By-laws play a crucial role in maintaining order, setting expectations and enhancing the quality of life within Bonfield. The RV/Trailer Bylaw and Short-Term Rental Bylaw are such bylaws. Council has been working hard to create bylaws that balances concerns raised on both sides of these issues over the past two years.
There will be a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 to present the final draft of these two bylaws to the community.
Draft Bylaw 2025-16 - To Regulate and Govern Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles in the Township of Bonfield
Draft Bylaw 2025-17 - To Regulate and Govern Short-Term Rental Accommodations in the Township of Bonfield
Anyone wanting to provide comments must submit written comments by Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12 noon. Anyone wishing to speak to their written comments in person at the meeting may do so by requesting such to the Clerk when submitting their comments. Presenters will be provided a maximum of two (2 mins) to summarize their submission. Comments can be submitted to cao.clerk@bonfieldtownship.com or dropped off in person at the municipal office.
In researching and drafting these bylaws Council considered:
Three Principles:
- Responsible Ownership
- Character of the Neighbourhood
- Health & Safety
Council also took the following actions:
- Conducted and reviewed community surveys and comments to gain a comprehensive understanding of all perspectives on the bylaws
- Analyzed bylaws from other communities, including regulations and enforcement challenges
- Participated in Committee meetings to draft bylaws that address the concerns of Bonfield residents
- Hosted public meetings to gather community feedback on drafts of the proposed bylaws
- Sought legal advice on the proposed regulations within the bylaws.
Below is information on the processes and public commenting opportunities provided to date.
- October 2022 – Election
During the previous Council there were delegations to Council on short term rentals and letters were received regarding trailers on vacant lands. Candidates in the election heard from electors that these two matters were on the top of minds as well as roads.
- April 6th, 2023 – Open House
An Open House took place on April 6th, 2023, to address Bonfield's draft official plan. This event provided an opportunity for the community to contribute feedback on the Township's vision, goals, and land use policy matters, which will help shape the updates to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Update. Recreational Vehicles and Trailers and Short-Term Rentals were identified by residents as issues important to them. There were supporters and non-supporters who made comments to the team.
- March 7th, 2024 – Townhall Meeting
The Township of Bonfield conducted a Townhall Meeting on March 7th, 2024, where residents were invited to share their opinions on Recreational Vehicles and Trailers and Short-term rentals in Bonfield. This open forum encouraged residents to share their thoughts directly with the Council, CAO, Public Works Manager, and Planning Administrator.
- March 7th – 18th Community Survey Short-Term Rentals & Trailers on Vacant Land Survey
A survey was conducted to gather community feedback on Short-Term Rentals and Trailers on Vacant Land. The survey was available to residents at the Townhall, online and at the Township Office.
- April 9th, 2024 – Council Meeting
A staff report was presented to Council regarding Short-Term Rentals and Recreational Vehicles, incorporating insights from the Community Survey and Town Hall meeting. Council instructed the Planning Administrator to draft a by-law based on this feedback and referred these matters to the Corporate Services Committee for further discussion.
- Council Meeting – YouTube
- Staff Report - Short-Term Rentals and Recreational Vehicles
- May 2, 2024 – Corporate Services Meeting
The Committee reviewed policies from other municipalities along with brainstorming their ideas and thoughts on regulations for short term rentals and trailers being permitted within the community.
- May 14th, 2024 – Council Meeting
Council received the minutes from the May 2nd Corporate Services Meeting that included the above discussion and information regarding Recreational Vehicles and Short-Term Rentals.
- June 11th, 2024– Council Meeting
Council will receive a draft By-Law for Short-Term Rentals and Trailers at the June 11, 2024 Council meeting. Council may do a first and second reading of the By-Law. Once the draft by-laws have been officially read by Council they will be made public.
- June 25th, 2024– Council Meeting
Council heard from delegations and received written comments on the draft Short Term Rental Bylaw (2024-41) and the draft RV/Trailer Bylaw (2024-42). Council will review all comments at the Corporate Services Committee meeting of July 2, 2024.
Learn more:
- Frequently Asked Questions – Short Term Rental By-law
- Frequently Asked Questions - Trailers and Recreational Vehicles By-law
10. July 2nd, 2025 – Corporate Services Meeting
- Corporate Services - Presentation Short-term Rentals and Trailer Licencing
- Corporate Services - YouTube
- Corporate Services – Minutes
11. July 30th, 2025 - Corporate Services Meeting
12. January 2025
The Township lawyer returned comments and revisions required. Zoning bylaws required amendment to permit use of Travel Trailers and Recreation Vehicles in certain zones.
A public meeting on the proposed zoning amendments is being held March 18th, 2025 at the Bonfield Community Center.
13. March 18th, 2025 - Town Hall meeting
The final drafts of the bylaws will be presented to the public at the Town Hall. Please see above for all the details and learn how to participate.
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