Short Term Accommodations

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Background

On March 11, 2020, the Planning Services Department brought forth an information report to Council regarding Short-Term Accommodations. Short Term Accommodations or "STAs" refer to the temporary accommodation of guests in a residential home. An STA could be a room, an apartment, a secondary suite or an entire house.

STAs are not a new concept in Innisfil, as they are rooted in tradition with seasonal cottage rentals along beautiful Lake Simcoe. With the onset of online platforms, such as Trip Advisor, Craigslist, Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO), and Airbnb, we have seen an increase in the presence of STA's in Innisfil. This increase has created both challenges and opportunities for staff to develop a policy that will balance the need for temporary accommodation while ensuring the concerns of residents are addressed.

Innisfil does not currently regulate or license STAs, however, when complaints arise, Staff can use existing municipal tools to address these concerns, such as involving By-law Enforcement. The Town is looking for resident feedback to determine the best approach for regulating STAs in Innisfil.

Why Short Term Accommodations (STAs)?

STAs are a key element in recreation and tourism-related areas, offering temporary housing and lodging while the occupant(s) enjoy local attractions and businesses. The use of residential properties for STAs can make use of underutilized housing that would otherwise be vacant, provide supplementary income for homeowners and enhance tourism in the Town. STAs may also offer a temporary solution to affordable housing.

Why Not Short Terms Accommodations (STAs)?

Despite the benefits of STAs, Customer Service has received numerous complaints from concerned residents about noise, safety, parking, and the potential impact that short-term accommodations have on property values. Many municipalities are facing similar challenges with STA's not being licensed or regulated and are seeking resident engagement to develop a positive solution.

Share Your Voice

We've created a survey to develop a better understanding of our residents' perspectives and concerns as they relate to Short Term Accommodations. Your feedback will be shared with Council and considered in the future development of licensing standards.

Background

On March 11, 2020, the Planning Services Department brought forth an information report to Council regarding Short-Term Accommodations. Short Term Accommodations or "STAs" refer to the temporary accommodation of guests in a residential home. An STA could be a room, an apartment, a secondary suite or an entire house.

STAs are not a new concept in Innisfil, as they are rooted in tradition with seasonal cottage rentals along beautiful Lake Simcoe. With the onset of online platforms, such as Trip Advisor, Craigslist, Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO), and Airbnb, we have seen an increase in the presence of STA's in Innisfil. This increase has created both challenges and opportunities for staff to develop a policy that will balance the need for temporary accommodation while ensuring the concerns of residents are addressed.

Innisfil does not currently regulate or license STAs, however, when complaints arise, Staff can use existing municipal tools to address these concerns, such as involving By-law Enforcement. The Town is looking for resident feedback to determine the best approach for regulating STAs in Innisfil.

Why Short Term Accommodations (STAs)?

STAs are a key element in recreation and tourism-related areas, offering temporary housing and lodging while the occupant(s) enjoy local attractions and businesses. The use of residential properties for STAs can make use of underutilized housing that would otherwise be vacant, provide supplementary income for homeowners and enhance tourism in the Town. STAs may also offer a temporary solution to affordable housing.

Why Not Short Terms Accommodations (STAs)?

Despite the benefits of STAs, Customer Service has received numerous complaints from concerned residents about noise, safety, parking, and the potential impact that short-term accommodations have on property values. Many municipalities are facing similar challenges with STA's not being licensed or regulated and are seeking resident engagement to develop a positive solution.

Share Your Voice

We've created a survey to develop a better understanding of our residents' perspectives and concerns as they relate to Short Term Accommodations. Your feedback will be shared with Council and considered in the future development of licensing standards.