The Town of Collingwood launched the first phase of its new short-term accommodation licensing program beginning with bed and breakfasts.
Starting today, Feb. 1, bed and breakfasts in Collingwood will have to apply for a "class A" license from the town. Future phases will introduce licensing programs for other short-term rental units, which refers to the use of any dwelling unit, or part of one, being used as a rental for 30 days or less. This does not include motels or hotels.
Council approved this phased implementation of a short-term accommodation licensing regime at the Nov. 6, 2023 meeting. Currently, any short-term rental that isn't a motel, hotel, or bed-and-breakfast is prohibited in Collingwood.
"This initiative marks a major step forward in regulating short-term accommodations in the community and addressing concerns about their impact on neighbourhoods," states a news release from the town.
Staff will report back to council on the first phase of the licensing program and council will have to decide what other types of short-term accommodations to allow and licence.
The Town of Collingwood provided the following information for bed-and-breakfast owners who will now have to apply for a licence:
If you are interested in obtaining a Class A Licence, please review the relevant provisions under the Town’s Zoning By-law No. 2010-040, as well as the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-law No. 2023-085, to confirm eligibility for a licence.
Key Information for Class A Licensees
- Eligibility and Requirements: Class A Licences are intended for residents who operate or are interested in operating a bed and breakfast in Town. Applicants must comply with specific licensing requirements in the Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-law No. 2023-085 and bed and breakfast provisions in the Zoning By-law No. 2010-040.
- Application Process: Prospective Class A Licensees can access the application package, submission details and a step-by-step process on our website at www.collingwood.ca/sta. Paper copies are available at Town Hall (97 Hurontario Street, open Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM).
- Licensing Fees: For the first year of the Program, Class A Licensees will not be required to pay the $1,250.00 licensing fee. However, applicants will still be responsible for paying $253.50 to cover the cost of a zoning certificate, fire inspection and property standards inspection compliance letter, which are set out in the 2024 Fees and Service Charges By-law and required prior to licensing.
- Enforcement and Compliance: The Town is committed to working with bed and breakfast operators as we launch the new Licensing Program. Please ensure that the Town has received your licence application by March 1, 2024, to avoid facing penalties under the Licensing By-law.
For more information about the STA Licensing Program, Phase 1 implementation or the application process, please contact Amanda Fone, Licensing and Compliance Officer, at 705-445-1030 ext. 3249 or [email protected].
Additional resources and program details are available on the Town of Collingwood website at www.collingwood.ca/sta.
