By Cecilia Nasmith

Short-term rental accommodations (STRA) are governed by such a smorgasbord of municipal regulations throughout the province that Cobourg councillors are beginning to wonder if the province should be involved.

The discussion at this week's council meeting was spurred by a resolution from the Township of Selwyn detailing the negative impacts of using residences in this way, removing them from the stock of available rental or affordable housing.

No provincial regulations means no consistent governing of this commodity in terms of such things as accountability of the provider and the nuisance the properties sometimes pose to their neighbouring residents.

Councillor Miriam Mutton pointed out that the formulation of a town policy in this area is under way, but she did put a motion on the floor – which passed – referring the Township of Selwyn's motion to staff for comment and potential inclusion in their report to council.

“That is something we should look at – where the province sits on this,” Director of Legislative Services Brent Larmer agreed.