Barrie, Ontario's Vacation Rental Boom: Are New STR Rules Incoming?

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If you’re running a short-term rental in Barrie, you might want to pay attention. The local government is eyeing stricter regulations, and it could change the way Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners operate. With 560 active STR listings in Barrie, city officials are concerned about their impact on housing availability, hotel occupancy, and neighborhood peace.

The question is: Will Barrie follow other cities and tighten its grip on short-term rentals? And what does this mean for you as a host or investor? Let’s dive in.

Coun. Clare Riepma is raising concerns over the 560 short-term rentals in Barrie, stating that they are affecting both housing availability and the hotel industry. According to a recent report from Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, STRs in Barrie have grown by 13% in the last year and 65% since 2019.

Yet, despite this growth, only a handful of complaints have been recorded. Between June 2023 and December 2024, only five complaints were filed and two of which involved the same property. Even Service Barrie, which handles inquiries, only recorded two STR-related complaints in over a year.

The City’s Perspective: STRs Are Businesses That Need Regulation

City officials argue that STRs are businesses operating in residential neighborhoods and should be regulated accordingly. Right now, STRs in Barrie must follow existing city bylaws covering:

• Parking regulations

• Property standards

• Burn permits

• Noise restrictions

However, some officials believe these rules aren’t enough and are considering additional regulations, such as:

1. Zoning Bylaw Restrictions: Limiting STRs to specific areas.

2. Business Licensing for STR Hosts: Requiring STRs to register as businesses.

3. STR-Specific Bylaws: Creating a new law specifically for Airbnb-style rentals.

4. Higher Fees & Permits: Increasing permit costs to operate an STR legally.

How This Affects Airbnb Hosts & Investors in Barrie

If you own a short-term rental in Barrie, potential new regulations could mean:

• Mandatory business licensing: Hosts may need to register and pay an annual license fee.

• Stricter zoning laws: Some STRs may no longer be allowed in certain neighborhoods.

• Higher taxes and compliance costs: STR hosts could be required to collect and remit local lodging taxes.

What You Should Do Now

Since changes are still under discussion, now is the best time to prepare:

1. Check Your Zoning & Licensing – Is your STR legally zoned? If Barrie introduces licensing, will you qualify?

2. Stay on Top of Taxes – STR owners might need to register for tax collection, file reports, and remit Airbnb-related taxes like HST.

3. Monitor City Council Meetings – Keep an eye on upcoming decisions about STR regulations in Barrie.

4. Get Expert Compliance Help – If regulations tighten, staying compliant will require proper permitting, tax registration, and reporting.

What’s Next? Stay Compliant & Maximize Your STR’s Potential

As Barrie’s short-term rental market grows, new regulations are likely on the way. Whether you’re a casual host or a full-time STR operator, now is the time to ensure your rental is fully compliant.

At Lodge Compliance, we specialize in:
✅ Short-term rental permitting & licensing
✅ STR tax registration, filing, and remittance
✅ Regulatory updates to help hosts stay informed on new Airbnb laws in your area

Contact the Lodge Compliance team today so you don't get caught off guard, ensure your Airbnb is 100% legal and profitable!