Dear editor:
If it is the intention of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to eliminate short-term cottage rentals, its plan is exactly the way to do it.
If the decision to limit short-term rentals solely to properties with owners in residence is implemented, the concept of a cottage rental will be untenable. This is not the best way to deal with the problem.
The attraction of cottage rentals is obvious. Privacy is paramount. The experience should be a home away from home.
Remaining accommodation will be hotels and B&Bs only, which do not lend themselves to longer stays or families.
The problem is unlicensed (and licensed), unsupervised party houses.
The solution to the problem, clearly, is a well-managed, well-directed short-term rental model with responsible ownership and well thought-out regulation by the municipality.
The responsibility of the town is a budget, now lacking, for the appropriate bylaws, and the enforcement officers, now lacking, to make it work.
Owners residing alongside guests is NOT the answer.
Chris and Jane Hutchings
NOTL