Short Term Rental Accommodations Ad Hoc Committee

Community Presentation of Findings

Grand Bend Legion January 14, 2012

Background
The STRA Ad Hoc Committee was formed by resolution 11-0808-18 on August 8, 2011

That the Municipality of Lambton Shores: a) Designates the investigation of the issues pertaining to Short Term Rental Accommodations to be a municipal priority; b) Approve the allocation of resources both staff and financial, to assist in the researching of the issues and the development options for solutions; c) Strike an Sub Committee of Council, comprised of Mayor Weber, Councillors Maguire, Bonesteel and Underwood with a mandate to review the options currently in place for regulating Short Term Rental Accommodations or Shared Residential Accommodations and make recommendations to Council on the need for such regulations and a preferred option or options to implement.

What the STRA Ad Hoc Committee reviewed

The STRA Ad Hoc Committee reviewed residential complaints dating back to 1999. Most complaints generated from noise and nuisances from short term rental properties Met with local OPP, Lambton Shores By-Law Officer to discuss enforcement challenges

What the STRA Ad Hoc Committee reviewed

Numerous noise and similar by-laws from across Canada (Vernon BC, Oshawa ON, Mun. of Blue Mountains ON) Ontario Municipal Act Ontario Innkeepers Act Ontario Fire Code

Considerations made by STRA Ad Hoc Committee

Amending current by-laws Increasing enforcement Incorporating Section 447.1 (Mun.Act) Licensing of rental properties

Amending Current By-laws

Municipality can amend applicable by-laws at any given time Municipality can review fines and penalties Fines and penalties subject to review by Attorney Generals Office

Increasing Enforcement
Enforcement is council priority

Combine efforts of Lambton Shores By-Law, OPP and Neighbourhood

Increased costs and resources

Section 447.1(1) Municipal Act

Closing premises, public nuisance Allows municipalities to apply to the courts to close premises for up to two years on the grounds that activities or circumstances on the premises constitute a public nuisance.

Licensing
Allows for greater control of property standards Property and building inspections will be required Allows for increased penalties and suspension of license Cost recovery system Fee to be paid annually by landlords Can drive rentals underground Can be avoided by reformulating rental periods

Next steps
Gather feedback from this community meeting Develop final strategy and have necessary tools in place for the 2012 tourist season. Continue to work on the development of a Grand Bend Community Policing Committee

Thank You for your participation.

Please check the website at: www.lambtonshores.ca for updates Contact Information: Chair Dave Maguire: Mayor Bill Weber: Doug Bonesteel: Martin Underwood: dmaguire@lambtonshores.ca bweber@lambtonshores.ca dbonesteel@lambtonshores.ca munderwood@lambtonshores.ca