Short-Term Accommodation Regulation

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK:

The Township of Greater Madawaska wants to hear from you about Short-Term Accommodation (STA) in our Township and wants input on the draft short-term accommodation regulation by-law.

A Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is the rental of a property for less than 28 days in duration. This would include renting a private room in a home, an entire home, a seasonal property, or any other space for 28 days or less. A survey has been created and all Township residents and property owners are encouraged to complete the survey by December 15, 2023. The survey will provide staff with public input and opinion, which will be analyzed and consolidated into a “This is What We Heard” report and presented to Council.

BACKGROUND:

Our Township is seen as an attractive tourism location which has resulted in a rapid growth of short-term accommodation (STA) over the last few years. There has also been rapid growth in online marketplaces such as Trip Advisory, Airbnb, and Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) which connect people looking for short-term accommodation with people who want to rent or sublet their properties for this purpose.

Throughout the election period and during public meetings for the new Zoning By-law, numerous concerns and complaints related to short-term accommodation were brought forward, including safety, parking, noise, and options for enforcement. Consideration must be given to mitigating potential conflicts between the community and renters, identifying economic impacts and opportunities of STA, including potential financial considerations, staff resources, and the expected outcome of the regulations.

Proponents of short-term accommodation have asked the Township to consider a permit system to allow short-term accommodation to occur lawfully and controlled. As there are no regulations governing STA at the Provincial level, the Township is considering the adoption of a by-law to license and regulate short-term accommodation within the Township.

A draft regulation by-law has been developed and is available for review prior to staff finalization and Council approval.

With the collection of public input and thorough research and collaboration, staff and Council will finalize a structure and plan to manage Short-Term Accommodation in the Township, that will be best suited for our community.