Short-Term Accommodations
On November 6th, 2023, Council approved the STA Licensing By-law and the phased in implementation of the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Program as outlined in Staff Report #C2023-24.
Beginning February 1st, 2024, new and existing bed and breakfasts in Town can apply for a Class A (Partial Unit Rental) Licence under Phase 1. Please review the relevant bed and breakfast provisions under the Town’s Zoning By-law 2010-040 as well as the STA Licensing By-law to confirm your eligibility for a licence. Please note, all licence applications must be received by March 1st, 2024 to avoid any penalties for non-compliance with the Licensing By-law.
Approval of the new Official Plan and a Zoning By-law Amendment are required in order to implement the remainder of the Licensing Program under Phase 2. Following the approval of the Zoning By-law Amendment, staff will report back to Council with an update on Phase 1 implementation, any necessary revisions to the STA Licensing By-law and a plan for rolling out Phase 2 of the Licensing Program.
Staff are currently developing documents and resources to implement Phase 1. Please stay tuned to this webpage for more information as it is released!
The Town of Collingwood is in the process of reviewing its approach to managing Short-Term Accommodations (STAs) within the municipality.
What is the status of Short-Term Accommodations in Collingwood?
It is currently prohibited under subsection 4.22.2 of the Town’s Zoning By-law No. 2010-040 to use a dwelling unit, or any part thereof, as a STA for any period of 30 days or less, except for bed and breakfast establishments (i.e., where the property owner is also residing in the dwelling where the rental is being offered).
Please view this document for pertinent information related to bed and breakfasts and STAs in the Zoning By-law. For additional information on bed and breakfasts, please visit the "Bed and Breakfast and Short Term Accommodation" section on this page.
As the Town undergoes this review, the current ban on STAs (except for bed and breakfasts) continues to apply. Please ensure you adhere to the Zoning By-law and other applicable by-laws to avoid facing penalties.
About the Project
Like many other municipalities in Ontario, Collingwood has seen significant growth in the number of STAs. With the growing popularity of online rental platforms and the absence of provincial legislation, the challenges associated with enforcing a ban on STAs have increased. While the exact number and types of STAs within the Town are unknown, a review of over 60 popular online rental platforms (including Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.) by a third party identified over 300 active STAs – the majority of which are located within the central and western parts of Collingwood.
Following research and analysis of municipal best practices and other considerations, Staff Report #C2022-22 was received at the June 13, 2022, Development and Operations Services Standing Committee meeting. Recommendations from this report were further ratified by Council on June 27, 2022, including the approval for staff to prepare and administer a public consultation to obtain input regarding STAs in Collingwood.
To better understand the community’s thoughts and opinions surrounding STA use in Collingwood, staff launched a survey that members of the public could complete between August 11 and September 30, 2022. A STA Open House was also held on September 14, 2022, where the public had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the STA Review.
Overall, an analysis of all feedback received through the public consultation indicates various perspectives on managing STAs in Collingwood. However, based on all feedback received, there is support for permitting STAs (beyond bed and breakfast establishments, which are already permitted) and a shared understanding respecting the need for a balanced and fair approach to regulation to facilitate improved management and enforcement of STA concerns.
Staff Report #C2023-05 summarized feedback received and presented options for managing STAs. This staff report was presented at the February 6, 2023, Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee meeting, and on February 21, 2023, Council directed staff to prepare a follow-up report that includes potential next steps, draft by-laws and a licensing framework governing STAs.
The draft STA Licensing Framework, detailed in Staff Report #C2023-15, was presented to Committee of the Whole on May 15, 2023. For a summary of the Draft Framework, please view this document.
On June 5, 2023, Council approved staff to prepare and initiate a consultation on the draft Licensing Framework. The STA Licensing Survey ran from June 19th till July 31st, 2023. An Open House also took place on July 12th, 2023, where members of the public could ask questions or leave feedback on the draft Framework.
Results of this public consultation were analyzed and are summarized in Staff Report #C2023-24. This Staff Report also outlined a phased implementation of the STA Licensing Program, which received approval from Council on November 6, 2023.
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STA Licensing Program Implementation
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At the Council meeting on November 6th, 2023, the STA Licensing By-law and the phased implementation of the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Program were approved as outlined in Staff Report #C2023-24.
Under Phase 1, new and existing bed and breakfasts will be required to obtain a Class A Licence.
As of February 1st, 2024, the Town will begin accepting Class A Licence applications. Please note, all licence applications must be received by March 1st, 2024 to avoid any penalties for non-compliance with the Licensing By-law.
Staff are working to develop the application and supporting materials to implement Phase 1.
Stay tuned as more information becomes available!
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Report to Committee on STA Licensing Program
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Staff Report #C2023-24 summarizes the feedback from the public consultation with respect to the draft STA Licensing Framework and outlines a phased in implementation of the STA Licensing Program for Committee's consideration at its meeting on October 16, 2023.
To view the staff report, please visit the following link: Staff Report #C2023-24
To view the Committee agenda, please visit the following link: Committee of the Whole - 16 Oct 2023. -
STA Licensing Survey now closed!
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Thank you for participating in the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Survey! Staff are working hard to analyze the feedback from the public consultation. Results will be submitted to Committee and Council at a future meeting no later than October 2023.
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Drop by the Open House this Wednesday!
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To learn more and connect with the team on the project, drop by the STA Licensing Open House this week on ️Wednesday, July 12th between 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Collingwood Public Library (55 Ste Marie St) in FreeSchools World Literacy Room (1st Floor)! -
Come chat with us this Saturday!
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Come chat with members of Council and staff about STAs in Collingwood at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday, June 24th! Our team will be available to address your questions, hear your feedback and provide further information on the draft Licensing Framework.
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We want your feedback!
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We invite you to participate in the survey and have your say in the development of a balanced and effective Licensing Program for short-term accommodations (STAs) in Collingwood. This is your opportunity to share your insights, concerns, and suggestions on various aspects of the proposed Framework and draft By-laws.
Participating is easy! Access the survey on through Engage Collingwood or by clicking here.
Your responses are anonymous, and the survey will take approximately 10-20 minutes to complete.
To read the more information or to view the STA Licensing Draft Framework, please see Staff Report #C2023-15 or click here.
Please don't delay! The survey will be available until July 31st, 2023.
Thank you for your time! Your input is crucial in shaping a STA Licensing Program that reflects the needs and goals of our community.
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STA Licensing Framework Draft #1
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On May 15, 2023, Committee of the Whole received Staff Report #C2023-15, which summarized a draft STA Licensing Framework and sought approval to obtain feedback from the community on the draft. Council approved staff to prepare and initiate a public consultation on the proposed Licensing Framework at its meeting on June 5, 2023.
More details on the consultation will follow. Stay tuned for another opportunity to have your voice heard on the future of STAs in Collingwood! -
Staff Directed to Develop STA Licensing Framework
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On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Staff Report #C2023-05 received approval from Council and staff were directed to develop a STA Licensing Framework, including draft by-laws and potential next steps. A follow-up staff report and draft framework are anticipated to be presented to Council in May 2023.
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Findings and Options Report
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At the February 6, 2023 Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee meeting, Staff Report #C2023-05: "Regulatory Options for Short-Term Accommodations" will present the findings of the public consultation and potential options for managing STAs in Collingwood. View the agenda and more information here. Outcomes from Council will be shared when available.
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STA Survey now closed!
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Thank you for participating in our Short-Term Accommodation Survey. Contributions to this consultation are now closed for review and analysis. Results will inform options presented to Council for consideration in early 2023. Winners of the two draws will be contacted.
