Short-Term Rental Accommodations
The Municipality of Central Elgin is developing a new licensing program to address short-term rental accommodations in Central Elgin. This includes rentals that are often listed on online platforms such as Airbnb, and Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) for 28 days or less, as well as bed-and-breakfast type accommodations.
The licensing program will help ensure rental properties are safe for occupants and the community, and that properties operating as short-term rentals are compliant with all Municipal by-laws and regulations including the Building Code and Fire Code.
Community feedback will be essential in shaping the new licensing program. Residents are invited to share input by completing the survey available below and join us at an upcoming community open house.
Your feedback and input will help us create a program that will keep Central Elgin a vibrant and safe place to live and visit!
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Report to Council - Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing By-law
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Update: Short-Term Rental Licensing Program
Staff have prepared a report for Council’s consideration at the May 12 Council meeting (7 p.m.). The report outlines five key decision points for licensing and regulating short-term rentals in Central Elgin.
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback and participated in the process. Staff have carefully reviewed community feedback, conducted extensive research, consulted with comparable municipalities across Ontario, and considered technical input from Planning, Fire, Building, Legal, and Administrative departments.
The proposed framework aims to balance the needs of STR operators and residents—while keeping things efficient for everyone involved.
The purpose of this Report is to obtain Council direction regarding five key decision points for licensing and regulating short-term rentals (STRs) in Central Elgin to assist with the preparation for a draft Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing By-law.
View the Council meeting agenda and full report here: Central Elgin - Meeting Information
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Community Open House Presentation Boards
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Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Open Houses on March 25 and March 26, 2025, in Belmont and Port Stanley.
The presentation boards can be viewed here.
Based on insights received during the round-table discussion with stakeholders and the community feedback gathered during the open houses and online survey, staff will be drafting a licensing by-law and report to Council for consideration in May.
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Staff Report: Short-Term Rental Accommodations Project Roadmap
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Staff presented the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Project Roadmap Report at the February 10, 2025 meeting of Council.
Council approved the Report and directed that staff develop a Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing Program, with the guiding principles being revenue neutrality, safety-orientation, and development through community consultation to ensure a localized approach.
