5 FACTS: BRACEBRIDGE LAYING OUT THE LAW FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPERATORS

OPERATING A SHORT-TERM RENTAL WITHOUT A LICENCE COULD BE MET WITH $500 FINE

The Town of Bracebridge is set to pass a bylaw dealing with licensing and regulations for short-term rental operators. At the May 10 Bracebridge general committee meeting, a resolution approving a short-term rental accommodation licensing bylaw, subject to minor amendments required by the Ontario Court of Justice, was passed unanimously.

1. The proposed bylaw will require operators of short-term rentals to obtain a licence and pay an annual $250 administration fee. Details and supporting documentation will be used for data collection and to ensure compliance with current bylaws, including noise and burning bylaws.

2. Operating a shortterm rental accommodation without a required licence will be met with a $500 fine; failure to maintain required business insurance coverage, a $200 fine; and obstructing or attempting to obstruct an officer, town employee or agent exercising their duties, a $500 fine.

3. Each day of a continuing offence is established as a separate offence — meaning that if required, officers could issue tickets on a daily basis. According to the report, there will likely be a future, more restrictive licensing regime and the bylaw does not limit an officer's ability to issue a summons, with a maximum set fine of $1,000, under the Provincial Offences Act.

4. The chief bylaw officer will have the right to refuse, suspend or cancel a licence if the licensee doesn't adhere to requirements; determines that the location and/ or operation may create or has created a public nuisance; and determines the operation of the business is contrary to public interest.

5. Every licensee must maintain a minimum $2 million public or general liability insurance, naming the town as an additional insured.

It is anticipated the resolution will be ratified by council at the May 18 council meeting.

Last year when early May was so warm, I planted potatoes. They came up and got frozen off on May 29.