Short-Term Accommodations

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 supported at the February 6, 2023, Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee meeting, and on February 21, 2023, Council supported staff's recommendation and directed staff to prepare a follow-up report that includes potential next steps, draft by-laws and framework governing STAs. This staff report, including the draft STA Licensing Framework, is anticipated to be presented to Council in May 2023.