Municipal Bylaw officers will be enforcing restrictions regarding operating Short Term Accommodations during the province-wide COVID-19 lockdown.

According to a press release issued by the County of Prince Edward Thursday, STA rentals were not permitted as of 12:01 am on Thursday, January 14 as outlined in the Government of Ontario’s new enhanced COVID-19 measures. These restrictions on short-term accommodation rentals apply regardless of when the booking took place however STA rentals may be provided to individuals who are in need of emergency housing.

The enhanced measures are in effect province-wide and are anticipated to be in place until at least Thursday, February 11.

The restrictions apply to whole-home and owner/tenant occupied short-term accommodations, cabins, and cottages but not hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, and student residences.

County bylaw officers will enforce the new restrictions. The public is being asked if they believe a short-term accommodation rental is operating in contravention of the restrictions, to call 613.476.2148 extension 2050.

The Government of Ontario has not explicitly banned owners from visiting their cottage or secondary residence however, the province is recommending against intra-provincial travel. The province has asked the public to stay home and only leave home for essential purposes, which could include emergency maintenance of a cottage or secondary residence.

For more information, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023 or [email protected].