Short Term Rental Accommodations (STRA)

The term “short-term rental” or “short-term accommodation” is when all or part of a dwelling unit is used to provide sleeping accommodations for any rental period that is less than 28 consecutive days in exchange for payment.

This does not include motels, hotels, or bed and breakfasts, or any other dwellings defined in the Zoning By-law, provided the use complies with the by-law.

Yes. Effective January 1, 2024 all new and existing short-term rental operators will require a licence to operate their property legally. The license needs to be renewed every year.

• Applications can be submitted online or in-person;
• Inspections will be arranged through the Planning and Development Department if required;
• Required inspections will be arranged through the Bracebridge Fire Department;
• By-Law Enforcement staff will complete a final review and determine the application status;
• An approved licence will be issued to the applicant.

Yes, all short-term rental operators will require a licence beginning January 1, 2024. The time frame your property is available does not impact your need for a licence.

A short-term rental licence costs $1,500 and must be renewed annually. 

Yes, additional fees may be required for annual safety inspections.

• Short-term rental building/property standards inspection: $200.00 per hour, per person 

• Short-term rental fire inspection: $110.00 per hour, per person, plus HST (2024 Rate)

As of October 1, 2025 the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) comes into force.  All providers of Short Term Rental Accommodations are required to collect and remit the 4% MAT funds to the Town of Bracebridge. Please refer to the Municipal Accommodation Tax section of our webpage or email MAT@bracebridge.ca for more information. 

Beginning January 1, 2024, short-term rental property owners can submit online applications and payment online. 

All applicants will need the following items to apply for a short-term rental licence:

• Certificate of insurance;
• A complete floor plan of your property;
• Site diagram;
• Signed licensee code of conduct and acknowledgement;
• Articles of incorporation or other incorporating documents if the property is owned by a corporation;
• Wood energy technical transfer report if there are any wood burning appliances in the property. This must be completed no later than five years prior to the application submission;
• Proof of septic system pump-out (if applicable) dated no later than five years prior to the application submission;

Yes, two inspections/sign-offs will take place before a licence is issued for your property. This includes a

• Building department inspection, and an
• Inspection by a Fire Prevention Officer to inspect smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms and more.

Applicant's will be advised of their need to obtain required inspections through the application process. Once advised it will be the applicant's responsibility to arrange these site visits with the respective departments.

• Building Department: planning@bracebridge.ca or 705-645-5264 x 3525
• Fire Department: Online Fire Inspection Application Contact: admin@bracebridgefire.com or 705-645-8258

No, a short-term rental is not permitted to be operated out of more than one building with bedrooms per property.

Town of Bracebridge’s By-law Enforcement Branch monitors short-term rental activity and related concerns within Bracebridge. Enforcement action is taken using a monetary penalty and demerit point system.

To submit a complaint regarding a short-term rental property, please call 705-645-5264 ext 3250 or email bylaw@bracebridge.ca.