How Does Mississauga Feel About Airbnb?

Airbnb, the short-term rental accommodation (STA) service that’s exploded worldwide and become a boon for travellers and a headache for some neighbours and condo corporations, is the subject of contentious debate.

According to this corporate report, data from Airbnb suggests that there are 525 active listings in Mississauga, with approximately 300 active hosts (meaning some hosts are renting out multiple properties on a short-term basis). While there are over 75 different vendor websites with listings in the city, Airbnb is the most commonly found service.

The city points out that Airbnb data indicates that the number of visitors to Mississauga using their platform has been increasing, with a 227 per cent increase between May 2015 and May 2016. As one might expect, short-term accommodation listings in Mississauga are generally concentrated in the Square One area, and to a lesser extent, in the Streetsville and Meadowvale neighbourhoods.

Previously, interviews were conducted to understand stakeholders’ concerns regarding the operation of STAs in Mississauga in order to determine what changes, if any, they would like to see and to hear suggestions for future research. 

“The most common concerns identified were those related to nuisance issues, impacts on existing hotel and motel operations, and fire safety,” the report reads.

Now, the city is looking to explore where people stand on STAs in terms of:

• Benefits
• Nuisance issues
• Impacts on housing availability and affordability
• Private spaces and shared rooms
• The ability of condo boards to pass regulations or bylaws (as well as condo-specific concerns)
• Impact on existing hotel and motel operators
• Fire safety
• Hotel tax

Because this issue is a big one for many, Mississauga is hosting a drop-in open house in order to share information and glean insight from residents on the future of short-term accommodations in Mississauga.

According to the city, residents and stakeholders will be able to view and share their thoughts on the various regulatory options and proposed amendments to the zoning bylaw at the open house.

The open house will take place at the Civic Centre in Committee Room D on the second floor (300 City Centre Drive) today (March 6).

The event will run from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., so there’s lots of time to head over and share your thoughts on the somewhat controversial issue.

Residents can also complete an online survey and review the city’s report on the current status and options for regulating short-term accommodations in Mississauga.

City staff will include input received in a final recommendation report to Mississauga’s Planning and Development Committee later in 2017.