In recent months, a dedicated group of 24 citizens representing over 600 residents has come together to address growing concerns surrounding Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in Kingsville.

The group has engaged in discussions about the need for an effective bylaw to tackle a range of issues impacting local neighborhoods, including noise disturbances, litter accumulation, parking shortages, and late-night bonfires.

As these challenges continue to affect the quality of life in their neighbourhoods, the group has been advocating for new rules that would not only mitigate these problems but also preserve the integrity of Kingsville’s residential areas, preventing them from becoming for-profit business centers.

The Kingsville Times conducted a Q&A session with members of the group to explore the key issues they are facing.

Kingsville Times:
What are your group’s concerns with Short-Term Rentals (STRs)?

A:
The Windsor Council and Essex County Council recognize that there is a housing shortage crisis, with too many people being priced out of the housing and rental market within the Windsor- Essex County Region.

Short-Term Rentals exacerbate the problems by taking properties off the rental market and converting them from homes to commercial enterprises benefitting a few wealthy investors.

With the immense growth of Short-Term Rental vacation homes in every community, ignoring the impact, whether positive or negative, is not an option anymore.

Municipal governments need to work towards enforcement and effective regulation to protect their communities,neighbourhoods and residents.

KT:
In your opinion, what impact do STRs have on communities?

A:
Studies show that Short-Term Rentals have a significant impact on communities by taking homes off the market, driving up rents, which increases the cost of purchasing a home.

Short-Term Rentals also change the quality of life and character in our neighbourhoods. Living next door to one of these vacation rentals can range from mildly concerning to life altering.

Tourists usually rent for only a couple of days, thus neigbours see new people coming and going every few days.

Stories abound about Short-Term Rentals being turned into party houses with nightmarish results.

KT:
What is the impact of STRs on housing availability and affordability?

A:
The McGill Study Short Term Rental And Housing Affordability In Ontario stated that in December 2023, STR’s took 12,000 housing units off the Ontario long term market, an 11% increase from 2022.

Ontario renters households have paid $1.6 billion dollars in additional rent since 2017.

In cities which have implemented principal -residence restrictions on STRs, rent impacts were modest.

By renting STR vacation accommodations, tourists are using up space that otherwise could be used to attract young families.

There is no debate that STRs are squeezing housing for regular tenants and further increasing rents and property housing.

Tenants are evicted from homes and apartments only to later discover they were ‘making way’ for permanent short term vacation rentals.

KT:
What is your groups position regarding STRs?

A:
We have stated to the council and administration that we are not against STRs in commercial and mixed use areas. We are also not against STRs in residential areas if the owner lives on the premises.

However, we are not in favour of homes that are rented out in residential areas on a daily basis that are de facto ‘ghost hotels’. These types of business enterprises change the very fabric of the community and the neighbourhoods that residents live in.

KT:
What about existing homes?

A:
This is the grandfathering problem issue council created when they failed to recognize and address the short term issues in the early stages. We will leave this dilemma to the council.

But any future STRs in residential areas must be owner occupied if Council believes that protecting our residents and maintaining the character of neighbourhoods they live in is the guideline they are using.  The draft bylaw seems to be saying something different.

KT:
Who should bear the costs?

A:
Short Term Vacation Rentals are businesses and, in some cases, big businesses.

The Kingsville tax payer should not foot the bill to administer these commercial endeavours. They must be cost neutral at worst and revenue generating at best.

KT:
Is there any final statement your group would like to make?

A :
On November 4, 2024, Kingsville Town Council will be given a draft by the administration that we believe does not take into consideration or understand what the residents in this community want.

Council needs to decide if they favour Short Term Rental Operators or the citizens who live here.

Their vote will determine their position on the matter, direction and the impact on our community.

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