As work continues toward a licensing program for short-term rentals in Collingwood, the town is again asking for public feedback with its latest survey.
The issue of short-term rentals was part of the most recent municipal election and, since then, council and staff have been working toward changes to the current bylaws prohibiting rentals of less than 30 days unless at a commercial bed and breakfast establishment.
Despite the bylaw prohibiting them, there are hundreds of listings for short-term rentals on popular sites like Airbnb and others for Collingwood.
Council has asked staff to put together a draft licensing program that would allow short-term rental units in Collingwood if licensed by the town.
As part of that work, staff has posted a survey to the town's Engage Collingwood website asking for public input.
"A licensing program will provide the town with new tools to address neighbourhood concerns, promote responsible hosting practices and improve the overall health and safety of the community for residents and visitors," states a news release from the town.
You can fill out the survey online here, or pick up a hard copy at the town hall or at the municipal offices in the Collingwood library building. The survey closes July 31.
Members of council and staff will also be at the Farmers' Market in Collingwood on Saturday, June 24 to answer questions or listen to comments about short-term rentals and other issues.
The town is hosting a public open house on July 12 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Community Rooms B and C at the Collingwood Public Library to answer questions, provide information, and gather feedback for short-term rental licensing.
