On Monday, Sept. 27, Council will vote on the Short Term Accommodation (STA) Plan. The date is important because most part-time residents will be gone and we are the ones who will be most affected if the Council approves the plan.
Since the approval of the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw passed in 2002 to the present, STAs are NOT a Permitted Use. The question needs to be asked: Why was the Bylaw never enforced?
Cottagers and part-time residents provide the majority of taxes to the Municipality and are the ones most affected by STAs. Yet, the Short Term Accommodation Plan addresses few of our concerns. For example: Class A and B accommodations would allow the property to be rented for 180 days. That is all of spring, summer, fall and then some! We have to remember the primary purpose of an STA is to put money in the pocket of the owner. If you have an STA next to you or near you, ask yourself this. Has it improved my experience as a cottage owner or resident? Has it raised or lowered my property value?
I would suggest Council conduct a referendum. It would be advisory only but would provide some guidance for Council. Every rate payer would be sent to their home address the following referendum questions:
1. Should the Council keep the present Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw which excludes STAs as a permitted use
or
2. Should Council approve the Short Term Accommodation Plan (with amendments)?
What can residents do? Before Monday, Sept. 27th, send an email, text, call or write the Council. Let them know what you think should be done or the direction the Council should take. Telephone individual Council members. The Municipality phone number is 519 793 3522. Fax is 519 793 3823. Website is www.northbrucepeninsula.ca
Names, phone numbers and web sites for individual Council members are:
• Mayor Milt McIver – mayor@northernbruce.ca, phone – 519 592 3076
•Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles – deputymayormyles@northernbruce.ca, phone – 519 795 7240
• Councillor Laurie Golden – councillorgolden@northernbruce.ca, phone – 519 596 2614
• Councillor James Mielhausen – councillormielhausen@northernbruce.ca, phone – 519 378 8457
• Councillor Megan Myles – councillormyles@northernbruce.ca, phone – 519 387 3663
The quality of life on the Bruce for you and for your families will be determined by Council’s actions.
David O’Leary
