Gimli council introduced two bylaws last week to regulate and tax short-term rental accommodations in the municipality.
Both bylaws were given first reading at council’s regular meeting on Nov. 15.
The licensing requirements come in response to concerns from residents and cottagers who say short-term rentals in residential neighbourhoods disrupt the peace and are operating as business.
The Short Term Rental Bylaw (No. 23-0011), also referred to as the STR Bylaw, sets out rules for property owners or tenants (with property owners’ permission) who want to rent dwelling units such as single-family homes, seasonal cottages, secondary suites, condominiums, apartments and mobile homes.
The accompanying Accommodation Tax Bylaw (No. 23-0012) implements a five per cent accommodation tax on short-term rentals.
“We’re collecting the accommodation tax to help generate revenue that can be used to enhance areas for tourism and offset the cost of tourism where our ratepayers are responsible for tourist-related municipal services such as garbage collection and the maintenance of areas that see a high volume of tourists such as the Gimli waterfront,” said Gimli councillor Thora Palson.
The City of Winnipeg’s short-term rental regulations also include an accommodation tax, she said.
Gimli’s STR bylaw states that “no person shall use a dwelling unit for a STR in the municipality unless in possession of a STR licence in respect of that dwelling unit.” The license costs $200 and will have to be renewed annually.
Condominium owners wanting to rent their unit will have to get permission from their condo board to do so. Tenants who are renting a unit and want to rent it as an STR will have to obtain written approval from the property owner and present proof of tenancy before a license application will be considered. All STR licensees must provide a contact person who lives in the municipality and who can respond to complaints or emergencies.
Only two people are permitted in each bedroom and “quiet hours” fall between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. No more than three dogs over the age of four months are allowed. And no motor vehicles, tents, trailers can be used for additional accommodation.
Bylaw infractions are to be dealt with by the RM’s bylaw officer.
Palson said the bylaws were given only first reading at council’s November meeting.
“The bylaws won’t come into force and effect until they’re given third reading,” she said.
Council shared with the Express a press release that states it had gathered views from the community before it created the bylaws.
“Gimli Council had conducted a survey and held an open house in the summer of 2023 to hear the thoughts of the community,” states the release. “The process has confirmed that the public feels that STR regulations are required and have identified concerns with possible activities which are to be addressed by by-law.”
Third and final reading of both bylaws is expected to occur on Dec. 13.
