Explore this page to learn more about the background and development of Collingwood’s Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Service!
For information on the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-law and application process, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.
Phase 2 Now Open: Apply Today!
Phase 2 of the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Service officially launched on January 6, 2025.
With the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-law 2024-078 now in effect, the following licensing options are available:
- Class A – Guest Room STA Licence
- Class B – Principal Residence STA Licence
- Class C – Additional Residential Unit STA Licence
Learn more and apply for your STA Licence today at www.collingwood.ca/sta(External link).
Background: About the Review Project
It is currently prohibited under subsection 4.22.2 of the Town’s Zoning By-law 2010-040(External link) to use a dwelling unit, or any part thereof, as a short-term accommodation (“STA”) for any period of 30 days or less, except for bed and breakfasts (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 350 active STAs – the majority of which are located within the central and western parts of Collingwood.
To address these challenges, Council initiated a review of STAs through Staff Report C2022-22, presented to the Development and Operations Services Standing Committee on June 13, 2022. Council ratified the recommendations on June 27, 2022(External link), directing staff to conduct public consultations to gather community input on STAs in Collingwood.
Community Consultation
A survey was conducted from August 11 to September 30, 2022, to better understand the community’s thoughts and opinions surrounding STA use in Collingwood. A STA Open House was also held on September 14, 2022, providing an opportunity for the public to ask questions and share feedback on STAs.
The public consultation revealed a variety of opinions on managing STAs in Collingwood. While perspectives differed, there was strong support for permitting STAs beyond bed and breakfast, alongside a shared understanding of the need for balanced and fair regulations to better address STA-related concerns.
Steps Toward a Licensing Framework
Staff Report C2023-05 summarized the 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(External link), 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. On June 5, 2023(External link), Council approved staff to prepare and initiate a consultation on the draft Licensing Framework. A second round of public consultation was conducted from June 19 till July 31, 2023, including an Open House on July 12, 2023, to gather feedback.
Implementation of the STA Licensing By-law
The results of the second consultation were analyzed and summarized in Staff Report C2023-24. This report outlined a two-phased implementation approach and introduced an updated Licensing By-law, which received approval from Council on November 6, 2023(External link). Launched on February 1, 2024, Phase 1 introduced licensing requirements for bed and breakfasts under the STA Licensing By-law 2023-085.
Following a public meeting on May 22, 2024, a Zoning By-law Amendment was received by Council on September 23, 2024, through Staff Report P2024-23. The amendment expands the types of STAs permitted and aligns zoning provisions with the phased approach of the STA Licensing Service.
On November 18, 2024(External link), Council approved the new STA Licensing By-law 2024-078 (External link)and Staff Report C2024-10 to implement Phase 2, expanding the Licensing By-law to include two new licence classes: “Class B – Principal Residence STA” and “Class C – Additional Residential Unit STA”. Phase 2 officially launched on January 6, 2025. For more information, please visit the Town’s STA Licensing webpage at www.collingwood.ca/sta(External link).
