Short-Term Rentals & Planning

The Real Situation

Platforms like Airbnb have changed cottage communities across Ontario. In North Frontenac, we have high cottage density around our lakes and with that comes legitimate concerns about noise, parking, septic capacity, waste disposal, and the character of neighbourhoods that have existed for generations.

At the same time, property owners have rights. Many STR operators are responsible and contribute positively to the local economy. A blanket ban isn't the answer but neither is no regulation at all.

My Position

Short-term rental properties should be required to register with the Township and meet the same septic, environmental, and safety standards as year-round homes. That's basic fairness.

On the Municipal Accommodation Tax I'll be honest with you. I worried for a long time that a 4% MAT on STRs would deter visitors in a small rural community. After researching how it has played out in places like Huntsville and Prince Edward County, I've shifted my stance. A modest MAT could bring $150,000–$250,000 annually into the township without touching local property taxes and that money could be locked in for roads, housing, Community Improvement Plan work, and community events like Summerfest. Similar places have shown it can actually improve tourism by funding the trails, facilities, and events that make people want to stay longer and come back.

But this is a conversation. Your thoughts matter. I'll monitor results closely and adjust if needed.

Specific Commitments

• 1Require all short-term rental properties to register with the Township annually with proof of compliance with septic, fire, and safety standards.
• 2Require STR properties to meet the same environmental and septic standards as year-round homes no exemptions for cottage properties.
• 3Establish a licensing framework for STRs with clear rules on noise, parking, waste, and maximum occupancy enforced consistently.
• 4Introduce a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on STRs, with revenues transparently allocated to roads, housing, and community improvements.
• 5Monitor the impact of the MAT annually including surveys with visitors and STR operators and adjust if the evidence shows negative effects.
• 6Explore whether a cap on the number of STR licenses in specific areas is warranted to preserve neighbourhood character, with resident input before any decision.