Short-Term Accommodations Review

Update - February 18, 2026

On February 12th, 2026, the Town of Wasaga Beach Council adopted By-law 2026-08, a new stand-alone licensing by-law to regulate short-term accommodations (STAs) within the municipality.

This new by-law represents the culmination of a comprehensive review initiated in 2023 as part of Council’s Term of Council Priorities. The project mandate was to conduct a thorough review of short-term accommodation regulation and licensing strategies and to propose recommendations to enhance and optimize the Town’s framework, particularly in relation to safety, compliance, and mitigation of community impacts.

In August 2024, Council unanimously endorsed a series of recommendations following extensive public engagement. The engagement process included a dedicated project page on EngageWasaga.ca, a community survey that received more than 500 responses, and in-person engagement sessions with residents and short-term accommodation operators. Feedback demonstrated strong support for clearer standards, enhanced enforcement tools, and measures to address neighbourhood impacts while maintaining the economic benefits of tourism.

By-law 2026-08 establishes a modern, purpose-built licensing regime designed specifically for short-term accommodations. The new framework includes:

• A stand-alone licensing system with defined licensing classes;

• Comprehensive application requirements, including $5 million in liability insurance and a mandatory Neighbourhood Partnership Plan addressing parking, garbage, and noise management;

• A single annual license expiry date to ensure inspections occur prior to peak season;

• A Demerit Point System tied to Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs);

• Explicit guest behaviour provisions and a mandatory Renter’s Code of Conduct; and

• A public Short-Term Accommodation registry to enhance transparency and accountability.

The by-law builds on enforcement tools previously approved by Council, including the implementation of Granicus Host Compliance software and the establishment of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System. Since the software became fully operational, the Town has significantly increased proactive compliance efforts, bringing dozens of previously unlicensed properties into compliance.

Importantly, the new licensing by-law does not change where short-term accommodations are permitted. Land use permissions remain governed by the Town’s Zoning By-law. Instead, the by-law strengthens how short-term accommodations are regulated in areas where they are already permitted, ensuring clearer expectations, improved oversight, and fair, consistent enforcement.

The Town will now begin implementation of the new licensing framework ahead of the April 1, 2026 renewal cycle. Existing operators will receive direct communication outlining next steps and updated requirements.

The Project

In response to the 2022-2026 Term of Council Priorities, the Short-Term Accommodation project has been established to conduct a comprehensive review of short-term accommodation (STA) regulations and licensing strategies within the Town of Wasaga Beach. The project will assess existing regulations and propose recommendations to enhance and optimize the STA licensing framework, addressing issues related to safety, compliance, and community impacts.

Project Goals

• Create a regulatory framework for short-term accommodations that addresses community concerns but continues to support the Town's tourist economy.
• Reduce the impact of STA's on the residential character of neighbourhoods through reduction in noise, parking and garbage problems.
• Help to elevate the Town's tourism profile.
• Diversify the tourist accommodation sector and attract larger accommodation groups to support growing level of tourism.

Current STA Regulations

Short-term accommodations are currently licensed through Business Licensing by-law #2020-87 as "tourist accommodations" and "bed and breakfasts". Under the licensing by-law, all short-term accommodation categories that fall under "tourist accommodations, are required to pay a year licensing fee, undergo fire safety and property standards inspections, and provide adequate insurance coverage for the property to operate.

Under the Town's by-laws, short-term accommodation is defined as "a building or structure or any part thereof that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging, or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, rental agreement, or similar commercial arrangement for any period less than thirty-one (31) consecutive calendar days."

A bed and breakfast is defined as " a private residential dwelling unit permitted only in zones indicated in the Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning By-law, in which the owner or a long-term leasee resides, and within which guest rooms, that may have separate sanitary facilities but shall not have separate culinary facilities, are offered to the traveling public and meals may or may not be offered to the guests."

A hotel is defined as "a building or structure or any part thereof, containing three or more guest rooms served by a common entrance, where guest rooms may include culinary facilities and may have a separate entrance directly from outside the building but must include individual sanitary facilities. Accessory uses may include accommodations for permanent staff and one or more beverage rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms, or similar uses. “Motel” shall have corresponding meaning as indicated in the Town of Wasaga Beach Zoning By-law."

The Town of Wasaga Beach currently licenses 170 Tourist Establishments including motels, short-term accommodations, and bed and breakfasts.

The Town's Zoning by-law #2003-60 outlines the zones where short-term accommodations are permitted to operate. An interactive map, which lists these zones is available in the 'Relevant Documents' panel on this website.

Bed and Breakfast establishments are currently permitted in the following zones:

• R1
• R2
• RE
• RU
• DC2
• DG2
• B2

Short-Term Accommodations are currently permitted in the following zones:

• DC1
• DC2
• DG1
• DG2
• B1
• B2

Tourist Establishments are currently permitted in the following zones:

• CT
• CA
• CC
• CD
• CS
• DC1
• DC2
• DG1
• DG2
• B1
• B2

NEW UPDATE - Public Engagement Session set for May 2, 2024 4:00pm-7:00pm

Roundtable workshop discussion open to all members of the community. This event aims to bring together members of our community to discuss and provide input on regulations and licensing for Short-Term Accommodations.

Participants must register in advance to attend. To register, visit the Event Brite site at: https://bit.ly/4asUiyL

The event will be held in the RE/MAX Room at 544 River Road West from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

This roundtable workshop is an essential part of our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and community engagement. Your participation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of short-term accommodations in Wasaga Beach.

Stakeholder Engagement Session - March 21, 2024 1:00pm-3:00pm

Invitational workshop for short-term accommodators and tourism business owners in Wasaga Beach that aims to foster dialogue, gather insights, and collaboratively develop recommendations to enhance existing short-term accommodation policies and frameworks within the town.

Participants must register in advance to attend and must be operators/owners (licensed or unlicensed) of tourist establishments, bed and breakfast and other types of short-term accommodations. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wasaga-beach-stakeholder-engagement-short-term-accommodations-tickets-852449739117

The goal of this session will be to examine some possible regulatory frameworks for short-term accommodations and to develop a list of recommendations for consideration.

The event will be held in the RE/MAX Room from 1:00-3:00pm.

If you are unable to attend, but would like the opportunity to provide input, please email Carly Murdoch, Special Project Leader, at carly.murdoch@wasagabeach.com

New By-Law and Report