Are Oakville’s rules governing short-term rentals strong enough?

Does Oakville need more regulations covering short-term accommodations in town?

The Town wants to know as it’s currently reviewing the short-term accommodation licensing by-law to make improvements to regulations.

The public is invited to share their thoughts through a short questionnaire, open until April 26.

The current bylaw regulates and governs short-term rental properties or dwelling units that offer temporary stay/accommodations up to 28 consecutive days in exchange for payment. This includes bed and breakfast establishments and short-term rental. It does not include motels, hotels and other short-term accommodations where there is no payment, such as hospitals and couch surfing.

Under this by-law, no one can act as a short-term accommodation business, allow another person to act as a short-term accommodation business on their behalf, or pose as a short-term accommodation business if they do not hold a business license issued under this by-law. You also can’t advertise a short-term accommodation without a licence.

People who take the survey will be able to share their opinions on topics such as limits on the number of days a short-term property can be operated and whether there should be a minimum stay.

There is also an open house scheduled for April 25 at 6 p.m. in the south atrium at Town Hall where staff will be collecting public feedback and will be available to answer questions.