I didn’t set out to write this. But after reading misguided discussions and seeing Council’s disregard for rational solutions, I felt compelled to speak up. The February 3rd Special Council Meeting was the final straw. Council didn’t even acknowledge the solutions presented—not a word, not a discussion. It was as if the livelihoods of local businesses, families, and our community’s future didn’t matter.
Even more concerning, few people participated in the online Let’s Talk discussion forum —perhaps they’re exhausted by the debate or feel their voices won’t make a difference. But ignoring this issue is not an option. This isn’t just about short-term accommodations (STAs). It’s about keeping local businesses alive and embracing the growing trend of Canadians traveling within their own country.
Council’s Decisions Will Hurt Local Businesses
The proposal to eliminate C-Class licences and cap STA licences at 400 will have devastating effects on the Bruce Peninsula. Before vacation rentals were widely available, businesses struggled to accommodate visitors, often turning them away due to a lack of lodging. STAs helped fill that gap, allowing more people to visit, spend money, and sustain our economy. Removing them now will set us back, forcing businesses to struggle again.
It’s not just property owners who will suffer. Businesses like my colleague Teresa’s Micro Farm rely on visitors staying in STAs. Her and Craig’s farm provide fresh eggs, candles, and honey, supporting both tourists and locals. If tourism declines because visitors have nowhere to stay, small businesses like theirs will suffer—along with our economy.
When visitors stay in the Bruce, they shop at local stores, eat at restaurants, and support tradespeople. Restricting STAs means less revenue for businesses, fewer jobs, and a weaker economy. We should be supporting growth—not stifling it with unnecessary restrictions.
The ‘Travel Canada’ Movement & Why We Must Welcome Visitors
With rising travel costs and tariffs, more Canadians are choosing to explore destinations within Canada. This is a huge opportunity for the Bruce Peninsula, yet Council is turning people away by limiting where they can stay.
Instead of discouraging tourism, we should be welcoming visitors and showcasing our community as a top destination. Instead, their intentions send a message that the Bruce Peninsula is closing its doors to travelers and prospective homeowners who might otherwise invest here.
C-Class Properties Are Not Commercial Businesses
There’s a false narrative that C-Class properties are commercial operations. That’s simply not true. C-Class properties are responsibly managed family homes, owned by people who love The Bruce and want others to experience it. They are not motels, hotels, or party houses. They are homes, often owned by families using rental income to maintain their properties and support the local economy.
Eliminating these licences doesn’t just hurt the owners—it hurts cleaners, landscapers, service providers, and small businesses that rely on tourism.
Enforcement is the Solution—Not Blanket Restrictions
Concerns like noise, garbage, and trespassing are already covered by existing bylaws. The problem isn’t a lack of rules—it’s that Council is failing to enforce them properly.
Instead of penalizing all STA owners, Council should target problem properties by:
• Increasing fines for repeat offenders.
• Implementing a clear demerit system to track violations.
• Introducing a Nuisance Neighbour By-law that applies to all properties, not just STAs.
• Encouraging property managers to work with neighbors to resolve issues before they escalate.
We Should Encourage Investment—Not Drive It Away
People dream of visiting and even living in the Bruce Peninsula. Yet, Council’s approach sends a strong message that investors, homeowners, and visitors are not welcome. If this continues, we’ll see less investment, fewer jobs, and fewer opportunities for businesses.
Instead of restricting STAs, we should ask: How do we support responsible tourism? How do we encourage new homeowners while maintaining community harmony? These are the discussions we should be having—not a one-sided push to eliminate STAs.
A Call to Action: We Must Speak Up
Council’s short-sighted policies will have long-lasting consequences, and we cannot afford to remain silent.
If you care about the future of our businesses, property values, and economy, now is the time to act:
• Attend Council meetings and voice your concerns.
• Write to Mayor McIver and Deputy Mayor Anderson.
• Demand fair and practical solutions.
Let’s not allow the actions of a few to overshadow the benefits that well-managed rentals bring to our economy. With proper enforcement, fair regulations, and collaboration, we can preserve ‘The Bruce’ while ensuring it remains accessible, and welcoming for all.
Sincerely,
Nathan Monk
Grey Bruce Cottages Inc.
