Dear editor:

I am very concerned about the process undertaken by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake with respect to its proposed changes to the short-term rental bylaw.

Discussing specific changes to the bylaw as a first step in regulatory reform is totally inappropriate and premature. We are being asked to comment on proposed changes without the benefit of any documentation on the matter from a governance perspective.

This approach pushes us into an emotional debate that fuels “populist” preconceptions. It unnecessarily divides us.

Typically when a municipality decides to review the regulatory framework on an issue, it carries out its due diligence by first initiating a comprehensive consultative process with all stakeholders to identify all the issues from a “governance” perspective. It is then expected to report on its findings.

I have seen no such report.

Usually a situation analysis on the issue follows, along with a market analysis, using evidence-based data, reports from various sources, including mapping and reference to our collective vision for the future of our community.

Municipalities also typically review current or upcoming legislation and regulations to ensure that proposed changes don’t conflict. Options are then analyzed to determine their impact on all facets of the community. A cost-benefit analysis is carried out. I have seen no such reports.

Federal and provincial governments have published several reports urging municipalities to revisit regulations surrounding short-term rentals in consideration of the changes in our socio-economic environment.

The criteria describing the types of accommodation has not been updated to reflect existing concerns or new realities in the market. Why are we not talking about this?

Other municipalities have also struggled. It has taken several months of consultations and even years for Kingston and Ottawa, who will be taking a year to rewrite the short-term rental bylaw, after two years of deliberations. Why do we think we can do this in a few weeks?

Short-term rentals support economic activity in NOTL and provide a source of income for many. Tourism remains a pillar of economic sustainability in our town.

Council must exercise its governance leadership now. It must establish a realistic time line to carry out its due diligence. A formal, non-partisan consultative process that respects procedural fairness and that is inclusive of all stakeholders must be carried out before we can even discuss proposed changes to the current bylaw.

Let’s get it done! The community deserves better governance practices.

Claire Cronier

NOTL