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Short-Term Rental Accommodations

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Consultation has concluded


After completing community consultation and a review of best practices in similar communities, The Town of Gravenhurst has developed a Short-Term Rental Accommodation program that will address using Short-Term Rentals (STR) across the municipality. Town Council passed the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law that requires all STRs to have a license from the Town to operate. The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law was also passed to describe the enforcement and the penalties related to not following the By-law to Licence and Regulate Short-Term Rentals.

Both By-laws came into effect as of January 2023.

Within the By-law to License and Regulate Short Term Rentals, a Short-Term Rental is defined as “the use of a dwelling unit that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, license, rental agreement, or similar arrangement for any period equal to or less than twenty-eight (28) consecutive calendar days, throughout all or any part of the calendar year, unless otherwise prohibited by this By-law or any other By-law of the Town of Gravenhurst.”

Notably, there are a variety of other municipal By-laws that are in place to address many of the behaviors that have been described as problematic during the STR discussion. These By-laws include those related to open burning, noise, parking, property standards, dark sky lighting, site alteration and site plan control.

Please visit Short-Term Rental Accommodations website for more information.


After completing community consultation and a review of best practices in similar communities, The Town of Gravenhurst has developed a Short-Term Rental Accommodation program that will address using Short-Term Rentals (STR) across the municipality. Town Council passed the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law that requires all STRs to have a license from the Town to operate. The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law was also passed to describe the enforcement and the penalties related to not following the By-law to Licence and Regulate Short-Term Rentals.

Both By-laws came into effect as of January 2023.

Within the By-law to License and Regulate Short Term Rentals, a Short-Term Rental is defined as “the use of a dwelling unit that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, license, rental agreement, or similar arrangement for any period equal to or less than twenty-eight (28) consecutive calendar days, throughout all or any part of the calendar year, unless otherwise prohibited by this By-law or any other By-law of the Town of Gravenhurst.”

Notably, there are a variety of other municipal By-laws that are in place to address many of the behaviors that have been described as problematic during the STR discussion. These By-laws include those related to open burning, noise, parking, property standards, dark sky lighting, site alteration and site plan control.

Please visit Short-Term Rental Accommodations website for more information.

Consultation has concluded

Do you have a question about short term rentals? Ask any question here:

  • Share Why does the Town consider STRs legal in residential zones? They have been deemed as commercial operations by the courts in other municipalities and as such, have been deemed as illegal in residential zones. My understanding of the by-laws is that if something is not explicitly stated in the by-laws as permitted, then it is not permitted. Our zoning by-laws state that single family dwellings, group homes and Bed and Breakfasts only are permitted to be operated in residential zones. STRs are not mentioned in the by-laws. They didn't even exist when the by-laws were created. Why do we have commercial and residential zones if the Town is going to allow commercial operations (and STRs are very disruptive ones at that) to operated in residential communities?? on Facebook Share Why does the Town consider STRs legal in residential zones? They have been deemed as commercial operations by the courts in other municipalities and as such, have been deemed as illegal in residential zones. My understanding of the by-laws is that if something is not explicitly stated in the by-laws as permitted, then it is not permitted. Our zoning by-laws state that single family dwellings, group homes and Bed and Breakfasts only are permitted to be operated in residential zones. STRs are not mentioned in the by-laws. They didn't even exist when the by-laws were created. Why do we have commercial and residential zones if the Town is going to allow commercial operations (and STRs are very disruptive ones at that) to operated in residential communities?? on Twitter Share Why does the Town consider STRs legal in residential zones? They have been deemed as commercial operations by the courts in other municipalities and as such, have been deemed as illegal in residential zones. My understanding of the by-laws is that if something is not explicitly stated in the by-laws as permitted, then it is not permitted. Our zoning by-laws state that single family dwellings, group homes and Bed and Breakfasts only are permitted to be operated in residential zones. STRs are not mentioned in the by-laws. They didn't even exist when the by-laws were created. Why do we have commercial and residential zones if the Town is going to allow commercial operations (and STRs are very disruptive ones at that) to operated in residential communities?? on Linkedin Email Why does the Town consider STRs legal in residential zones? They have been deemed as commercial operations by the courts in other municipalities and as such, have been deemed as illegal in residential zones. My understanding of the by-laws is that if something is not explicitly stated in the by-laws as permitted, then it is not permitted. Our zoning by-laws state that single family dwellings, group homes and Bed and Breakfasts only are permitted to be operated in residential zones. STRs are not mentioned in the by-laws. They didn't even exist when the by-laws were created. Why do we have commercial and residential zones if the Town is going to allow commercial operations (and STRs are very disruptive ones at that) to operated in residential communities?? link

    Why does the Town consider STRs legal in residential zones? They have been deemed as commercial operations by the courts in other municipalities and as such, have been deemed as illegal in residential zones. My understanding of the by-laws is that if something is not explicitly stated in the by-laws as permitted, then it is not permitted. Our zoning by-laws state that single family dwellings, group homes and Bed and Breakfasts only are permitted to be operated in residential zones. STRs are not mentioned in the by-laws. They didn't even exist when the by-laws were created. Why do we have commercial and residential zones if the Town is going to allow commercial operations (and STRs are very disruptive ones at that) to operated in residential communities??

    Glenda asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your input and opinions on which zones should permit STRs. This will be included in the summary of the responses to the survey, and will be considered as part of the Options Report that will be developed based on the feedback.

  • Share Hi there: Our survey submission closed out before we completed the custom feedback field. We operate a successful STR that contributes significantly to the local economy. For example, we help provide year-round income to half a dozen local service providers (property manager, landscaper, cleaning crew, etc.), as well as bringing families up to Muskoka each week to shop, dine and explore locally. A portion of our rental revenue is donated to 3 local charities including GAP.. We would appreciate the opportunity to work directly with town planners to provide input and suggestions as to how best to regulate and support STRs. It is in our collective best interests to encourage economic development through well thoihgt-out cottage rental policies. For example, our rental contract includes strict adherence to occupancy limits, noise bylaws, fire regulations and proper garbage handling. Failure to abide by these rules invokes a severe financial penalty. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further. - Mark and Sharon Coutts, 265 Lakeview Avenue. C: 416-371-9136. Thank you. on Facebook Share Hi there: Our survey submission closed out before we completed the custom feedback field. We operate a successful STR that contributes significantly to the local economy. For example, we help provide year-round income to half a dozen local service providers (property manager, landscaper, cleaning crew, etc.), as well as bringing families up to Muskoka each week to shop, dine and explore locally. A portion of our rental revenue is donated to 3 local charities including GAP.. We would appreciate the opportunity to work directly with town planners to provide input and suggestions as to how best to regulate and support STRs. It is in our collective best interests to encourage economic development through well thoihgt-out cottage rental policies. For example, our rental contract includes strict adherence to occupancy limits, noise bylaws, fire regulations and proper garbage handling. Failure to abide by these rules invokes a severe financial penalty. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further. - Mark and Sharon Coutts, 265 Lakeview Avenue. C: 416-371-9136. Thank you. on Twitter Share Hi there: Our survey submission closed out before we completed the custom feedback field. We operate a successful STR that contributes significantly to the local economy. For example, we help provide year-round income to half a dozen local service providers (property manager, landscaper, cleaning crew, etc.), as well as bringing families up to Muskoka each week to shop, dine and explore locally. A portion of our rental revenue is donated to 3 local charities including GAP.. We would appreciate the opportunity to work directly with town planners to provide input and suggestions as to how best to regulate and support STRs. It is in our collective best interests to encourage economic development through well thoihgt-out cottage rental policies. For example, our rental contract includes strict adherence to occupancy limits, noise bylaws, fire regulations and proper garbage handling. Failure to abide by these rules invokes a severe financial penalty. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further. - Mark and Sharon Coutts, 265 Lakeview Avenue. C: 416-371-9136. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hi there: Our survey submission closed out before we completed the custom feedback field. We operate a successful STR that contributes significantly to the local economy. For example, we help provide year-round income to half a dozen local service providers (property manager, landscaper, cleaning crew, etc.), as well as bringing families up to Muskoka each week to shop, dine and explore locally. A portion of our rental revenue is donated to 3 local charities including GAP.. We would appreciate the opportunity to work directly with town planners to provide input and suggestions as to how best to regulate and support STRs. It is in our collective best interests to encourage economic development through well thoihgt-out cottage rental policies. For example, our rental contract includes strict adherence to occupancy limits, noise bylaws, fire regulations and proper garbage handling. Failure to abide by these rules invokes a severe financial penalty. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further. - Mark and Sharon Coutts, 265 Lakeview Avenue. C: 416-371-9136. Thank you. link

    Hi there: Our survey submission closed out before we completed the custom feedback field. We operate a successful STR that contributes significantly to the local economy. For example, we help provide year-round income to half a dozen local service providers (property manager, landscaper, cleaning crew, etc.), as well as bringing families up to Muskoka each week to shop, dine and explore locally. A portion of our rental revenue is donated to 3 local charities including GAP.. We would appreciate the opportunity to work directly with town planners to provide input and suggestions as to how best to regulate and support STRs. It is in our collective best interests to encourage economic development through well thoihgt-out cottage rental policies. For example, our rental contract includes strict adherence to occupancy limits, noise bylaws, fire regulations and proper garbage handling. Failure to abide by these rules invokes a severe financial penalty. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further. - Mark and Sharon Coutts, 265 Lakeview Avenue. C: 416-371-9136. Thank you.

    lakeside asked about 3 years ago

    Mark and Sharon, thank you for taking the time to complete our STR survey. Your additional feedback has been noted and we will be sure to reach out if we have any further questions. 

  • Share There are pro/cons to STR. Good to have money spent in Muskoka but bad for good neighbour relations in a lot of cases. ie: good tenants/bad tenants. The big issues are noise, breaking by-laws, dangerous boat and swimming, fires. Why does the town not have 24/7 enforcement of the by-laws? Why does the town not use drones to investigate and then send ticket to the property owner when their renters break the rules.(much like photo radar) When people have fires and complaints are registered about smoke nothing seems to happen as there are no pics and air can't be bottled with smoke in. Smoke travels along way and can effect people 1000's of feet away. Town does nothing to enforce the rules of telling people they must not have fires if smoke residue bothers in the vicinity. We have a new fire by-law why isn't it being enforced 24/7? Follow 24 hours later is just not good enough for a leading progressive community like Gravenhurst, we need 24/7 coverage. on Facebook Share There are pro/cons to STR. Good to have money spent in Muskoka but bad for good neighbour relations in a lot of cases. ie: good tenants/bad tenants. The big issues are noise, breaking by-laws, dangerous boat and swimming, fires. Why does the town not have 24/7 enforcement of the by-laws? Why does the town not use drones to investigate and then send ticket to the property owner when their renters break the rules.(much like photo radar) When people have fires and complaints are registered about smoke nothing seems to happen as there are no pics and air can't be bottled with smoke in. Smoke travels along way and can effect people 1000's of feet away. Town does nothing to enforce the rules of telling people they must not have fires if smoke residue bothers in the vicinity. We have a new fire by-law why isn't it being enforced 24/7? Follow 24 hours later is just not good enough for a leading progressive community like Gravenhurst, we need 24/7 coverage. on Twitter Share There are pro/cons to STR. Good to have money spent in Muskoka but bad for good neighbour relations in a lot of cases. ie: good tenants/bad tenants. The big issues are noise, breaking by-laws, dangerous boat and swimming, fires. Why does the town not have 24/7 enforcement of the by-laws? Why does the town not use drones to investigate and then send ticket to the property owner when their renters break the rules.(much like photo radar) When people have fires and complaints are registered about smoke nothing seems to happen as there are no pics and air can't be bottled with smoke in. Smoke travels along way and can effect people 1000's of feet away. Town does nothing to enforce the rules of telling people they must not have fires if smoke residue bothers in the vicinity. We have a new fire by-law why isn't it being enforced 24/7? Follow 24 hours later is just not good enough for a leading progressive community like Gravenhurst, we need 24/7 coverage. on Linkedin Email There are pro/cons to STR. Good to have money spent in Muskoka but bad for good neighbour relations in a lot of cases. ie: good tenants/bad tenants. The big issues are noise, breaking by-laws, dangerous boat and swimming, fires. Why does the town not have 24/7 enforcement of the by-laws? Why does the town not use drones to investigate and then send ticket to the property owner when their renters break the rules.(much like photo radar) When people have fires and complaints are registered about smoke nothing seems to happen as there are no pics and air can't be bottled with smoke in. Smoke travels along way and can effect people 1000's of feet away. Town does nothing to enforce the rules of telling people they must not have fires if smoke residue bothers in the vicinity. We have a new fire by-law why isn't it being enforced 24/7? Follow 24 hours later is just not good enough for a leading progressive community like Gravenhurst, we need 24/7 coverage. link

    There are pro/cons to STR. Good to have money spent in Muskoka but bad for good neighbour relations in a lot of cases. ie: good tenants/bad tenants. The big issues are noise, breaking by-laws, dangerous boat and swimming, fires. Why does the town not have 24/7 enforcement of the by-laws? Why does the town not use drones to investigate and then send ticket to the property owner when their renters break the rules.(much like photo radar) When people have fires and complaints are registered about smoke nothing seems to happen as there are no pics and air can't be bottled with smoke in. Smoke travels along way and can effect people 1000's of feet away. Town does nothing to enforce the rules of telling people they must not have fires if smoke residue bothers in the vicinity. We have a new fire by-law why isn't it being enforced 24/7? Follow 24 hours later is just not good enough for a leading progressive community like Gravenhurst, we need 24/7 coverage.

    Concerned asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for taking the time to reach out about this, and your suggestions on how the Town may address these specific issues are greatly appreciated.

  • Share Since my wife has registered is there a way that I also can have a say with the same e-mail address? on Facebook Share Since my wife has registered is there a way that I also can have a say with the same e-mail address? on Twitter Share Since my wife has registered is there a way that I also can have a say with the same e-mail address? on Linkedin Email Since my wife has registered is there a way that I also can have a say with the same e-mail address? link

    Since my wife has registered is there a way that I also can have a say with the same e-mail address?

    George asked about 3 years ago

    Hi George, For the purpose of this survey it is set up so only one registered single user may submit a response with a single email address. We encourage you to sign up so you may join the discussion!