County of Haliburton Policy Update- Short Term Rental By-law:

As of October 1, 2024, anyone operating a short-term rental

(STR) in the Township of Algonquin Highlands and the

Municipality of Dysart et al must comply with a new licensing

By-law introduced by the County of Haliburton. This new

regulation affects all legally established residential dwellings

rented out for fewer than 28 consecutive nights.

These By-laws were adopted to improve public safety, enforce

local regulations, and provide municipalities with better tools to

manage nuisance properties. As one Councillor put it, the

objective is to “control bad actors on the lake” – a concern

shared by both seasonal and full-time residents on Kawagama

Lake.

To operate an STR, you must obtain a license from the

Township of Algonquin Highlands or Municipality of Dysart. The

application fee in the Township of Algonquin Highlands is $500,

with an annual fee if $250. In the Municipality of Dysart, the

application and annual licencing fee is $500.

The following is what you need to submit as part of this

application:

• Proof of Ownership (e.g., deed or title);

• Proof of general liability insurance of at least $2 million;

• A signed sworn declaration stating that the property is free

  of Building Code and Zoning By-law compliance issues;

• Photos of the front and rear of the property;

• A Zoning Declaration confirming that STRs are permitted;

• Septic system details, including the number of bedrooms

  served.

• A detailed Fire Safety Plan including room use, exits, locations of alarms and fire extinguishers, and all gas and electric appliances;

• An Exterior Site Plan showing:

  • All buildings and structures

  • Wells and sewage systems

  • Parking areas with dimensions

  • Setbacks from property lines and the high-water mark