Keep in mind that there is a regulatory change process underway in Magog. This change is primarily aimed at maintaining the status quo. Indeed, due to a provincial law change, starting March 2023, Quebecers will have the right to rent their primary residence for less than 31 days. However, cities can regulate this change. Magog therefore wants to change its regulations to ensure that short-term rentals remain prohibited where they already are.
Likewise, renting for less than 31 days will continue to be allowed where it is already possible to rent out the main residence.
” Why the municipality, the city, the council has decided to curb the accommodation of tourists in the main residence, it is really to reduce the risk of nuisance to the immediate neighborhood, because often we find ourselves in residential areas, and when our neighbor every weekend, a Weekend a year or two weeks a year, that can cause nuisance, so we wanted to limit this type of accommodation to places where rentals are already allowed. »
Citizens can sign a register at City Hall to request that the short-term rental ban be lifted in their sector between January 9 and 12, depending on the area affected. A certain number of signatures are required in each zone to advance to a referendum or for the city to withdraw the bylaw. This revocation would allow people living in the sector concerned to make short-term tourist rentals at their main residence.
If you want short term rentals in your area, your home and the residences near you, you can come and sign a register. On the other hand, if you think that there should not be any accommodation establishments in the main residences in your area, you have nothing to do because the number of signatures is not enough, the regulations will be officially issued and tourist accommodation in main residences will not be approved
explains Magog’s assistant secretary, Marie-Pierre Gauthier.
” In this case we are making changes to maintain the status quo in Magog. »
The new regulations are expected to come into force at the beginning of March 2023.
A theme that is not uniform
Several citizens shared their thoughts on Airbnb-like accommodations throughout the evening. Some of them praised the city government for stopping short-term rentals.
Robert Ranger, a resident, says he is particularly pleased with the status quo being maintained and has no intention of signing the register. I had condos in Laval, we had problems with that. I live in Southiere. Luckily we had neighbors far away from me, but it was hell, really no fun. The owner had to have his house repaired and sold it. It’s not always rosy. I am for moderation: I am not against, I am not for, but in moderation and not anywhere
he clarifies.
Other parties instead advocated more flexible regulations, offering various solutions, including citizen self-regulation. Sacha de Santis, a Magog real estate agent, was among those present to ask the city council to reconsider its ban.
Every third buyer who contacts us now intends to rent out their primary residence
he clarifies.
It has a big impact on the circle of buyers because people come to us […] investing in Magog and buying property and maybe renting from time to time to make ends meet because we know mortgages have gone up and it’s not easy for everyone. If we cancel this, several buyers might be canceled who might go elsewhere. It’s a bit of a shame for our small region
he adds, mentioning that the tourist rental offer in the region does not currently meet the demand of visitors.
An interactive map showing the areas affected by Magog’s new regulations is available on the city’s website at https://www.ville.magog.qc.ca/informations-services/hebergement-touristique/. (New window).
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