Niagara-on-the-Lake council lifts moratorium on short-term rentals

Niagara-on-the-Lake Lifts Short-Term Rental Moratorium

The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake will continue public engagement focused on rental density through September 2026. After a year of debate and no final resolution, the moratorium on short-term rental units has been lifted.

Jay Plato, fire chief and director of municipal enforcement, informed town councillors that the freeze imposed in December 2024 would end following approval of a related report in October.

On October 30, officials announced that applications for new short-term rentals can now be submitted online via the town's website. The application fee is $800, with renewal fees applicable for permits expiring in December.

Current Short-Term Rental Landscape

There are approximately 400 short-term rental listings, including around 1,000 rooms:

About 58% of rentals are located in [translate:Old Town], and 53% are cottages, according to a town report released earlier this year.

Residents’ Concerns

Residents have raised complaints regarding noise, lighting, and parking issues associated with short-term rentals, chiefly affecting cottages and villas. These concerns led councillors to impose the moratorium and review the short-term rental bylaw last year.

Jay Plato said the freeze would be lifted following report approval, signaling a new phase in town rental policy.

Summary: Niagara-on-the-Lake has lifted its short-term rental moratorium after extensive public debate, with ongoing focus on managing rental density and community impacts.

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Niagara This Week Niagara This Week — 2025-11-04

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