Lake of Bays Councillor suggests putting a limit on short term rentals

Concerns about the housing crisis were brought up after staff revealed more than 285 STR's are operating in LOB

Lake of Bays Councillor, Rick Brooks, suggested putting a limit on short term rentals, in the February 10, 2026, meeting.

Council received the Short-Term Rental (STR) Quarterly Report for the fourth quarter of 2025, which providing an update on licensing activity, enforcement, and compliance trends across the Township.

According to the staff report, there are currently 285 short-term rental listings in Lake of Bays. During the fourth quarter of last year a total of 40 STR applications were processed, including five new applications and 35 renewals. Over the same period, the Township issued 223 STR licences in total, reflecting both new and renewed approvals.

The report also highlighted enforcement activity related to the STR by-law. Fourteen Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) were issued during the fourth quarter for violations, and 14 files were transferred to by-law enforcement over the same period. These enforcement figures are part of the Township's ongoing effort to ensure STR operators comply with licensing, safety, and operational requirements.

Staff indicated that there are 40 to 50 STRs that still need licences “that we are going after every quarter to gain compliance.”

They also noted that STR activity continues to play a role in Lake of Bays' broader economic and destination development goals and contribute to the local tourism economy by supporting visitor accommodations, local businesses, and seasonal employment, while the licensing framework aims to balance economic benefits with neighbourhood impacts and resident concerns.

The report emphasizes the importance of ongoing community engagement, particularly as STRs remain a topic of interest for residents, property owners, and visitors.

Staff indicated that monitoring application volumes, enforcement outcomes, and compliance trends will remain a priority as the Township works to maintain a fair, consistent, and accountable STR program.

Although Council received the report for information as part of its continued oversight of STR operations, Councillor, Brooks suggested they consider limiting the number allowed in the Township.

He said, “It is something that I think we need to seriously look at.”

Mayor, Terry Glover, disagreed, saying “let it slide.” He added, “To limit it is a big step.”

Councillor, Mike Peppard, indicated there are “arguments when housing is taken up by STRs” like in Huntsville. He added, “Here we can monitor for now.”

Brooks expressed that they’re already seeing a lot in the Township, including recent development that was presumed to be housing but was for STRs instead.

He added, “It’s not really helping our housing crisis, so we need to be proactive.”