How would you regulate short-term accommodation companies, like Airbnb? Community members are invited to an open house on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 to provide input into a proposed licensing bylaw.
Currently, short-term accommodations in Oakville are only allowed in properly zoned hotels and, bed and breakfasts. Despite that, nightly rentals offered through online platforms such as Airbnb, Flipkey and Homeaway are on the rise in improperly zoned areas of the town. At Council’s direction in the fall 2016, staff are studying short-term accommodation rentals in Oakville and how other municipalities are regulating it.
“Council wants to implement policy on short-term rentals that protects the livability and vitality of our communities,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “To do that effectively, we’re looking to residents to share with us their experience and insight into how this form of accommodation is affecting Oakville’s neighbourhoods.”
The town wants to consider both the needs of property owners, and residents of nearby short-term accommodations. During the open house residents can provide feedback on whether short-term accommodations should be permitted, and what rules and regulations they would like considered into a proposed by-law. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather comments.
A staff report to Council on September 25, 2017 will present the results of the public consultation process, information on the nature and impacts of the local short-term accommodation market, and recommendations on a proposed approach for short-term accommodation regulations for Oakville.
The May 9, 2017 open house takes place in the Black Box Room, Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2309 Bridge Road. Residents can drop in any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Anyone unable to attend the open house is encouraged to share their comments by completing the town’s survey on oakville.ca or email [email protected].
Residents with accessibility needs who want to attend the open house are asked to contact Margaret Boswell by May 7 905-845-6601 ext. 3350 (TTY: 905-338-4200) or [email protected]. If preferred, residents can fill in the online feedback form on oakville.ca.
For more information, visit oakville.ca.