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.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Short Term Rental Accommodations Survey

    Since Council first considered Short Term Rental accommodations in 2016, the number of short term rental properties in Muskoka Lakes has grown steadily, reaching nearly 1,000 listings as of early 2023. With this growth, Council and staff increasingly hear concerns from landowners about noise, servicing capacity, parking, commercial operations in residential zones and other impacts.  In considering how to best address these issues and impacts on neighbours, the character of the neighbourhood and the broader community, Council has directed staff to explore the merits of creating a licensing registry system for Short Term Rental accommodations.  No decisions have been made at this point.  

    While an extensive amount of research and work has already taken place on how to address the issues relating to Short Term Rental properties in Muskoka Lakes, to ensure any potential future regulations achieve the objectives of protecting the environment and maintaining community character and quality of life for its residents; the Township is now seeking public input on what a Short Term Rental Licensing By-Law and licensing program could look like.

    If you are interested in providing your feedback, we would appreciate your thoughts on the following 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.
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