Letter to the Editor
Short-term rental bylaw facts
Published Oct. 2 2018

To the Editor and cottagers/residents of Highlands East and beyond

I’m a lifetime cottager and now full-time resident on Gooderham Lake. I’m also on the task group that has been looking into the issue of short-term rentals in Highlands East.

It’s been hard for me to see all the misinformation circulating about the task group’s work these last few weeks. I’ve decided to speak out because I think it’s important for you to know the truth before you vote in the upcoming election.

Please be warned some information about the proposed bylaw that is being circulated online is false and I fear politically motivated. I’m not writing to influence your vote. I just want you to have the truth when you do vote. In brief just two quick and important points:

The bylaw is not being pushed through. It is on hold for further consultation with the public after the election.

ALL members of the task group and current (and probably future) council are firmly supportive of a healthy rental industry in the municipality. We depend on it.

But there’s more. If you are interested in knowing where this discussion currently stands I have put together a website that contains only the objective facts ( https://www.votinginhighlandseast.com/ ).  Also if you have any further questions or concerns that aren’t addressed on the website please contact me at info@votinginhighlandseast.com and I will do my best to answer your questions.

Thanks for reading and make sure you vote!

Timothy James

Highlands East