Well, certainly a lot of words have been written, BUT we aren't looking for "clearly identified problems" or any other interpretation. We simply want,
A list of the STR complaints each year since say 2014 so we can determine what we think is the problem so we can fill out the forms like we were asked...
"we" being the taxpayer.
Considering the small size of the Township necessitating only a part time bylaw officer till recently the number of data points would be truly limited- so- what can't these numbers be relayed to the taxpayers tomorrow as was requested weeks ago?
Why is this data being kept secret?
Secondly, I object to the survey being addressed to the general public. This is a taxpayer issue and only a taxpayer issue. The survey must be recalled and modified to reflect this and all the recent suggestion by council members.
Someone needs to be reminded that we need a made in Northern Bruce solution - ( if indeed there is a significant problem.) not some gross amalgamation of the thoughts of various Townships down South that aren't even similar to us.
The complexity of this seems to be spinning out of control and I suspect release of the requested data (our data as we the taxpayer paid to have it collected) will lend some real perspective!
Milt, can you help us out please?
Regards,
Kevin
Complaint data is now available on this forum under the title The Matter of Complaints Regarding STAs.
As indicated, that data is not a complete picture of the issues which can be associated with STAs. The data had to be reviewed from Township records between 2017 and now, and does not include repeat offences at the same property, nor does it include complaints not provided directly to staff. The records also do not reflect all of the issues raised regarding STAs.
It is important to note that current complaints are not driving this review. Both the benefits and issues associated with STAs were recognized by the municipality in initiating the review. The municipality has experienced a rapid growth in the number of STAs and wants to ensure that it is acting proactively in addressing the needs of residents. This means consulting with the community about local matters and arriving at local solutions.
Exsting complaints are only part of the picture. The review is seeking input about benefits, issues, community perceptions and ideas from the community on whether or not regulations are required, and if they are, what form they would take.
We look forward to your input as this review progresses.
Thankyou for the reply. I am interested in seeing the discussion more away from anecdotal remarks and statements to something more quantified so we all know what we are talking about.
You say the township has "experienced a rapid rise in STR's"...
-Over what period?
- What is the number you are considering?
-Where exactly did you get it from?
- Is there an actual huge rise or just an incresed awareness of STR's by the Township due to the availability of the internet to chase down the numbers?
- I started renting cottages here in 1970 for diving, at least 3 or 4 times a summer, and rarely had to stay in the same cottage twice. There were dozens right around Tobermory!
- I would think we have to be carefull that the general concerns/unhappyness over the overcrowding during the 6 peak summer weeks isn't reflected in a lashing out at short term rentals - I would think the people are coming for the attactions (such as they are )) and not the STR's themselves.
Regards,
K