Clearview opens resident survey on short-term rentals
Clearview residents are being asked how they feel about short-term rental accommodations (STRAs) in the community. The township has launched an online survey to solicit public input with a view to create a program to establish and regulate various sorts of short-term rentals.
Current township zoning rules prohibit STRAs, but a key objective of the Clearview Tourism Plan is to address the shortage of overnight accommodations as a means of spurring economic development . The proposed licensing program would include internet based platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo but would not include bed and breakfasts, inns or motels.
Mayor Doug Measures encourages residents to have their say.
“Public engagement is the cornerstone of effective policy formation, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of all residents,” he said.
A report recently presented to council outlined steps in the lengthy process of creating an STRA bylaw.
The Clearview planning team is continuing work on the comprehensive Zoning Bylaw review process, which was initiated at the end of 2024. Background information is being gathered and analyzed for the purposes of drafting a new bylaw and initiating the public consultation phase of the process, slated to occur this summer.
Clearview is one of the last municipalities to enact an STRA bylaw. A report by Clerk Sasha Helmkay-Playter suggests that is an advantage, as the township gets to benefit from the experiences of neighbouring municipalities.
Once a draft bylaw is created, the plan calls for a working session for council, followed by a public participation session in early 2026, with the bylaw coming into effect by January 1, 2027.
In the lead-up, staff will work on the communication plan for licensing, including inspection requirements with hosts being able to complete any needed improvements identified by inspection before licenses are granted. It will also allow the township to create a list of potential or known short-term rentals,allowing staff to provide direct communication to these hosts. Bylaw enforcement staff will begin with education in the first half of the year, and address non-compliance in the second half of the year, including fines where applicable.
The survey is posted at www.clearview.ca under “latest news.” Residents are asked to complete the survey before the end of May.
Among the items to be considered as the bylaw is drafted:
- License fees – Neighbouring municipalities have annual fees ranging from $1250 to $3003.
- Residence type – Should STRA’s be allowed only at principal residences? And only in settlement areas?
- License cap – Should there be a limit on the number of STRA’s that can be licensed annually? Number of renters/guests per room – should it be regulated?
- Demerit point system – Fines and demerit points for non-compliance with rules set out in the bylaw Inspection requirements – Fire department, Building department and bylaw enforcement inspections.
- Municipal Accommodation Tax – How will tax be collected? How will revenues be utilized?
