The issuance of any new short-term rental licenses in Niagara-on-the-Lake was paused as of Dec. 10, but town councillors have made a limited exception, allowing new homeowners to reapply for licenses for properties that are already being used as short-term rentals.
The bylaw as it stands allows for a new home owner to apply for licensing within one year of taking possession of the home, Coun. Gary Burroughs said.
“This is for an existing home that has an existing short-term rental license — should it sell tomorrow, the new homeowner can reapply for the license because it’s not transferable,” Coun. Maria Mavridis said during the meeting.
Coun. Andrew Niven asked staff to confirm that the exception is only temporary, until a new bylaw is enacted.
CAO Bruce Zvaniga and Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa confirmed the exception is only an addition to the temporary freeze.
“This just allows (new owner applications) to continue during this period of time, no additional licenses,” Zalpea said.
Coun. Erwin Wiens said in three months there will be a new short-term rental policy.
New short-term rental license applications were paused in December 2024 to allow for the short-term rental committee to come up with a new draft bylaw.
The freeze is to help council “get a better understanding of what we have and where we’re going,” said Coun. Maria Mavridis, during the December meeting.
Burroughs told The Lake Report he thinks the current short-term rental bylaw is outdated.
Niagara-on-the-Lake currently has around 400 licensed short-term rentals with 1,000 rooms, making up five per cent of the town’s housing supply.
