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Niagara Falls
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Letter: Town’s proposal not the answer to short-term rental problems

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

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