Short Term Rentals

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Photo of green vines against a red wall with sign posted saying "For Rent"

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is currently reviewing options available to regulate Short Term Rentals (STRs) within the Township.

The Township welcomes public input on the topic of STRs as part of its review process.

  • Submissions should outline pros, cons, impacts or benefits of Short Term Rentals from a  planning and regulatory perspective as noted below;
  • While examples in support or opposition be included in any submission, complaints regarding specific incidents with existing rental properties that require action should be directed to the By-Law department (www.algonquinhighlands.ca/by-law-enforcement.php).
  • Submissions will only be accepted from Algonquin Highlands property owners; 
  • All submissions require the name and Algonquin Highlands address of their author; this information is collected only for property ownership confirmation and will not be made available to the public.
  • Anonymous submissions will not be accepted;
  • Names of specific persons or properties identified in any submission may be redacted in accordance with privacy regulations;
  • Any submissions that are deemed offensive or inappropriate as per Township Policy* will be will be redacted and/or rejected;
  • Submissions will be made available for Council’s review as part of this process; and
  • You are encouraged to read the staff report of July 10, 2020 prior to crafting your submission.

Please submit your comments by email to the Planner directly at STR@algonquinhighlands.ca. Submissions should include your full name and Algonquin Highlands property address.

All submissions will be made available for Council’s review.  Property owner names and addresses are collected for property ownership confirmation only and will not be made available to the public.

Discussion points related to Short Term Rentals could include:

  • Increased accommodation options for visitors;
  • Additional income for property owners;
  • Benefits to the tourism sector
  • Environmental issues such as lake health, fisheries, ecosystems and septic systems.
  • Parking;
  • Noise;
  • Building Code and Safety such as fire inspections, alarms, egress, etc.
  • Loss of housing stock;
  • Housing Affordability;
  • Compatibility with surroundings;
  • Competition with traditional accommodation providers;
  • Landfill use and Recycling; and
  • Fireworks

Background information on STRs in Algonquin Highlands can be found in the Documents section below.

Please provide your comments by August 31st 2020.

These comments are important and will assist Council in determining what direction, if any, should be taken regarding Short Term Rentals in Algonquin Highlands.

*Submissions that contain derogatory comments, jokes, slurs, innuendoes or taunting about or motivated by a person's race, colour, citizenship, national origin, age, religion, creed, language, marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability or any other prohibited ground of discrimination against an employee, volunteer, elected or appointed official or another member of the public, will be redacted and/or rejected in accordance with the Township’s Harassment Policy.

Documents

Attachment to Staff Report to Council PL-041-20 - July 10, 2020
Staff Report to Council PL-041-20 - July 10, 2020