DARRYL KNIGHT, The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: At the Tuesday, December 10th council meeting, Aaron Sloan, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing, presented an update on the city’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Program, highlighting its phased rollout, current statistics, and future improvements. The program, which began with a soft launch in 2023, transitioned to full implementation in January 2024.
“We’ve made significant progress in identifying and licensing short-term rental properties across the municipality,” said Mr. Sloan. “The phased approach allowed us to build the necessary infrastructure, educate the public, and address challenges as they arose.”
During the soft rollout, staff focused on creating licensing processes, training personnel, and establishing partnerships, including an agreement with Granicus Host Compliance, a vendor which helps identify STR properties and manage complaints. By the end of 2023, approximately 800 STR locations were identified, with 422 licenses issued in 2024.
“By staggering the rollout, we gave owners time to understand the new regulations,” Mr. Sloan explained. “This approach has proven effective in managing application intake and enforcement.”
The program also introduced a 24/7 complaint monitoring system, which received 560 vendor-supported complaints in 2024, ranging from noise violations to unauthorized rentals. Another 78 complaints were logged directly through municipal channels. Staff issued 417 demerit points for violations, with 20 licenses denied or revoked due to issues such as zoning non-compliance, septic capacity, or fire safety concerns.
Despite its successes, the program has faced challenges, including delays caused by incomplete applications and a backlog of 278 unlicensed properties under investigation. Sloan acknowledged these hurdles, emphasizing ongoing process improvements.
“To streamline application reviews, we’ve implemented conditional licenses for complete applications,” said Mr. Sloan. “This change has reduced processing times from 8 to 10 weeks to as little as seven business days in some cases.”
Another improvement involves clearer communication with applicants. Staff now explicitly inform applicants when their applications are on hold and outline the consequences of non-compliance, leading to faster responses and fewer enforcement actions.
The STR program has exceeded financial expectations, generating over $400,000 in revenue in 2024, with a projected increase to $420,000 in 2025. The program remains self-sufficient funding staff hours and operational needs without external support.
However, Mr. Sloan noted the program has added significant workload for staff across multiple departments, including Building and Septic, Planning, and Fire Prevention. Weekly meetings help address licensing and enforcement issues, but the backlog of unlicensed properties remains a priority.
“With the rental market slowing during the winter, we’re focusing on addressing the backlog,” Mr. Sloan said. “While no new staff are planned for 2025, we’re prepared to adjust if necessary.”
As the program enters its second full year, staff are preparing for a surge in license renewals in spring 2025 and continuing efforts to ensure compliance. Mr. Sloan emphasized the program’s role in balancing economic opportunities with community concerns.
“This program is about creating a fair and safe environment for everyone—residents, visitors, and property owners alike,” he concluded. “We’re committed to refining the process and ensuring its long-term success.”
For more information on the Short-Term Rental Licensing Program, visit the city’s website or contact Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing.
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