Georgian Bay cottage owners

Georgian Bay cottage rental management, built around Georgian Bay's rules

We know the local short-term rental rules and plan your calendar around them. You enjoy the cottage. We run the rentals.

Book a call with MarisaCall 705-996-6769
  • 4.9from 99 Google reviews
  • 35+cottages managed
  • ~$79Kaverage for cottages that follow our full system
Wide shallow sand beach on Georgian Bay in Midland

Step 1: know the rules

Georgian Bay rules at a glance

Which rules apply: Main rules shown: Township of Georgian Bay (Port Severn, Honey Harbour, MacTier area). Midland, Tiny, Parry Sound and Seguin are separate municipalities with their own pages.

Registration needed for

Short-term rentals under 30 consecutive days (By-law 2023-116). Valid one year from issue, renew before expiry. Does not apply while rented 30+ days to the same renter.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Fees (as of Feb 4, 2025)

Light host (21 days or less a year): $250. Regular host (22 days or more): $1,000. 10% off with an approved sustainability plan. $100 building review on all new applications.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Host category

Pick light or regular at the start of the year; you cannot switch mid-year.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Insurance

At least $2,000,000 liability that identifies an STR on the premises.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Septic

Septic inspection by a qualified person or pump-out record within the last 3 years (if applicable).

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Smoke and CO alarms

The host keeps a Guest Log that records a smoke and CO alarm check after each check-out, plus check-in/out dates and guest count.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Extinguishers

Class ABC in any cooking area and class BC or better on each floor.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Occupancy

2 people per guest room; overnight use only in approved guest rooms.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Parking

At least 1 space per guest room (3 m x 6 m) on a hard surface; water-access homes use an accessible dock.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Responsible person

On site within 60 minutes for an emergency or by-law issue; phone must take texts.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Posted inside

Registration, guest log, by-law QR code, renter's code of conduct, emergency statement for non-year-round-road access.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Penalties

Fines up to $5,000 per offence (each day a new offence) plus AMPS penalties.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Cap / ownership period

None stated.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Municipal Accommodation Tax

Not in force on the STR page; a 2024 MAT report is listed as background.

source, checked Oct 28, 2026

Rules change. Always confirm the current rules with the municipality before you buy, list or book. Last checked: Oct 28, 2026.

Step 2: the plan

How we handle the Township of Georgian Bay

  1. Choose regular host if you want real income. Light host is only 21 days a year, and you cannot switch mid-year, so most owners who rent should register as regular host from day one.
  2. Paperwork first. $2M liability that names the rental, a septic inspection or pump-out within 3 years, site, floor and waste plans. We assemble it so the registration is approved before peak season.
  3. The after-stay safety check is part of every turnover. The Township's guest log needs a smoke and CO alarm check after each check-out. Our turnover checklist includes it, and we keep the log current.
  4. Monthly stays while you wait. Stays of 30+ days to the same renter fall outside the by-law, so a home waiting for registration can earn from monthly guests, which is what we are doing at our Port Severn home now.
  5. Water-access and seasonal-road homes are allowed. They need the emergency services statement posted, and the 60-minute responder still applies, so we plan boat access for our team.
Book a call with MarisaCall 705-996-6769

Watch first

How full-service management works, in 4 minutes

Video: Edwin Chan, founder of Homeseeker Vacation Homes

Step 3: the proof

Proof: Georgian Bay homes we manage

CA$52,529

host revenue after platform fees, 2025, 27 stays

Georgian Bay Retreat, Midland. 4 bedrooms, sleeps 12, wide sand beach. 2025: CA$52,529 host revenue after platform fees from 27 stays (Hospitable, accepted stays with check-in Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2025, owner stays excluded). 2026 so far: CA$54,249 from 19 stays (Hospitable, accepted stays with check-in Jan 1 to Oct 27, 2026, owner stays excluded).

A renovated Six Mile Lake waterfront cottage, Township of Georgian Bay. 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8. New, first bookable night Oct 21, 2026.

A 3-bedroom cottage near Port Severn. Registration pending; monthly stays meanwhile.

Hemlock Resort, Parry Sound area. See the Parry Sound page.

Fire pit and red chairs with the bay behindPrivate dock on a lake ringed by fall colour in the Township of Georgian BayLakeside fire pit with Adirondack chairs at sunset

Photos: homes we manage in the area.

Step 4: getting started

How it works

  1. Book a call with Marisa

    Tell us about your cottage and your goals.

  2. Rules and revenue plan

    We check your zoning, licence status and the local rules, then map a realistic first season.

  3. Set up and list

    Photos, listing, guest manual and the documents the municipality asks for, ready before you go live.

  4. We run it, you enjoy it

    Pricing, guest messages, cleaning and turnovers handled. You block the weeks you want.

What it costs to run, by season (general guide)

We only quote the town's own fees. Your other costs depend on the home, so we price them with you property by property.

Every year: the municipal licence or registration fee above, insurance that covers short-term rental use, property tax, internet, and cleaning and laundry between stays.
Summer (peak): the most turnovers, so the most cleaning, linen and garbage runs. Dock, watercraft and outdoor furniture upkeep. Septic use is highest when the home is full.
Fall and spring (shoulder): fewer stays, so lower cleaning costs. Opening and closing work (docks, water lines, outdoor furniture) happens now.
Winter: heating, snow clearing for the driveway and paths, and salt or sand. Some owners winterize and close instead; others keep the home open for winter guests or a monthly stay.

Owner FAQ

Is a fire inspection required for every guest?

No fire department inspection per stay is listed. What the by-law requires is a guest log recording a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm check after each check-out, done by the host or their team.

How long can I rent for?

Registration covers stays under 30 days. Light hosts are limited to 21 days a year; regular hosts have no yearly cap stated.

What insurance do I need?

Owners need insurance that covers short-term rental use. Tell your insurer the home is rented to guests and ask for a policy or rider written for short-term rentals. A standard home or cottage policy may not cover rental use. The Township requires at least $2,000,000 liability that identifies the short-term rental.

What does the Township charge?

$250 light host or $1,000 regular host per year (as of Feb 4, 2025), plus a $100 building review on new applications. 10% off with an approved sustainability plan.

Can I rent a water-access cottage?

Yes. You must post the emergency services statement inside.

Ready to earn more from your Georgian Bay cottage?

Book a call with Marisa. We will walk through your zoning, licence status and a realistic first-season plan.

Book a call with MarisaCall 705-996-6769

Rules change. Always confirm the current rules with the municipality before you buy, list or book. Last checked: Oct 28, 2026.