Housing, CMHC report); and
Whereas across the province, communities are experiencing increased complaints and rising by-law enforcement costs due to parking, noise infractions, garbage, fire safety and neighbourhood disturbances related to STR’s; and
Whereas the time required to consult, evaluate options and adopt short-term rental regulations and policies and the licensing and enforcement required to monitor listings and properties represents a significant new cost and responsibility for municipalities, particularly in small and rural areas; and
Whereas other jurisdictions and organizations (Quebec, Scotland, the Union of BC Municipalities) have acknowledged that a comprehensive regulatory approach is more effective than the inconsistent and patchwork polices being introduced at the municipal level in Ontario; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Municipality of Kincardine requests the Government of Ontario to:
- Establish a provincial regulatory framework for STR’s, as soon as possible, in to reduce the administrative and financial burdens borne by municipalities, particularly those in small and rural areas; and
- Legislate platform accountability for services such as Airbnb and Vrbo, requiring them to validate business licences or permits and to remove listing that do not comply with relevant provincial and municipal regulations; and
- Work with MPAC to explore options to split or change property classification so that the commercial / hospitality focused use of a property for short-term rental accommodations is accurately reflected in property tax assessments and rates; and
- Increase provincial contributions to affordable and subsidized rental housing to address the disruption to long-term housing stock caused by the growth in STRs.
Further that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario (Hon. Doug Ford), the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Hon. Paul Calandra), local MPPs and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Carried.