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History of Short Term Rentals

The Municipality has launched a Mandatory STRA Registration Program on March 4, 2025.

View Program Details

In 2022, the Municipality of Trent Lakes approved a phased approach to Short-Term Rentals. The following is a timeline of events.

Phase 1 - 2022

  1. Reviewed existing by-laws, adjustment of fines, escalators and extension of accountability to owners.
  2. Engaged OPP to further assist in after-hours by-law enforcement.
  3. Reviewed current by-law enforcement processes and practices.
  4. Reviewed call centre processes and reporting.
  5. Staff follow up with repeat offenders - conversation, warning letter.
  6. Development and general mailout of a Short-Term Rental information document to outline by-laws, enforcement, recommended guidelines and best practices.
  7. Explored other after hours by-law enforcement options.
  8. Tracked and reported on Short-Term Rental complaints.

Phase 2 - 2023

  1. Budgeted for enhanced by-law administration and enforcement.
  2. Introduced comprehensive new nuisance by-law (noise, parking, swearing, shouting, trespassing, littering, unlawful burning or fireworks, etc.)
  3. Implemented an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) system for non-parking offences.
  4. Engagement of third party to prepare curated list of Short-Term Rentals in Trent Lakes.

Phase 3 -2024

  1. Council revisited the implementation of a Short-Term Rental licensing program.
  2. Council and staff received public input from feedback form and two Special Council Meetings.
  3. Short Term Rental Working Group reconsidered program options. 
  4. Council directed staff prepare a draft registration by-law at the November 5, 2024, Council Meeting.
  5. Budget for, and add staff, as necessary, to support any new programs.

2025 - Mandatory Registration Program

As of March 4, 2025, the Municipality has implemented a new by-law designed to ensure that Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA) are managed responsibly and enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community. Please visit our Short Term Rentals page for full program details.

2022 public input included:

  • Stakeholder consultation 
  • Public Survey 
  • Public Feedback Session 

The results of the public consultation process is outlined in the February 1, 2022 report to Council.

 

2024 public input included:

  • Public feedback form on draft STRA By-law (April 17, 2024 - May 31, 2024)
  • Two Special Council Meetings


Meeting 1:
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 12noon.
View the minutes here.
View the recording here.

Meeting 2:
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
View the minutes here.
View the recording here.

The meetings took place at the Municipal office in the Council Chambers as well as virtually.

 

 Reports

 December 1, 2020 Report

January 12, 2021 Report

September 7, 2021 Report

October 19, 2021 Report

February 1, 2022 Report

March 8, 2022 Report

November 5, 2024 Report

March 4, 2025 Report
 Existing By-laws
  

Registration Program by-laws:

B2025-024 Short-Term Rental Accommodation Registration By-law

B2025-025 Amend AMPS By-law

B2025-027 Amend Fees and Charges

There are also a number of other by-laws that can help address some common challenges associated with short-term rental properties.

All formal complaints must be submitted in writing through our By-law Enforcement page.

To report after hours by-law issues, please call 1-800-374-4009 ext. 311.

 

Short-term rentals are defined as all or part of a dwelling unit used to provide sleeping accommodation for any rental period that is a short duration, 28 consecutive days or less. Persons staying in a short-term rental are usually vacationers, but may also include persons travelling for business or work purposes.

More precisely, the proposed definition of a short-term rental is 'a building or structure or any part thereof that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, licence, rental agreement or similar commercial arrangement for any periods of less than twenty-eight (28) consecutive calendar days, throughout all or any part of a calendar year. Short-term rental accommodation uses shall not mean or include a motel, hotel, bed and breakfast establishment, hospital, trailer parks, commercial resort unit or similar commercial or institutional use.'

The exact number of short-term rentals in the Municipality of Trent Lakes is difficult to determine. The Short Term Rental Working Group searched the web to understand how many short-term rentals were in the Municipality and scoped the number to be a minimum of 150 properties.

Contact Us

Municipality of Trent Lakes
760 Peterborough County Road 36
Trent Lakes, ON K0M 1A0

Phone: 705-738-3800
Toll Free: 1-800-374-4009
Fax: 705-738-3801

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