Short-Term Accommodations

Explore this page to learn more about the development of the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing Program and stay informed on the implementation of Phase 2!
For information on Phase 1 or to access the Class A Licence applications, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

Notice of Public Meeting for Town-Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment

On November 6, 2023, Council directed staff through Staff Report #C2023-24 to proceed with a Town-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment to support the introduction of other types of short-term accommodations beyond bed and breakfasts.

Take notice that a public meeting on the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment will take place during the regular Council meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Any members of the public may attend in person (Council Chambers, 97 Hurontario Street, Collingwood) or virtually by Zoom webinar. See the News Feed below for more information!

Phase 1: Class A Licences Available

On February 1, 2024, the Town launched Phase 1 of the Short-Term Accommodation ("STA") Licensing Program. Phase 1 leverages existing provisions in the Zoning By-law 2010-040 and introduces a licensing requirement for bed and breakfasts in Town.

As required under the STA Licensing By-law 2023-085, all bed and breakfasts must apply for a “Class A – Guest Room Short-Term Accommodation” Licence. For more information on the STA Licensing Program or to access application materials and details, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.

Background: About the Project

It is currently prohibited under subsection 4.22.2 of the Town’s Zoning By-law 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 project.

Overall, an analysis of all feedback received through the public consultation indicated various perspectives on managing STAs in Collingwood. However, based on all feedback received, there was 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 12, 2023, where members of the public could ask questions or leave feedback on the draft Licensing Framework.

The results of this public consultation were analyzed and 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. All other STAs remain prohibited during Phase 1. To learn more about the Licensing Program and the application process, please visit www.collingwood.ca/sta.