The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is asking residents and operators for feedback on vacation rentals through a new public engagement initiative that includes an online survey and two public information sessions later this month.
The review, launched at the direction of council, is aimed at gathering input on the role that vacation rentals, also known as short-term rentals, play in the community and whether any improvements are needed in how they are managed.
Short-term rentals in Niagara-on-the-Lake include bed-and-breakfasts, cottage rentals, country inns, vacation apartments and villas.
The town says the review will examine what is working well under the current system while also exploring possible changes to licensing, including whether adjustments should be made based on whether rentals are hosted or unhosted, or depending on their location.
An online survey opened April 20 and will remain available until May 11 through the town’s Join the Conversation platform.
“This engagement is an opportunity to connect directly with our community,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa in a media release.
“Short-term rentals play an important role in our neighbourhoods, housing, and local economy, and hearing from residents and operators will help inform future discussions and decisions.”
Last year, the Town of NOTL enacted a freeze on issuing new short-term rental licences as it continued to study ongoing concerns with the short-term rental industry, including the number of operators in the town and properties without on-site hosts.
Some in town have said unhosted short-term rentals are particularly problematic because of the amount of real estate they may take up in a neighbourhood and because they’re often the site of noise and littering complaints, particularly at cottage and villas.
In addition to the survey, the town will host two public information centres in the Mori Room at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, where residents can learn more about the review and ask questions.
The first session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a second session on Thursday, April 30, from 1 to 3 p.m.
