211 Argyle Street - Development Agreement

On September 18, 2023, the owner of 211 Argyle Street known as the EastSide Village Home Park, applied to enter into a development agreement to:

• formally recognize a number of short-term rental units that have been operating as such prior to implementation of legislative frameworks regulating the operations of short-term rental accommodations locally and province-wide; and
• seek a blanket land use allowance to operate any new residential development that may be constructed at 211 Argyle Street as short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals help address specific housing needs. Short-term rentals can also put pressure on housing availability through conversions of existing housing stock and by increasing rental rates. Notwithstanding the applicant’s focus on developing new short-term rentals and conversions of existing long-term rental units over time, staff finds the proposal to align with the overarching direction regarding short-term rentals set out by Council in the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) as the proposed DA:

• will not significantly impact the housing supply of long-term rental housing;
• allows for new housings that may be consistent with the established residential character of the neighbourhood; and
• is intended to enable private reinvestment and associated ongoing physical improvements to this privately owned residential community.