05/27/2022
Please write to Tay Valley Township that you do not support a bylaw regulating short term rentals.
Update: This is the email to tell the Tay Valley Township planner you do not want this bylaw included in the new town plan:
[email protected]
I wish we could stop fighting for Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre.
If the township is allowed to pass this bylaw, this new power will make it impossible to carry on our model, as we have experienced with our forest school and art studio these past five years.
Tay Valley Township is looking to severely limit short term rentals, which they refer to as "transient accommodation." The township is aware "Blueberry Creek Family Retreat and Nature Centre" AirBnB is our primary source of fundraising for our registered not-for-profit. It covers ALL of our operating costs so they are not passed on to families. I continue all work as a volunteer.
When the township stripped us of our full commercial C status, only the existing use of the forest school and airbnb could be grandfathered in. Without this source, we could no longer offer affordable forest school to children and families in our community.
The draft official plan can be found on their website. This is page 29:
2.2.1.3 Short Term Rental Accommodation
1. This Plan recognizes short term rental accommodation as a form of transient accommodation in the whole or part of a residential unit for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive nights and which is marketed or brokered by a short-term rental platform, is not a rooming house or hotel and includes bed and breakfast and cottage rental.
2. The Township may pass a by-law under the Municipal Act, to regulate and/or license short term rentals. Such by-laws may establish definitions of short-term rental accommodations, set out site and building conditions that must be satisfied, identify ownership requirements, establish a renter code of conduct, set out licensing terms, detail enforcement and penalty provisions, and other relevant provisions.
Once again, we need you. Please email the planner and state you DO NOT support this aspect of the draft official plan.
I wrote: "I oppose any plan to pass a bylaw to regulate and/or licence short term rental accommodations including airbnb in Tay Valley Township."
Currently 42 children attend Blueberry Creek from September to June 1-2 days a week, and 160 have attended these past five years. We have 40 children on our waiting list. Children thrive learning and playing in nature, and many of our guests bring their children back year after year to experience the magic of Blueberry Creek. If you have not been, please message me for a tour.
From the TVT website:
How do I get involved:
Opportunities for public input on the Official Plan Review and Update will be provided during the review process.
Please come and see a presentation at one of there Houses or Public Meeting to see the Draft Official Plan
Open Houses
June 9, 2022 (in-person)
Municipal Office - Council Chambers
217 Harper Road
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
June 14, 2022 (virtual)
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Public Meeting
June 21, 2022 (in-person)
Municipal Office - Council Chambers
217 Harper Road
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m
