The Rural Municipality of Gimli has passed by-laws to regulate short term rentals within the municipality.
The by-law was developed following an unprecedented public consultation for a regulatory by-law, which included a survey with over 1000 participants and a well-attended open house. The by-law was introduced on November 15, 2023, and the public was invited to provide comments prior to 2nd and 3rd readings of the by-law. In total, 15 submissions were received from individuals who took the time to offer suggestions for improving the by-law or offer supportive comments. As a result, the by-law was modified to reflect the concerns regarding the requirements for condominium corporations.
The by-law will come into effect on January 1, 2024. Operators of short-term rental accommodations may need some time to comply with the new regulations; therefore, enforcement of the by-law will be deferred until April 1, 2024. Owners of STRs should view the requirements contained within the by-law and frequently asked questions and assess if their property conforms to the regulations or if action is required to be compliant. Application forms will be available as of December 22, 2023.
The Accommodation Tax By-law requires provincial approval before it is implemented. Once approved, revenues will be collected and placed in a fund to promote and support local tourism, recreation, and leisure initiatives and develop and improve the municipal waterfront areas. “This is an exciting step forward for our community,” says Mayor Kevin Chudd. “Accommodation taxes have been common in Manitoba for many years; one difference is this tax is typically applied only to hotels, whereas Gimli will be applying it to short-term accommodation as well. This is a first in Manitoba.”
The accommodation tax shall be implemented and charged on all accommodations beginning one month after The Accommodation Tax By-law # 23-0012 takes full force and effect, upon approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, but no earlier than July 1, 2024.
Click here to view the STR By-law 23-0011
Click here to view the Accommodation Tax By-law 23-0012
Click here to view the Permit Application Form
Click here to view the Checklist
Click here to view the Manitoba Building Code
