What is a short-term rental?
A Short-term rental (STR) is all or part of a dwelling unit rented out for less than 30 consecutive days. STR accommodations are commonly offered through online platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Kijiji.
The purpose of the licensing program is to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals, to address community concerns and to ensure the safety of operators, renters and neighbours so that everyone may have an enjoyable experience in French River.
Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law 2023-60
- Hard copies of the Application Package can be obtained at the Municipal Office located at: 44 St. Christophe Street, Suite 1, Noelville, Ontario.
Issued Short Term Rental Licences
The Approved Licence List contains information about licensed short-term rentals in the Municipality of French River. Please note that this information is constantly being updated and may not accurately reflect recent submissions. These licences expire on December 31, 2024.
Background
In 2021, Council showed an interest in managing STRs in our Municipality. This was followed by reports presented at meetings held on February 2, 2022, April 5, 2023, and July 5, 2023; see the links below to access Agendas, Minutes and Reports. The consultation period was held between July 13, 2023 until October 18, 2023.
The licensing by-law includes provisions such as:
- limit of 50 licences throughout the Municipality and one licence per property
- permitted in all zones that permit a residential dwelling
- limit of rental occupants based on septic capacity
- require that a designated responsible person be assigned to respond within specific timeframes
- enforcement tools such as fines and demerit points
To regulate Short Term Rentals (STR), the Zoning By-law required a general amendment to define a short-term rental accommodation and to regulate them through licensing. The Public Hearing to consider the Zoning By-law Amendment was held on November 1, 2023.
- Meeting of February 2, 2022
- Meeting of April 5, 2023
- Meeting of July 5, 2023
- Meeting of September 20, 2023
- Meeting of October 18, 2023