Short-Term Rentals are dwelling units of various sizes that are rented for a term of less than 28 days. Platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Ontario Cottage Rentals (OCR) and Facebook are often used to showcase and process rentals, such as bed & breakfasts, cottages, hotels, and motels. 

Port Colborne is a “vibrant waterfront community embracing growth for future generations” and a desired place for tourism and vacationing, making our City a prime location for Short-Term Rentals.

Short-Term Rental responsibilities fall on both the owners and renters to maintain our vibrant community.

Short-Term Rentals: Owner

 Responsibilities

Short-Term Rental owners are responsible for complying with City By-laws and ensuring their property is maintained. Owners are liable for any violation found occurring on their property including, but not limited to:

  • Overgrowth of grass and weeds over 15cm (6 inches).
  • Build-up of garbage and debris.
  • Noise complaints such as guests causing excessive noise etc.

Owners should provide renters with information on parking restrictions to avoid enforcement measures being taken.

 Register your Short-Term Rental
The City of Port Colborne is asking owners of Short-Term Rentals to register their properties with the City to assist with communication outreach, ensuring a positive experience for owners, renters, and community at large. 

Register

Short-Term Rentals: Renter

 Responsibilities

Be a good neighbour and save yourself from any ticketing or fines by following the guidelines below:

  • Observe parking signage in your area and do not park illegally.
  • Be courteous of noise limits.
  • Burn responsibly – follow time, size & safety guidelines.
  • Enjoy Fireworks only on the permitted weekends of: Victoria Day, Canada Day, 4th of July.

City By-laws
View the full list of City By-laws, including Parking, Noise, Fireworks, and Lot Maintenance. 

Top 5 Things to Know if you Own or Rent a Short-Term Rental

Speaker
Noise

Most complaints received are regarding music being played at an excessive volume. For after-hours complaints, please call the Niagara Regional Police non-emergency line at 905-688-4111.

Parking sign
Parking

Take time to learn about your parking options before visiting the city. Some common violations are prohibited parking marked by signage, parking in a tow away zone, and parking over time limit. Have a parking complaint? Contact By-law Services.

Flames
Open Air Burning

Campfires are allowed, provided safety precautions are taken. Renters are asked to burn responsibly and be considerate of neighbouring properties by managing smoke, fire size, and containment. Fires must always be supervised. Have an issue? Call Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services at 905-834-4512 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Putting garbage in can.
Lot Maintenance

Ensure the property is outfitted with proper storage (closed, rigid, watertight containers) for visitors to place their garbage. Garbage cannot accumulate longer than 10 days. To learn more about waste pick-up dates and limits for Port Colborne, visit www.niagararegion.ca/waste.

Fireworks
Fireworks

Consumer fireworks are permitted on approved dates. Fireworks handlers must be 18 years of age or older, respect safety precautions, and complete the show by 11 p.m. Please be respectful of your neighbours.

Need to report an issue? Who to contact:

Port Colborne By-Law Services

To register a By-law complaint:

Email: bylawenforcement@portcolborne.ca 
Call: 905-228-8080 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
If after-hours, 905-835-2900 press '9' for dispatch.

 Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services 

To report a fire concern, call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

For non-emergency concerns, call 905-834-4512 during office hours.

Niagara Regional Police

For all other after-hours concerns, including trespassing concerns, call 9-1-1 for emergencies or 905-688-4111 for non-emergencies.

Crime Stoppers

Call 1-800-222-8477

Niagara Region Waste Management 

To report illegal dumping, call 905-356-4141, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or visit www.niagararegion.ca/waste/contact/dumping

Niagara SPCA

To reach dispatch for all inquiries, or to make a report, call 905-735-1552.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is a Short-Term Rental?
Short-Term Rentals are dwelling units of various sizes that are rented for a term of less than 28 days. Platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Ontario Cottage Rentals (OCR) and Facebook are often used to showcase and process rentals, including but not limited to bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, cottages, etc.

 1. Do I currently need a licence to operate a Short-Term Rental?

 

Currently Port Colborne does not require owners to obtain a license, City Staff encourage owners of STRs to check the City’s website at www.portcolborne.ca to stay up to date on any changes relating to short term rentals.

 

2.  How many people can stay in my rental?

At this time the City does not regulate the amount of guests staying at a Short-Term Rental.

 

3. Why is Port Colborne requesting owners of Short-Term rentals to register?

The City of Port Colborne is asking owners of Short-Term Rentals to register their properties with the City to assist with communication outreach, ensuring a positive experience for owners, renters, and the community at large.

This was also approved by Council at their Council meeting on February 22, 2022, based on staff report 2022-44.

 

4. Who can register a Short-Term Rental?

Property owners are the only individuals permitted to register a Short-Term Rental. Another individual or organization cannot register on your behalf.  

As an Owner, what are my responsibilities when renting out my property?

Short-Term Rental owners are responsible for complying with City By-laws and ensuring property is maintained. Owners are liable for any violation found occurring on their property including, but not limited to:

  • Overgrowth of grass and weeds over 15cm (6 inches)
  • Build-up of garbage and debris
  • Noise complaints such as guests causing excessive noise etc.

Owners should provide renters with information on parking restrictions to avoid enforcement measures being taken.

As a Renter, what are my responsibilities during my stay?

Be a good neighbour and save yourself from any ticketing or fines by following City guidelines. Some common issues include:

  • Parking
  • Noise
  • Open Air Burning
  • Fireworks
  • Lot Maintenance

 1.    Am I allowed to have a campfire during my stay?

Yes, campfires are allowed provided safety precautions are taken. Renters are asked to please burn responsibly and be considerate by managing smoke, fire size and containment. Fires must always be supervised. For more information view the City’s Open Air Burning By-law.

 2.    Are there restrictions for parking? Can I park on the street?

It is important to take time to learn about parking restrictions in the area you will be visiting. Common violations include prohibited parking marked by signage, parking in a tow away zone and parking over time limit. There are also restrictions for parking more than 12 hours on City streets and provisions during times of snow clearing and street sweeping.

3.    Can we set off fireworks?

Consumer fireworks are permitted on approved dates which include the weekends of: Victoria Day, Canada Day and the 4th of July.