Fire Danger Rating is MODERATE

Effective Tuesday, July 21, the Township of Severn has changed the Fire Danger Rating to MODERATE. Burning is permitted, but please burn with caution. Never leave a fire unattended. View the notice.

Limited parking at Hedgemere Landing Boat Launch

The Bayou Road reconstruction project has reduced access and parking capacity at the Hedgemere Landing Boat Launch. Parking will remain very limited until the project is completed this fall.

Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider using the Quetton Street Boat Launch and Dock, located at 3420 Quetton Street in Washago.

Thank you for your patience as this important project is underway.

Blue-green algae bloom confirmed on south-west shore of Sparrow Lake

Residents and visitors should avoid drinking, swimming, or allowing pets to drink or swim in water where a bloom is visible. Learn more. 

Notice: Temporary By-Law Enforcement Service Delays

Due to staffing shortages, By-Law Enforcement response times for non-emergency requests may be longer than usual. Urgent and time-sensitive matters continue to be prioritized. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore normal service levels. Read the notice.

Short-term Rentals

Township of Severn does not currently licence Short-term Rental accommodations.​

A Short-term Rental Licensing By-law was approved by Council at the June 24, 2026 meeting.

The application form, program guide, and related resources are expected to be available in late fall 2026 to support the program’s launch on January 1, 2027. 

Regulatory by-laws

Some of the regulatory by-laws that currently apply to short-term rentals in Severn include:

Short-term Rental Licensing Program

Following Council’s decision at the May 20, 2026 Council meeting, the Township will be implementing a Short-term Rental Licensing program as noted as Option #2 in Report No. A26-019 to support responsible short-term rental activity, improve accountability, and provide clearer information for operators, renters, residents, and property owners.

Short-term Rental Licensing By-law

The Short-term Rental Licensing By-law was approved by Council at the June 24, 2026 Special Council meeting. The by-law allows the Township to move forward with implementing the Short-term Rental Licensing Program.

The application form, program guide, and related resources are expected to be available in late fall 2026 to support the program’s launch on January 1, 2027. Applications are also expected to open in late fall 2026, giving operators time to review the requirements and prepare their submissions before the program goes live.

Questions about the Short-term Rental Licensing Program or the Short-term Rental Licensing By-law can be directed to the Clerk by email or by calling 705-325-2315 x232.

This page will be updated as materials are finalized.

Visit our Council portal

What are short-term rentals?

Short-term rentals commonly refer to when all or part of a dwelling unit is used to provide sleeping accommodations for any rental period that is less than 28 to 30 consecutive days in exchange for payment.

Online short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb, RentbyOwner, and Vrbo describe online platforms that connect consumers to property owners or managers that rent these spaces. Short-term rentals have increased in popularity as they provide a unique alternative to hotels during travel, and offer income potential to the home owner. Short-term rentals can present challenges to existing regulations and municipal by-laws. Homeowners should be aware of the by-laws that may affect the short-term rental of their property in Severn.

How to submit a complaint about a short-term rental property

Police matters, safety concerns, threats, trespassing, or emergencies should always be directed to the OPP or 911 in an emergency.

1. Contact the rental platform

If you have a concern or complaint about a short term rental, you can directly contact the online platform that the rental is listed on. These companies may impose fines and restrictions on these properties as a result of complaints. 

2. Contact us

By-law enforcement is responsible for investigating violations and ensuring compliance with all municipal by-laws.

If you have a concern about a short-term rental that may not be following our by-laws, please visit our eServices portal to submit your complaint.

Previous Council direction

November 19, 2025

On November 19, 2025, Council directed staff to bring forward reports outlining updates to the By-law Complaints and Violations Policy, and to detail implementation options for an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) system utilizing our existing regulatory by-laws. 

March 18, 2026

At its meeting on March 18, 2026, Council directed staff to work toward the implementation of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System, known as AMPS, to support more timely and effective by-law enforcement.

This system is intended to support compliance with Township by-laws, including matters related to noise, parking, open-air burning, property standards, and other local regulations. More serious offences may still proceed through the Provincial Offences Act process where appropriate.

Updates will be provided on this page as available.

Contact us

1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario

Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
Contact us

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