Dear editor:

I am happy with the town's proposal that short-term rental houses should be owner-occupied and their licences should be issued only to NOTL residents. This way the landlord can be responsible for enforcing good behaviour of noisy and disruptive visitors.

There are instances of people renting houses for a couple of families and then filling them up with more people than declared on the rental contract – and then end up disturbing the neighbours with wild parties.

Most short-term rentals are empty during the winter and do not necessarily contribute to the economy but create a shortage of residences. This makes it difficult for families or retirees to make their homes in this beautiful town. 

There are many places to stay for Shaw theatrical productions and for winery lovers. The purchase of houses by out-of-town investors for the purpose of short-term rental operations may create unpleasant changes in the ambiance of this town, similar to what has happened in Venice.  

Maria Morriss
NOTL