The City of St. Catharines is stepping up the regulatory framework for short-term rentals.
Council has approved a Licensing and Administrative Penalty System for rentals operated via online portals like AirBnB.
Rental operators will also be required to apply for a license, as well as ensure properties follow regulations such as city by-laws, the Fire Code and the Building Code.
In 2020, council amended the City's Zoning By-law to redefine short-term rentals as home-based businesses.
Both of these changes will be phased into effect in January 2022, but until then, short-term rentals remain banned.
Historically, short-term rentals have not been permitted in St. Catharines due to concerns about noise, property standards, waste and parking.
More information is available here.
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