A number of Tay residents are asking council to create a regulation around short-term rentals in the area.
One of those residents is Brad Chapman, whose letter to council is part of this Wednesday's agenda. Chapman, who owns property on Robins Point Road, wrote to council about a neighbouring property that has been operating as a short-term rental property.
"It’s a tiny cottage on a 50-foot lot," writes Chapman. "We share a beach with it. In the last 30 days, 60 - 70 renters and five - seven of their dogs came in and out of 252 Robins Point Rd. The property was consecutively rented to (approximately) 10 separate groups from 22 May to 22 June. Ontario had a ban on short-term rentals until 5 June, so 14 of those days were likely illegal."
A second letter by resident Linda Mullins points to the same problem with the same property, noting that there's been a host of issues, from large numbers of people to unattended open fires to very loud voices and music late at night.
"We have spoken to the owners of this property (who) have stated they do not care how many people are in their cottage and only appear to give lip service to the other issues as nothing has changed," says the letter.
A third letter by Brenda French and Doug McKenzie shares similar concerns about 175 Robins Point Rd.
"The turnover is very frequent," write French and McKenzie. "Often there are so many people and cars, they have to park in the right of way across from the AirBnB.
"Garbage is often left out in a manner that the raccoons get into and it is not tidied up for days. We have called the police on occasions when there has been screaming and loud inappropriate language in the night, not allowing us or our guests to sleep. This was well into the night and the parties were even continuing the next day at 7 a.m."
All residents who have written want council to create regulations around short-term rentals.
Staff has brought forward a report to ask council to allow staff to hold a public consultation session to proceed with either a bylaw or policy around the issue.
The director of a homeowners' association has also sent a letter to show support for council's decision to consider creating a bylaw banning the display of Confederate flags and other symbols that may be interpreted by as symbols of hate.
"We write in support of your initiative to consider a bylaw banning the flying of the American Confederate flag," writes Victoria Raume. "It was with enormous dismay that we saw that a homeowner in Waubaushene has once again hoisted this flag near the Government Dock. Our association is fully in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-racism initiatives. Tay Township has shown its support for anti-racism initiatives and we urge council to continue in its efforts through the passing of a bylaw."
Further in the agenda, staff present a financial report assessing operating revenues and expenses until July 31. The staff report says the revenues and expenses are well within the 2020 approved budget. The report says going forward staff will monitor revenues and expenses on a bi-monthly basis.
In addition, staff are bringing forward an amendment to the speed bylaw for Meadows Avenue to set the speed limit to a maximum of 50 km per hour.
On a lighter note, Michele Gouett, Waubaushene Santa Claus Parade committee chair, is seeking council's support for organizaing a small-scale parade in Waubaushene.
"We are looking for council's support of our Plan B, a tiny parade," she writes. "If council would like us just to have the Santa Claus float, we understand there may be safety issues."
Gouett writes they intend to replicate the success of the Easter Day Parade organized following social-distancing measures.
