Ivan Radic / CC
Meaford is developing a short-term accommodation (STA) licensing program in the form of a registry.
Council approved supporting the development of the registry during its meeting on Monday.
This is the latest in Meaford’s efforts to establish an STA licensing program after in 2022, council directed staff to bring forward a program to control and manage STA properties in the municipality.
Several options were presented to council on how to implement the STA program during the meeting, including establishing a monetary penalty for infractions, establishing a municipal accommodation tax, and creating a registry.
The registry would have existing property owners which operate a bed and breakfast or STA in Meaford register with the municipality and provide information on their properties, including site plan, parking area, number of bedroom, fire and life safety requirements, and copy of the rental code of conduct.
Those take part would be considered in the first intake of the licensing program, if Meaford moves ahead with it.
The STA Licensing program would be designed to address negative concerns surrounding STAs in the municipality.