Starting in the new year operators of short-term rentals can begin to apply for licences from the City.
In 2021 Council approved a Licensing and Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for short-term rentals (STRs), such as those operated through online portals like AirBnB and VRBO. These new tools compliment amendments made to the City’s Zoning By-law late in 2020 that redefined STRs as home-based businesses. The amendments, combined with licensing and AMPS, will allow the City to better regulate, and enforce compliance with City by-laws, as they relate to STRs.
The City will introduce the system in a phased approach, starting with Wards 5 and 6 at noon on Jan. 4, 2022. The licensing system will open to properties in Wards 4 and 3 on Feb. 1, and Wards 1 and 2 on March 1. All properties can apply for a licence starting on Jan. 4, however licence applications will not be reviewed until the date associated with the property’s Ward has passed.