By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward called a special council meeting on January 13, 2025, to approve the Short-Term Accommodation (STA) bylaw. Council approval was required before January 24, 2025, to meet eligibility requirements for federal funding. Failing to approve the bylaw by this date would have meant losing the opportunity to access a minimum of $100,000 annually over three years to assist with enforcement efforts.
Special council meetings, such as this one, are not part of the regular calendar of meetings approved for the year. These meetings are convened for time-sensitive or emergency matters, with agendas, dates, and times subject to change.
At the January 13 meeting, Burlington City Council approved the new STA bylaw, designed to mitigate neighbourhood disruptions, preserve long-term housing availability, and enhance safety standards.
Mayor Meed Ward highlighted the urgency and significance of meeting the federal deadline, stating: “The short-term accommodation bylaw is a direct response to community requests for some regulation that protects both long-term housing supply and the peaceful enjoyment of our beautiful neighbourhoods. The bylaw balances the interests of homeowners and visitors for flexible accommodation with the responsibility to abide by minimum codes of conduct and standards. I thank everyone who participated in this process to achieve a bylaw that will benefit all members of our community.”
City staff recommended its approval to make Burlington eligible for federal funding through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund (STREF). The fund provides up to $4.8 million per applicant over three years, with a minimum allocation of $100,000 in the first year to support enforcement. Applications for STREF funding opened on December 16, 2024, and close on January 24, 2025.
City staff have included a licensing fee of $300, which aligns with Burlington’s existing license fees and is slightly below the average fee of $318.28 in neighbouring municipalities such as Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, and Mississauga. The $300 licensing fee will result in approximately $100,000–$150,000 per year, which will cover the cost of the licence administration. As with all licensing fees, they do not cover the cost of enforcement. Staff intend to apply for the Short-Term Rental Fund offered by Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada with the goal of dedicating two full-time fulfillment bylaw officers to enforcement of short-term rentals. Without funding, staff will need to prioritize this enforcement over other areas in the city.
The bylaw also addresses housing availability, nuisance reduction, and safety standards. The city says community engagement informed its development, including nearly 500 survey responses in 2024, alongside input from public events and virtual feedback sessions. Applications for STA licenses will be available on the city’s website by April 2025, giving owners sufficient time to comply before enforcement begins.
Additionally, city staff anticipate licensing short-term rental advertisers (e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo) by Q4 2025 but need additional time for consultation with these vendors before implementation.
The city plans to monitor the bylaw’s effectiveness and adjust as needed. Bylaw Services will provide a report to council in 2026, including any recommended amendments to ensure the by-law achieves its intended goals.
Residents can learn more by visiting burlington.ca/STA or getinvolvedburlington.ca/strentals.
Local-News.ca invites readers to share their thoughts on the new STA bylaw. Initially, the city indicated it would conduct further community consultations and surveys before finalizing the legislation. We want to hear your perspective — how do you feel about the bylaw and its implications for Burlington neighbourhoods? Contact us with your feedback at articles@local-news.ca.
By passing the STA bylaw ahead of the federal funding deadline, Burlington will hopefully secure critical resources to support enforcement while balancing tourism growth with the needs of its residents and neighbourhoods.
