CENTRE WELLINGTON – Two options and as many delegations were before council in Centre Wellington yesterday afternoon on the topic of a draft bylaw, for licensing short-term rentals.
Option 2 was to endorse the draft bylaw. According to the report before council, the key components of this bylaw include exemptions for properties located within the historic core area, a demerit point system for STR’s breaching existing bylaws, licensing fees for certain owners, and more.
Clerk Kerri O’Kane urged council to move on a decision at the meeting that heard much discussion.
Before they could do so, though, council heard a pair of delegations, including comments from local business owner Melinda Croft, who stressed among other concerns, her woes surrounding the financial hardships that could face many in the community.
Mayor Shawn Watters spoke after the meeting, and says delegates will not go unheard, as council voted to have a workshop-style committee of the whole to further hash things out.
Current STR owner, and delegate Mark Reilly spoke to council passionately, and said the bylaw is threatening to his way of life.
Watters said he fully understands the fear of losing Centre Wellington’s local feel, but that’s something he works to prevent.
Councillor Jennifer Adams presented qualms with the difficulty of the registration process, while councillor Bronwynne Wilton raised questions pertaining to the proposed demerit point system.
“A foundation, or a skeletal beginning,” yesterday’s meeting was dubbed by councillor Barb Evoy. Council concurred there was progress made but they didn’t feel comfortable moving ahead just yet.
“We’ve taken a lot in today,” Watters said as the conversation led to an eventual defferal. He noted he understands “we’re never going to get this perfect.”
Council decided in the end to have further discussion in a workshop-style committee of the whole. Staff advised it may be difficult to move on this until the fourth quarter given the decision.
A verdict is expected by the end of the calendar year.
