Some citizens intend to challenge Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges’ regulations restricting short-term rentals in areas where it was already allowed before Law 67 came into force. Clearly, some owners can rent while others cannot.
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This is the case of Hans Moreau, who in particular claims to have detected several irregularities during the process of amending the regulations prohibiting short-term rentals outside tourist areas in Saint-Ferréol.
The municipality opened the registers for citizens to reject its statute, but there would not have been enough signatures to hold a referendum. However, citizens say mistakes were made in the signatures.
During Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mr Moreau presented elected officials with an ultimatum, saying he was ready to go to the Superior Court to present his arguments.
Definitely
“I want to release the 18 zones in the east and have the costs reimbursed,” said the citizen, who wants to rent out his house. If it goes to court, Hans Moreau wants to defend himself without a lawyer.
In this resort near Mont Sainte-Anne, short-term rentals have long been a reality and the municipality has limited itself to what existed before the law came into force. No talk of expanding short-term rental to the entire area.
According to François Drouin, director general of the municipality, the procedure in force has been respected. “We will validate but we are confident. Sometimes just because something is wrong doesn’t mean it can tip a comparison,” he said.
Mayor Mélanie Roy-Couture also mentioned that controls would be carried out.
The Journal recently revealed that municipalities in the Quebec region don’t seem to know which foot to take in the face of the short-term rental giants. In many places, the platforms are divided: citizens want to maintain their peace of mind, others do not want to sacrifice this source of income and demand to be able to enjoy their property as they see fit.
Not everywhere
Law No. 67 on Community Housing, which is now in effect, allows this type of activity in all communities.
However, municipalities can regulate the offer of accommodation facilities in a main residence after a referendum procedure.
As a result, since March 25, many Quebecers have been able to rent their homes to tourists through Airbnb-type platforms, but the residents of several municipalities have no jobs.