Short Term Rental Accommodations

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For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

Aerial image of the lake and islands, with two logos including Township of Muskoka Lakes and Short Term Rental Accommodations

Why the program was created

Short-term rentals are an important part of tourism in Muskoka Lakes for both visitors and property owners. As these accommodations became more common, the Township heard concerns from the community about neighbourhood impacts, including behavioural issues affecting the peaceful enjoyment of surrounding properties and environmental concerns related to servicing capacity. In response, Council explored options to regulate short-term rentals and sought public input to help shape the by-law framework.

The by-law and licensing program

The Township’s Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law 2025-049, effective as of April 16, 2025, was created to license and regulate short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes and to help ensure they operate in a way that is safe, respectful and neighbourly. Licences are issued annually, upon application approval by the Township’s Licensing Officer.

Online application portal

Apply for your licence, entirely online. Visit the following webpage on muskokalakes.ca, For Operators: Applications & Renewals, for more information on how to apply and renew your licence.

NEW tools for residents and renters

The Township has recently introduced two new public-facing tools to promote transparency and responsible operations:

An interactive map allows residents, visitors and prospective renters to confirm whether a property is licensed as a short-term rental accommodation in Muskoka Lakes.

A dedicated 24/7 reporting service is also available for concerns related to short-term rentals, helping people report issues as they arise. To report a concern (select one):

  1. Call the STRA Hotline (local, toll-free): (249) 487-2299
  2. Submit using the online form: Report a Concern
  3. In an emergency, please call 911.

Learn more

For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

Why the program was created

Short-term rentals are an important part of tourism in Muskoka Lakes for both visitors and property owners. As these accommodations became more common, the Township heard concerns from the community about neighbourhood impacts, including behavioural issues affecting the peaceful enjoyment of surrounding properties and environmental concerns related to servicing capacity. In response, Council explored options to regulate short-term rentals and sought public input to help shape the by-law framework.

The by-law and licensing program

The Township’s Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law 2025-049, effective as of April 16, 2025, was created to license and regulate short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes and to help ensure they operate in a way that is safe, respectful and neighbourly. Licences are issued annually, upon application approval by the Township’s Licensing Officer.

Online application portal

Apply for your licence, entirely online. Visit the following webpage on muskokalakes.ca, For Operators: Applications & Renewals, for more information on how to apply and renew your licence.

NEW tools for residents and renters

The Township has recently introduced two new public-facing tools to promote transparency and responsible operations:

An interactive map allows residents, visitors and prospective renters to confirm whether a property is licensed as a short-term rental accommodation in Muskoka Lakes.

A dedicated 24/7 reporting service is also available for concerns related to short-term rentals, helping people report issues as they arise. To report a concern (select one):

  1. Call the STRA Hotline (local, toll-free): (249) 487-2299
  2. Submit using the online form: Report a Concern
  3. In an emergency, please call 911.

Learn more

For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

  • Short Term Rental Accommodations - Notice of Public Meeting

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Township of Muskoka Lakes Planning Committee will hold a Public Meeting on February 13th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to receive feedback and comments from the community on the draft Short Term Rental Licensing By-law to inform future discussions and decisions made regarding the regulation of Short Term Rental Accommodations in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Members of the public are invited to review the draft Short Term Rental Licensing By-law. An updated version of which will include the recommendations made by Planning Committee from the October 12th, 2023.

    Any person may make verbal representation by participating either in person or via the ZOOM meeting and/or may make written representation before or after the meeting. Comments can be submitted by emailing bylaw@muskokalakes.ca or by regular mail or the Municipal Office drop box outside the main entrance to the Municipal Office located at 1 Bailey St., Port Carling. The deadline to submit written comments regarding this subject is February 26th, 2024.

    For more information on how to participate in this meeting, please look at the meeting agenda.

    The Township of Muskoka Lakes Planning Committee will hold a Public Meeting on February 13th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to receive feedback and comments from the community on the draft Short Term Rental Licensing By-law to inform future discussions and decisions made regarding the regulation of Short Term Rental Accommodations in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Members of the public are invited to review the draft Short Term Rental Licensing By-law. An updated version of which will include the recommendations made by Planning Committee from the October 12th, 2023.

    Any person may make verbal representation by participating either in person or via the ZOOM meeting and/or may make written representation before or after the meeting. Comments can be submitted by emailing bylaw@muskokalakes.ca or by regular mail or the Municipal Office drop box outside the main entrance to the Municipal Office located at 1 Bailey St., Port Carling. The deadline to submit written comments regarding this subject is February 26th, 2024.

    For more information on how to participate in this meeting, please look at the meeting agenda.

    For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

  • Short Term Rental Accommodation - Draft By-Law

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Please be advised that there will be a Draft Short Term Rental Accommodation By-Law presented to Planning Committee on Thursday October 12, 2023.

    More information and the draft by-law can be found on our Government Portal.

    Please reach out to Rob Kennedy, Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, at rkennedy@muskokalakes.ca with any questions.

    Please be advised that there will be a Draft Short Term Rental Accommodation By-Law presented to Planning Committee on Thursday October 12, 2023.

    More information and the draft by-law can be found on our Government Portal.

    Please reach out to Rob Kennedy, Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, at rkennedy@muskokalakes.ca with any questions.

    For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

  • Short Term Rentals Open Houses

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    On Friday July 14, the Township hosted an Open House to collect feedback about Short Term Rentals. If you were unable to attend this meeting, or the in person meeting on Tuesday July 18, please watch the reply, or read the live chat. The survey will be live until Friday July 21, 2023.

    On Friday July 14, the Township hosted an Open House to collect feedback about Short Term Rentals. If you were unable to attend this meeting, or the in person meeting on Tuesday July 18, please watch the reply, or read the live chat. The survey will be live until Friday July 21, 2023.

    For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.

  • Township to Host Short Term Rental Public Open Houses

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    As part of Council’s exploration of potential options to regulate short term rentals in Muskoka Lakes, the Township is hosting two Open Houses to share information and hear the community’s thoughts about this initiative.

    A virtual information session will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Registration information for this virtual information session is required and can be completed on Event Brite.

    The second session will be held in-person on Tuesday July 18, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Port Carling Community Centre.

    Each Open House will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide their feedback regarding short term rentals.

    In addition to these Open Houses, the community is encouraged to fill out the survey.

    As part of Council’s exploration of potential options to regulate short term rentals in Muskoka Lakes, the Township is hosting two Open Houses to share information and hear the community’s thoughts about this initiative.

    A virtual information session will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Registration information for this virtual information session is required and can be completed on Event Brite.

    The second session will be held in-person on Tuesday July 18, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Port Carling Community Centre.

    Each Open House will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide their feedback regarding short term rentals.

    In addition to these Open Houses, the community is encouraged to fill out the survey.

    For the latest information on short-term rental accommodations in Muskoka Lakes, including application requirements, the online portal, the interactive map and reporting options, please visit: Short-Term Rental Accommodations on muskokalakes.ca.