Short-Term Accommodations

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link


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.


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.

  • Staff Directed to Develop STA Licensing Framework

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    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

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    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.

  • STA Survey now closed!

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    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.

  • STA Open House

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    The Town would like to invite you to the Short-Term Accommodation Open House on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Community Rooms B & C at the Collingwood Public Library (55 Ste. Marie St., 3rd Floor).

  • Come see us at the Farmers' Market this Saturday!

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Be sure to stop by the Town of Collingwood booth at the Farmers' Market this Saturday, August 20th between 8:00 a.m-1:00 p.m.

    By-law staff will be there to answer your questions regarding the short-term accommodation survey and review.

  • Complete the STA Survey!

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    We want to hear your feedback on STAs within the Town of Collingwood! Those who fill out the survey will also have a chance to enter two draws to win a $100 gift card for a local Collingwood restaurant!

    Click HERE to take the survey.

Page last updated: 01 Mar 2023, 08:39 AM