COTTAGE RENTALS IN 2020

There are two provisions within the Ontario Emergency order that affect cottage rentals in Huntsville/Fox Lake right now:
1. The short-term rental ban continues as part of the Ontario Emergency Orders that have been extended until at least June 9. That means that no short-term rentals are allowed except in cases where emergency accommodation is required.
2. Social gatherings of more than 5 people are banned. The OPP is responsible for enforcing these Covid-19 related emergency orders and can be contacted at 1-888-310-1122

Separately, as part of a public consultation process that began in early 2019, the Town of Huntsville has enacted bylaw 2019-122, which is an act to regulate short-term rentals in our area. This by-law has a significant impact on the rental of cottages in our area.
Some of the key provisions include:
a. All rental properties must be licensed with the town. Licensing includes requirements such as a site plan be submitted for the property and the property will be inspected to ensure it meets all current fire and safety codes.
b. An annual fee must be paid to the town to operate the rental;
c. Limits on the number of people and cars are mandated as part of the license, including occupancy limited to two (2) people per legal bedroom, and cars limited based on the amount of legal parking space available.

There are other significant provisions included in the by-law which we encourage you to read at:
https://www.huntsville.ca/en/home-property-and-planning/short-term-accommodation-rentals.aspx

​The FLA board will also be meeting with the town to better understand this by-law and will advise our members of the information we learn from that meeting.