Cottage country rentals are now on the books

A cottage is pictured in this file photo. (Pixabay / Pexels)

Cottage country rentals will now be legalized.

Muskoka Lakes new Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing bylaw will come into effect January 1.

All new and existing short-term rental operators will require a license to operate their Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRAs) legally in Muskoka Lakes.

“It is council’s hope that the Short Term Rental Accommodation licensing program will help to maintain community character while also ensuring rental properties protect the environment and are safe for occupants,” said Mayor Peter Kelley.

“We anticipate that with implementation of this bylaw we will see a decrease in the number of community concerns,” Kelley said.

The STRA bylaw will also help to ensure that properties operating as short-term rental accommodations are compliant with all township bylaws and applicable regulations, while also assisting municipal law enforcement officers in remediating concerns.

All property owners operating a short-term rental accommodation will be required to obtain a license with the township on an annual basis regardless of how long the operation has been in existence.

Muskoka Lakes will be hosting a virtual webinar to share information about the licensing program and how to obtain a license on December 10 at 10 a.m. via Event Brite.

The Township will begin accepting applications for short-term rental accommodation licenses in early 2025.