Tessa Swanton (Townson),
Bruce Peninsula Press
In January 2026, Council passed a B&B licensing by-law following a public commenting period. The Municipality’s public engagement website, Let’s Talk NBP, received 536 views and nine comments on the project. A staff report from January 12, 2026, indicated that comments reflected a wide range of opinions, some supporting standards and safety regulations while others expressing the by-law may be unnecessary for businesses.
A letter placed on the June 8th Council agenda from Neda Sarbakhsh and Nick Ferrence (Orange Bicycle Guesthouse and Gardens), and seven other B&B operators requested a licensing waiver. The letter explained that the operators respect the Municipality’s decision to regulate accommodations and ensure safety standards, however with no direct communication to B&B operators “many of us were caught off guard by the timing of this implementation,” it reads.
It further notes that B&Bs were exempt from MNBP’s short term accommodation (STA) licensing by-law that was introduced in 2022. B&Bs differ from STAs as they provide a unique personal hospitality experience where the owners live on site and manage the accommodations. The letter requested a licensing and inspection fee waiver.
At the June 22nd Council Meeting, Council waived the $500 bed and breakfast (B&B) licensing fee for all 2026 applications. Staff recommended Council waive the fees for this year with them being reinstated on January 1st, 2027.
The waiver excludes the $500 inspection fee which covers staff time and resources to conduct the inspection where By-law and Fire Department staff need to be present.
Staff report that seven B&Bs have registered and estimate another 18 B&Bs will apply by year end. The Municipality will lose approximately $12,500 in revenue due to the waiver.
A report from Clerk, Alexandra Croce, says “Waiving the annual licensing fee for 2026 will support participation in the program, while maintaining the initial inspection fee will ensure that costs associated with inspections are recovered. These measures will support a smooth implementation of the program and help position operators for full compliance in 2027.”
Operators still need to pay a $500 inspection fee, $250 for reinspection (every three years) and $300 as a complaint investigation fee (if applicable). Unlicensed B&Bs may be subject to a $900 fine. Like STAs, B&Bs must submit quarterly municipal accommodation tax (MAT) payments to the Municipality which is 4% of accommodation charges.
MNBP Donates $5,000 to Tobermory Children’s Camp
The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) Council approved a $5,000 donation to Tobermory Children’s Camp during their Council Meeting on June 22nd. The newly founded camp is in its first year of business, providing six weeks of full day programming this summer for children aged 4-10. The camp offers creative hands-on learning activities like arts and crafts, music, literacy, outdoor play, nature walks, and STEM-based learning.
The camp’s website says, “Tobermory Children’s Camp is more than a summer program –we’re a community lifeline.” The camp aims to provide safe, reliable, and affordable childcare. Tobermory is built on tourism, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Many residents face increased work demands in the summer months, resulting in a need for childcare. Tobermory Children’s Camp fills that void, taking the pressure off parents who need to show up consistently for work.
The Meeting Place (TMP) Tobermory allows use of their building, while also overseeing financial and organizational management. This key collaboration allowed the program to launch quickly for the 2026 season.
A report from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Peggy Van Mierlo-West, states, “The requested contribution of $5,000 would assist the organization in continuing to provide accessible and meaningful programming while supporting the social and economic vitality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.”
