Lincoln, ON – (September 26, 2024) – Following extensive public consultation, the Town of Lincoln has officially approved its Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Bed and Breakfast Establishment Licensing By-law and Regulatory Framework, detailed in Report PD-34-24, at the Lincoln Council meeting on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The updated Zoning By-law Amendment and the new Short-Term Accommodation and Bed & Breakfast Licensing By-law, as outlined in Appendices A and B of the aforementioned report, include measures to monitor these businesses and ensure that short-term rental operations meet community standards.
“We are committed to ensuring that our community’s growth remains sustainable while preserving the vibrancy and integrity of our neighbourhoods, said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “These new regulations will help us balance the benefits of short-term rentals while safeguarding the quality of life for our residents.”
JD Pachereva, Ward 2 Councillor and Chair of the Planning & Economic Development Committee added, “These measures are a direct response to valuable community feedback and are aligned with our long-term planning goals. We will conduct annual reviews of the licensing program to ensure it remains effective and adaptable to the needs of our community.”
Licensing and regulating short-term accommodations provide benefits to operators, users and community members. They:
- Allow residents to use their properties for additional income through STA and B&Bs;
- Protect the character of our urban areas and considering land-use compatibility;
- Allow for streamlined ability to address potential noise and nuisance impacts;
- Support tourism thorough diversified accommodations;
- Allow the municipality to develop an inventory of all STAs and B&Bs in Lincoln (supporting tourism promotion and our Municipal Accommodation Tax);
- Ensure STAs and B&Bs have the health and safety of guests top of mind through appropriate standards and regulations;
- Support long-term rental stock & homeownership in Lincoln.
CAO Michael Kirkopoulos provided further comment: “This decision reflects our dedication to effective governance and transparency, through extensive consultation taken with stakeholders and community members over more than a year. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these regulations will have on our community.”
Additionally, the Committee has directed staff to implement the new By-law and to notify the public of its commencement. The new application fee will also be incorporated into the 2024 Fees and Charges. Registration will begin on November 1, 2024.
Staff will report back to Council after one year of licensing and then bi-annually, ensuring ongoing evaluation and adjustment as needed.
Applications are processed through a user-friendly online platform, which includes a step-by-step guide and a checklist of required documents. For further information, please visit Lincoln.ca/STA.