Georgian Bluffs council is going to consider buying some software to keep track of short-term accommodations in the municipality and seek enforcement of a potential nuisance by-law.
A report by CAO Cynthia Fletcher is set to come to council March 8. It recommends having staff acquire software to track short-term accommodations, creating a nuisance by-law and hire an enforcement officer, as well as develop a communication and engagement campaign related to short-term accommodations in the municipality.
The report says in August 2022, a delegation was made to council identifying concerns related to noise, loud music, garbage, traffic, and parking, which was attributed to short-term accommodations in the area.
As a result, the report says council requested staff provide additional information and present the findings by the end of this quarter.
The report found during the summer of last year, there were 111 active rentals listed on AirDNA Market Finder, a website which provides market data related to accommodations, in the township. These include cottages, apartments, entire homes, guest suits, villas, bed and breakfasts, and farm stays, mainly along the Georgian Bay shoreline, on smaller lakes, and in settlement areas.
As of January 2023, the report says there were 77 active rentals in the municipality, compared to the 34 recorded in March 2021.
Staff recommend the township acquire software and tracking services to monitor short-term accommodations and monitor their activity, to help define the scope of their presence in Georgian Bluffs.
The report adds to date, the township has received a few complaints regarding these accommodations, consisting of loud noise causing a disturbance, parking and how it is causing roadside obstructions, garbage and litter, and roadside safety concerns.
“Moving to a more proactive approach to enforcement and having an additional resource to focus on specific areas identified and address concerns in a timely manner should reduce impact to neighbouring residents,” says the report. “The new nuisance by-law will provide an additional and more comprehensive tool for enforcement staff to address concerns.”
The by-law would cover such actions like screaming, shouting or using profane language, littering, obstructing traffic or vehicular traffic, and unreasonable noise including loud music and unlawful open burning.
Staff are also recommending implementing a communication and education campaign geared towards encouraging good neighbour behaviours and respecting all residents and visitors, including those who own and operate short-term accommodations and those who rent them.
The report adds, there are benefits to having these accommodations in the township, as they provide lodging in the absence of other forms of temporary accommodations, and support going to local businesses.
The 2023 budget impact to implement these moves would cost $90,000.
Should council approve the report, staff will be directed to report back by the end of the year of the results of the program during the spring and summer seasons.
Council will be reviewing this report during its March 8 meeting at 5 p.m.