City of Sault Ste. Marie looks to regulate Airbnb, short-term rentals
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is getting set to hold public consultations on proposed rules surrounding short-term rentals, like Airbnb.
The city is considering limiting each host to owning one property in residential zones, which must also be attached to their primary residence.
The new rules could also enforce valid licences, limit owners to operating for 180 days a year, and could even enforce the four per cent municipal accommodation tax paid by hotels and motels in Sault Ste. Marie.
"It's trying to get the balance of regulation right in Sault Ste. Marie," said city councillor Luke Dufour. "It's so that as the Airbnbs grow, they do so in a way that's compatible with the neighbourhoods that are already existing in Sault Ste. Marie."
The city estimates that there are roughly 13 Airbnb hosts that operate multiple listings throughout Sault Ste. Marie.
Dufour said the idea behind new regulations is not to stop Airbnbs altogether but is instead about being proactive in avoiding situations seen in other cities throughout the country.
"For instance, in Toronto, large sections of neighbourhoods being taken over by Airbnbs, a significant amount of apartment rental housing being turned over to the short-term rental market," he said.
Dufour said he has spoken with a few Airbnb hosts already in how to properly regulate short-term rental services.
One idea that he believes would be fair is grandfathering in those who are voluntarily paying the accommodation tax already.
"That's something we've been doing since we started, so we would be totally on board for it," said Gil Desbois, an Airbnb host in Sault Ste. Marie.
Desbois said he purchased a home next to his own with the intention of operating it as his business.
While nothing is set in stone, he said the new rules present a significant danger to his businesses.
"It would effectively shut us down because we wouldn't be able to operate under that system," he said.
Desbois said giving short-term rental owners the chance to continue their service, benefits the entirety of Sault Ste. Marie.
In his experience, he said some families often are looking to rent entire homes instead of multiple hotel rooms, making their travels to the city much easier.
The tourism group, Destination Northern Ontario also believes having a balance helps the entire hospitality industry grow.
"The more options we have for visitors, we feel the more visitation we'll get," said David MacLachlan, the tourism agency's executive director. "But we do believe some regulation is good. Really it's about levelling the playing field so that it's fair and equitable between all hospitality services."
The city has yet to choose dates for its public consultations at this time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.