Most residents surveyed in the City of Kawartha Lakes support short term rentals, but almost 75 per cent think they should be regulated and licensed, with the number one complaint being loud noise and music.
These were some of the results of a recently completed survey the municipality shared with around 125 residents during a drop-in public information session on Tuesday (February 28).
Hosted by the Kawartha Lakes Municipal By-law Enforcement and Licensing Office, the session was held at city hall in Lindsay so residents could see the survey results, read the city’s new draft regulatory by-law, and ask questions.
Short-term rentals are rentals that are 30 days or less and include renting a private room in a home, an entire home, a seasonal property like a cottage, or any other space. They do not include established accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds. There are around 600 to 800 active short term rental listings in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
While most respondents to the short term rental survey supported short term rentals, recognizing their value to tourism, almost three-quarters of respondents think they need to be regulated. Along with complaints about loud noise and music, other top complaints were overcrowding on properties, inappropriate behaviour (including foul language), lack of enjoyment of neighbouring properties, and trespassing on neighbouring properties.
The municipality’s draft by-law proposes a yearly license (and license fees) for short term rentals, along with maximum occupancy requirements, insurance requirements, annual inspections, a demerit point system, fines, and more.
PDF: City of Kawartha Lakes Short Term Rentals Survey Report
City of Kawartha Lakes Short Term Rentals Survey Report
Another short term rentals public information session will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 6th at Coboconk Service Centre (9 Grandy Rd., Coboconk). Residents can view information boards on the results of the short term rental survey, highlights of the new draft by-law, and learn about next steps in the process. Municipal law enforcement and licensing staff will be on hand to answer questions.
In April, a draft report will be presented to city council with the final draft licensing by-law and alternative options to proceeding with the by-law. If the city adopts the licensing by-law, a process will begin in May to roll out the by-law.
For the full survey results, draft by-law, display boards, and presentation shown at the public information sessions, visit short term rentals project page at jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/short term-rentals.
