Some citizens intend to challenge the Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges regulations which limit short-term rental in areas where it was already allowed before the entry into force of Law 67. Clearly, some owners can rent, others not.
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This is the case of Hans Moreau who claims in particular to have noted several irregularities during the process of modifying the regulations prohibiting short-term rentals outside tourist areas in Saint-Ferréol.
The Municipality opened the registers to allow citizens to oppose its by-law, but there would not have been enough signatures to hold a referendum. Citizens say, however, that errors were made during the signatures.
During Monday evening’s city council meeting, Mr. Moreau issued an ultimatum to elected officials, stating that he was ready to go to Superior Court to present his arguments.
Determined
“I want to unblock the 18 zones in the east and have the costs reimbursed,” said the citizen who wants the right to rent his house. If the courts are necessary, Hans Moreau wishes to defend himself without a lawyer.
In this resort near Mont Sainte-Anne, short-term rentals have been a reality for a long time and the municipality has limited itself to what already existed before the law came into effect. No question of extending short-term rental to the entire territory.
According to François Drouin, director general of the municipality, the procedure in force was followed. “We are going to validate but we are confident. Sometimes just because something’s wrong doesn’t mean it can overturn a settlement,” he said.
Mayor Mélanie Roy-Couture also mentioned that checks would be carried out.
The newspaper recently revealed that municipalities in the Quebec region do not seem to know which foot to take when faced with the giants of short-term rentals. In many places, the platforms divide: citizens want to protect their peace of mind, but others do not want to sacrifice this source of income and ask to be able to enjoy their property as they see fit.
Not everywhere
Law 67 on collaborative accommodation, now in force, allows this type of activity in all municipalities.
Municipalities can, however, after a referendum process, regulate the supply of tourist accommodation in a main residence.
Since March 25, many Quebecers have therefore been able to rent their homes to tourists via “Airbnb” type platforms, but residents of several municipalities have had their work cut out.