The rental of chalets in the countryside will now be legalized.

Muskoka Lakes new Permits for short-term rental housing The regulation will come into force on January 1.

All new and existing short-term rental operators will need a license to legally operate their short-term rental units (STRA) in Muskoka Lakes.

“Council hopes that the short-term rental housing licensing program will help maintain community character while ensuring that rental properties protect the environment and are safe for occupants,” said Mayor Peter Kelley.

“We anticipate that with the implementation of this regulation, we will see a decrease in the number of community concerns,” Kelley said.

The STRA regulation will also help ensure that properties operated as short-term rental housing comply with all township bylaws and applicable regulations, while assisting municipal law enforcement officers in remediating issues. .

All owners operating short-term rental accommodation will be required to obtain a license with the canton on an annual basis, regardless of the duration of existence of the operation.

Muskoka Lakes will host a virtual webinar to share information about the permit program and how to obtain a permit on December 10 at 10 a.m. via Brite Event.

The township will begin accepting applications for short-term rental housing permits in early 2025.