I am a resident of Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada, and like many others in our community, I own a short term rental property.  I also manage several properties in Southampton.

The Town of Saugeen Shores is considering implementing a Municipal Accommodation Fee and Short Term Rental Licensing. This move threatens to impose an additional financial burden on property owners like myself as well as visitors who are already stretched thin due to the current economic climate.

The implementation of these new fees comes at a time when most people are struggling financially. Many individuals rely on income from their short term rentals to make ends meet. Visitors too are looking for affordable accommodation options for their stays here.

According to Statistics Canada (2016), over 30% of households in our region spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs alone - this is above the national average. The proposed fees will only exacerbate this issue by increasing the cost of housing for both homeowners and renters alike.

Short Term Rentals are imperative to the community as they house our summer visitors as well as contract workers at Bruce Power year round.

We understand that municipalities need revenue sources but imposing such fees during a time when many are struggling financially seems ill-timed at best. We urge the Town Council to reconsider this decision or at least postpone it until economic conditions improve significantly.

Please join us in voicing your opposition against these proposed changes by signing this petition today!