Short-Term Accommodations

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On February 1, the Town launched Phase 1 of the Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Licensing Program. Phase 1 leverages existing provisions in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law No. 2010-040 and introduces a licensing requirement for existing and new bed and breakfasts in Town.

All bed and breakfasts are required to apply for a “Class A – Guest Room Short-Term Accommodation” Licence. If you are currently operating a bed and breakfast, please ensure that the Town receives your Class A Licence application by March 1, 2024, to avoid fines under STA Licensing By-law 2023-085 for operating without a licence.

For more information on the STA Licensing Program, or to access application materials and details, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

Explore this page to learn more about the development of the STA Licensing Program and stay informed on the implementation of Phase 2!

About the Project

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).

However, 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 and presented an updated Licensing By-law, which received approval from Council on November 6, 2023.

On February 1, the Town launched Phase 1 of the STA Licensing Program. Under the STA Licensing By-law 2023-085, all bed and breakfasts must obtain a "Class A - Guest Room STA" Licence to operate. If you are currently operating a bed and breakfast, please ensure that the Town receives your Class A Licence application by March 1, 2024, to avoid fines under Licensing By-law 2023-085 for operating without a licence.

To learn more about the program and the application process, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

On February 1, the Town launched Phase 1 of the Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Licensing Program. Phase 1 leverages existing provisions in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law No. 2010-040 and introduces a licensing requirement for existing and new bed and breakfasts in Town.

All bed and breakfasts are required to apply for a “Class A – Guest Room Short-Term Accommodation” Licence. If you are currently operating a bed and breakfast, please ensure that the Town receives your Class A Licence application by March 1, 2024, to avoid fines under STA Licensing By-law 2023-085 for operating without a licence.

For more information on the STA Licensing Program, or to access application materials and details, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

Explore this page to learn more about the development of the STA Licensing Program and stay informed on the implementation of Phase 2!

About the Project

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).

However, 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 and presented an updated Licensing By-law, which received approval from Council on November 6, 2023.

On February 1, the Town launched Phase 1 of the STA Licensing Program. Under the STA Licensing By-law 2023-085, all bed and breakfasts must obtain a "Class A - Guest Room STA" Licence to operate. If you are currently operating a bed and breakfast, please ensure that the Town receives your Class A Licence application by March 1, 2024, to avoid fines under Licensing By-law 2023-085 for operating without a licence.

To learn more about the program and the application process, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

  • New Class A STA Licences for Bed and Breakfasts!

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    On February 1, 2024, Phase 1 of the new Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Program came into effect.

    Under Phase 1, all bed and breakfasts in Town are required to obtain a “Class A - Guest Room STA Licence”. If you are currently operating a bed and breakfast, please ensure that the Town has received your licence application by March 1, 2024.

    Note: Apart from bed and breakfasts, the prohibition of STAs per the Town’s Zoning By-Law 2010-040 will continue to apply throughout Phase 1. Please ensure you are complying with the Town’s By-laws to avoid fines.

    For more information on the STA Licensing Program, or to access application materials and details, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Page last updated: 08 Feb 2024, 01:01 PM