As of April 6, 2022, Council approved a Short-Term Rentals (STR) program. On May 1, 2024 Council approved By-law 2024-049-LI amending the previous By-law. A STR is the use of a Dwelling Unit or part of a Dwelling Unit for temporary overnight Guest accommodation for a period of not more than 28 consecutive days, and shall not include a hotel, motel, retirement home, garden suite or bed and breakfast establishment as defined by the Zoning by-law.

Every Owner operating STRs shall Licence the STR with the Licensing Officer pursuant to the Licensing By-law.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply, complete a Short-Term Rental Application and submit along with all required documentation and payment to the Licensing and Public Services Coordinator by email at clerks@townofws.ca, by mail or in-person at the Customer Service Centre.

Please enclose payment in the amount of $1057.00 in the form of a cheque made payable to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville or  credit card authorization form.

• Responsible Person Consent Form 
• Emergency Safety Rules
• Short-Term Rental Code of Conduct

The Licensing Officer will schedule inspections in accordance with the Short-Term Rental By-law.

Once the short-term rental has been licensed, you must:

• display the licence in a prominent place in the Short-Term Rental to which it applies and post the Licence number on any marketing, advertisements or promotions for the Short-Term Rental.
• notify the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville of any change to the information provided in the application to obtain or renew a licence.
• ensure the home complies, at all times, with the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code, including maximum occupancy.
• renew the licence annually as long as the STR is in operation.

The location of all licenced STR in the Town shall be posted on the website and include the contact information for the Responsible Person appointed by the operator tasked with the management of the property. Complaints can be made to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville By-law Enforcement division by calling 905-640-1910 Ext. 2229.