Collingwood reviewing its approach to short-term accommodations – Public Input Sought
Collingwood, ON [11 August 2022] – In the Town of Collingwood, outside of hotels and motels, short-term accommodation (STA) of 30 days or less is only permitted as a bed and breakfast under the Town’s Zoning By-law (No. 2010-040). Bed and breakfasts are a form of home occupation in which the proprietors are also residents of the building in which the STA is offered.
Collingwood, like many other municipalities in Ontario, has seen significant growth in the number of STAs. With the growing popularity of online rental platforms, and in the absence of provincial legislation, the challenges associated with enforcing a ban on STAs have increased. While the current number and types of STAs within the Town are unknown, a review in February 2022 of over 60 popular online rental platforms (including Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.) by a third party, identified approximately 300 active STAs – the majority of which were located within the central and western parts of Collingwood.
Following research and analysis of municipal best practices and other considerations, Council received Staff Report No. C2022-22 and directed staff to prepare and administer a public consultation program to obtain community input prior to consideration of any new changes with respect to STAs in Collingwood. While other municipal approaches and best practices will be considered, the unique needs and circumstances of residents in the Town of Collingwood must be the focus.
The Town is excited to launch a public consultation to better understand the existing needs, challenges, and opportunities relating to STAs in the municipality. A summary of the results will be provided to Standing Committee and Council for consideration and will be used to inform recommendations on the future approach to STAs in Collingwood.
As the Town undergoes this review, the current ban on STAs (except for bed and breakfasts) continues to apply. Please ensure you are adhering to the provisions of the Zoning By-law and other applicable by-laws to avoid facing penalties. Should you have any questions regarding the Zoning By-law please contact Planning Services at planning@collingwood.ca.
Note: The survey closes on September 30, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Data collected will not be used for enforcement purposes and is intended for information only. Depending on your responses, the survey may take up to 15 minutes to complete. Those who fill out the survey will also have a chance to enter two draws to win a $100 gift card for a local Collingwood restaurant!
Take the survey and learn more, please visit:
https://engage.collingwood.ca/short-term-accommodations
For more information, contact:
Christa Carter
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
T. 705-445-1030 Ext. 3274
ccarter@collingwood.ca
Amanda Fone
Licensing and Compliance Officer
705-445-1030 Ext. 3249
afone@collingwood.ca