By Bird Bouchard
The town of Brome lake called a notice of motion during Monday evening’s council meeting to inform the public they intend to change or modify an existing by-law regarding short-term rentals.
“This is different than if we would have tabled a new bylaw,” said Councillor Lee Patterson after the Feb. 6 meeting that welcomed approximately 30 people in attendance. “The bylaw we’re proposing to change is the permits bylaw, which will add obligations for short-term rentals of principal residences.”
Besides a law coming from the government of Quebec with the obligation to register and communicate all information concerning the short-term rental of a principal residence, the Town of Brome Lake is making an addition where owners must have a permit to offer short-term rentals at their principal residence.
The permit can be revoked at any time if the renters don’t conform and after one or two complaints, the town could pull the permit.
According to Patterson, who chaired a 12-person committee with citizens from a variety of perspectives, the Town of Brome Lake is not thinking the proposed by-law 599-4 is going to be a huge issue with permanent residences. However, he noted the town is still putting in place protocols, such as permits, and lists on the website where people can see who’s doing short-term rentals with the contact information.
