The West Nipissing council is actively progressing in the development of a new by-law aimed at regulating short-term rentals commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
During a council meeting, Jay Barbeau, West Nipissing’s Chief Administrative Officer, informed council members that discussions had taken place with various departments regarding the draft by-law. Notably, conversations were held with the Chief Building Official, By-Law Officer, and Fire Chief to address different aspects of the proposed regulations.
West Nipissing’s Municipal Clerk/Planner, Malanie Ducharme, stressed the importance of crafting a by-law that strikes a balance between meeting the community’s accommodation needs and ensuring the use and enjoyment of full-time residents’ personal property.
Work on the by-law commenced in September, with public consultations held in October to gather feedback. The issue was revisited in December for further deliberation by the council.
According to Barbeau, the completion of the process is within sight. He proposed the formation of an ad-hoc committee comprising council members and staff to finalize the remaining details before presenting the by-law to the council.
Councillor Anne Tessier, chair of the Planning Committee, and Councillor Kaitlynn Nicol, representing Ward 5, known for having residents significantly impacted by short-term rentals, expressed their commitment to joining the committee. Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon acknowledged the relevance of their involvement.
The draft by-law is anticipated to make its return to the council in February, marking a significant step forward in regulating short-term rentals within the community.