Barrie is one of the last major Ontario cities without a short-term rental licensing by-law. As of August 2026 there is no licence, no registration, no night cap, and no principal residence rule written into any licensing regime. A 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax applies to stays under 30 nights, and Airbnb collects and remits it for platform hosts.
That is not the same as short term rental being a permitted use. Barrie's Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141 does not list short term rental anywhere, and it defines a bed and breakfast as an owner occupied dwelling. This guide covers both halves of the question, the licensing half that is genuinely open and the zoning half that most guides skip, plus what Council is doing about it under Motion 24-G-033.
Quick Summary: Barrie STR Rules
Here is everything a property owner needs to know at a glance:
The City of Barrie has not enacted an STR licensing by-law. General property standards, noise and parking rules apply to every property. The zoning by-law is where the real question sits, and it is covered in its own section below.
What Barrie Does Not Require
Barrie has no licensing regime for short term rentals. That puts the city in rare company among Ontario municipalities with populations over 100,000, most of which have passed STR licensing by-laws or are drafting them.
Here is what Barrie does NOT require from STR operators as of April 2026:
- No application to file with the city
- No licensing fee to pay
- No registration number to display on your listing
- No annual renewal process
- No fire or building inspection specific to STRs
- No principal residence rule in any licensing by-law (the zoning by-law is a separate matter, below)
- No night cap set by any licensing by-law
- 6% MAT applies, but Airbnb collects and remits automatically (no hassle for most hosts)
- No mandatory insurance minimums set by the city
- No local contact requirement or 1-hour response rule
There is no municipal application or approval step between you and a listing. Compare that to Toronto, where hosts must register with the city, pay $375, prove principal residence, and cap rentals at 180 nights per year. The absence of a licence is real. What it does not settle is whether the use is permitted where your property sits.
What Barrie's Zoning By-law Actually Says
Barrie is governed by Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141. We searched the full consolidated text, all 318 pages.
The phrase "short term rental" appears zero times. So do "short term accommodation," "tourist home" and "vacation rental." The only overnight accommodation use the by-law names inside a dwelling is a bed and breakfast, and it defines that narrowly:
"Bed and Breakfast Establishment shall mean a detached dwelling unit which is owner occupied and operated to provide the traveling public with sleeping accommodation and meals." City of Barrie Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141, Definitions
Why that matters: Ontario zoning by-laws are permissive: a use is allowed only where the by-law lists it as a permitted use in that zone, so a use that appears nowhere is not permitted unless the municipality reads it into another category. A whole home rented nightly to guests, with no owner living in it, does not fit the bed and breakfast definition, and no other definition in the by-law describes it.
We want to be precise about what we can and cannot say. We can say the by-law does not list the use, and we can say how permissive zoning works. We cannot say how the City of Barrie applies its by-law to a specific address, because only the City can. Barrie enforces on a complaint basis and has 503 active listings, which is why this question rarely surfaces until a neighbour complains.
Why the Zoning Question Matters More Than the Licence Question
Most Barrie guides, including an earlier version of this one, stopped at "no licensing by-law" and concluded the market was open. That inference does not hold, and it is the same reasoning that recently caught investors out in Whitby, another Ontario municipality with no licensing by-law and a zoning by-law that never lists the use.
1. Enforcement is complaint driven, so the risk is lumpy
Nothing happens for years, then one neighbour calls about parking or noise and the by-law department opens a file on a use that was never listed. The timeline after that is not the operator's to control.
2. Regulation is being studied, and it will be built on the zoning
Council's Motion 24-G-033 (March 6, 2024) directed staff to investigate options to regulate and enforce short term rentals, and the options on the table include zoning and Official Plan approaches. Whatever Barrie adopts will be layered on top of a by-law that currently does not name the use, which is a very different starting point from a city legalising something it previously permitted.
3. The MAT is already real
Barrie's 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax applies to short term stays now, whatever the zoning outcome. Airbnb collects and remits it for platform bookings. For direct bookings, hosts collect and remit under the City's MAT framework.
What Rules DO Apply in Barrie
No STR bylaw does not mean anything goes. Standard municipal bylaws still apply to every property in Barrie, and they matter if your guests cause problems.
Noise Bylaw
Barrie's noise bylaw prohibits excessive noise between 11pm and 7am. Loud parties, amplified music, and disruptive guests can trigger complaints, bylaw officer visits, and fines. Set clear quiet hours in your house rules and consider a noise monitoring device like NoiseAware or Minut for unhosted stays.
General Property Standards
Your property must meet Barrie's property standards bylaw. This covers exterior maintenance, cleanliness, structural safety, lawn upkeep, and waste management. A poorly maintained rental can trigger complaints and enforcement action independent of any STR rules.
Parking
Parking is a common complaint trigger in residential STR situations. Barrie enforces on-street parking rules, winter parking restrictions, and driveway maximums. Set clear parking instructions for guests and make sure your property can accommodate the vehicles you expect.
Waste Collection
Guests often do not know garbage and recycling schedules. Set up clear signage, provide bins, and make sure your pickup days are followed. Overflowing bins are a visible neighbour complaint and a common reason cities introduce STR regulation in the first place.
Building and Fire Code
Ontario's Fire Protection and Prevention Act applies to every dwelling. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress from bedrooms are required. This is not STR-specific, but it protects your guests and limits your liability.
HST and Income Tax
Federal obligations still apply. If your total STR revenue exceeds $30,000 per year, you must register for and charge HST (13%). All rental income must be reported to the CRA regardless of the amount. See our full guide on Airbnb taxes in Canada for details on deductions, input tax credits, and the 2024 federal non-compliance rule.
Condo Rules
If your property is a condo, the condo corporation can prohibit short-term rentals through its declaration, bylaws, or rules. Check your condo documents before listing. Many Barrie waterfront condos have STR restrictions even though the city does not.
Condo Boards Trump City Rules
A condo corporation can prohibit STRs even when the city allows them. If you own a condo near the Barrie waterfront, read your declaration and bylaws before listing. An STR ban in your condo documents is legally enforceable and can result in fines or forced sale.
What's Coming Next
Barrie is not ignoring STRs. The city is actively studying the issue, and change is coming. Here is what property owners should know about the regulatory direction.
Council Motion 24-G-033
In 2024, Barrie City Council adopted Motion 24-G-033 directing staff to investigate short-term rental regulation. This was the formal kickoff of the regulatory process. Staff were tasked with reviewing regulatory options, studying what other municipalities have done, and reporting back with recommendations.
The Four Options on the Table
City staff identified four possible regulatory approaches in their preliminary review:
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Restrict STRs to certain zones or property types. This is how Niagara Falls approaches it (commercial and tourist zones only).
- Business Licensing Bylaw: Require STRs to register as businesses. This is the Toronto, Milton, Oshawa, and Burlington approach.
- Fees Bylaw: Apply a flat fee or MAT without full licensing. This is the lightest regulatory touch.
- Dedicated STR Bylaw: A standalone bylaw with specific STR rules. Most regulated Ontario cities use this approach.
Complaint-Based Enforcement Model
Council has expressed interest in a complaint-based enforcement model because it is cheaper to administer than full licensing. Under this approach, the city would respond to noise, parking, and property complaints on STR properties rather than proactively inspecting or licensing every operator. Burlington considered this approach before ultimately adopting full licensing in 2025.
The Tracking Is Already Happening
The 503 STR number for Barrie came from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. That means the province is already tracking activity. Most cities use services like Granicus Host Compliance to monitor Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings. When Barrie passes regulation, the city will have a list of existing operators from day one.
Expected Timeline
Based on how similar Ontario cities have moved through the process, expect draft bylaw proposals within 6 to 12 months and final adoption within 12 to 24 months. Waterloo went from study to enforcement in about 18 months. Burlington took roughly 24 months from council direction to bylaw effective date. Barrie is likely somewhere in that range.
How to Host Legally in Barrie Today
There is no municipal application to file. The step that replaces it is confirming the zoning question, and it comes first. Here is the setup process.
- Confirm the permitted use in writing. Ask City of Barrie Development Services whether short term rental of the whole dwelling is a permitted use at your address, and keep the answer. Then check the condo declaration or your lease, either of which can prohibit the use regardless of what the City says.
- Get proper insurance. Call your insurance broker and ask for a policy that explicitly covers short-term rental activity. Carry at least $2,000,000 in liability coverage. This is the single most important step because standard homeowner's policies almost never cover STR guests.
- Install smoke and CO detectors. Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every level and outside every sleeping area. Carbon monoxide detectors are required near sleeping areas in homes with fuel burning appliances or attached garages. Test them before every guest.
- Furnish and photograph the property. Good photography is the single biggest lever on your listing performance. Hire a professional. Your photos should make the space look bright, clean, and larger than it is.
- Create your listing. Set up on Airbnb and VRBO to capture both platforms. Write a detailed description that mentions Lake Simcoe, RVH, the waterfront, and nearby attractions. If you need a starting point, you can sign up for Airbnb through our referral link and get a free consultation.
- Set clear house rules. No parties, quiet hours from 11pm to 7am, parking instructions, check-in and check-out times, garbage and recycling days. Clear rules set clear expectations and reduce neighbour complaints.
- Install a smart lock and noise monitor. Keyless entry lets you manage access remotely. A noise monitor like NoiseAware or Minut alerts you to disturbances before they become complaints. Both are low-cost and pay for themselves quickly.
- Register for HST if you expect $30K+/year. If you are going to exceed the small supplier threshold, register for an HST number and provide it to Airbnb so the platform collects and remits on your behalf. See our Ontario Airbnb business setup guide for details.
- Be a good neighbour. This is the single most important piece of advice. Barrie enforces on complaints, and complaints are also what pushes cities toward regulation. Introduce yourself to neighbours, give them your contact info, and respond fast when issues come up.
Barrie vs Neighboring Cities
Here is how Barrie stacks up against other nearby municipalities for STR regulation:
Barrie and Innisfil are the two largest Simcoe County markets still operating without STR bylaws. Orillia is regulated. Toronto and most GTA cities are heavily regulated. This makes Barrie a standout for investors looking to operate without principal residence restrictions or night caps.
Best Barrie Neighborhoods for Airbnb
Not every Barrie neighbourhood is equal for short-term rentals. Location, proximity to attractions, and property type all matter. Here are the areas that consistently perform best.
Downtown Waterfront
Downtown Barrie along Dunlop Street and Centennial Beach is the top performing STR area. Walking distance to restaurants, bars, the marina, and the beachfront. Guests love being able to walk to dinner and back. Parking is the one weakness, so properties with dedicated parking command higher rates.
Allandale
Allandale, just south of downtown, offers a quieter residential feel with easy access to the waterfront. The GO Train station is in Allandale, so commuters visiting from Toronto for work or weekend getaways land here first. Great for mid-term medical travelers and business guests.
Near RVH (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre)
RVH is the major regional hospital serving Simcoe County. It generates steady demand from traveling medical professionals, visiting families of patients, and locum doctors. Listings within 10 minutes of RVH often book solid 30-plus day stays, which are lucrative and low-turnover.
Lake Simcoe Shoreline
Properties along Kempenfelt Bay and the broader Lake Simcoe shoreline hit peak rates during summer and Snowmobile Winterfest. A lakefront cottage or cabin can command $400 to $800 per night during peak weekends. Winter ice fishing demand is underrated and often overlooked by new hosts.
Painswick and Holly
South Barrie neighbourhoods like Painswick and Holly offer larger family homes at lower price points than downtown or waterfront. These work well for families visiting Barrie for hockey tournaments, weddings, or extended stays. 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings here often outperform their smaller downtown counterparts on monthly revenue.
Income Potential
Barrie's tourism economy is stronger than many investors realize. The city is a gateway to cottage country, a destination in its own right, and a year-round event hub. Here is what hosts can reasonably expect.
Tourism Drivers
- Kempenfelt Bay and Centennial Beach: Summer waterfront tourism
- Snowmobile Winterfest: Major winter event drawing riders from across Ontario
- Promenade Days and Kempenfest: Multi-day festivals with massive visitor inflows
- Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre: Year-round medical travel demand
- Georgian College: Parent visits, graduation weekends, convocation
- Barrie Molson Centre: Concerts, hockey, and sporting events
- Cottage country gateway: Travelers stopping in Barrie on their way to Muskoka
- Horseshoe Valley and Snow Valley: Ski resorts less than 20 minutes away
Realistic Monthly Revenue Estimates
These are realistic ranges based on similar Simcoe County markets. Actual performance depends on furnishing quality, photography, pricing strategy, and guest experience. Professional management typically increases revenue 30 to 100 percent compared to owner self-management.
The Risk: Regulations Are Coming
Let me be direct. Barrie will regulate short-term rentals. The only question is when and how strict. Every property owner starting an STR in Barrie today should plan for that reality from day one.
What to Expect
Based on what similar Ontario cities have done, future Barrie regulation will likely include some mix of:
- A licensing or registration process with annual fees
- A principal residence requirement or limits on non-resident operators
- A night cap (most Ontario cities use 180 to 183 days per year)
- An MAT of 4 percent or higher
- Insurance minimums ($2M liability is standard)
- A local contact requirement for absentee owners
- Possible license caps based on existing operator counts
How to Future Proof Your Setup
- Keep detailed records from day one. Track every booking, revenue, expense, and guest communication. Clean records make compliance painless when rules come.
- Carry $2M+ liability insurance now. When the city requires it, you are already covered.
- Operate professionally. No parties, strict noise rules, fast complaint response. Operators flagged for complaints are the first to lose licenses.
- Stay informed. Follow Barrie City Council agendas and monitor staff reports on STR regulation. Do not get caught flat-footed.
- Keep the City's written answer on file. If Barrie regulates, operators who can show they asked the permitted use question and acted on the answer are in a far better position than operators who assumed.
Do Not Assume Grandfathering
A use that was never permitted under zoning is not a legal non conforming use, and it is not what grandfather provisions protect. If Barrie regulates by amending its zoning by-law, existing operators are not automatically carried forward. The safer position is a written answer from the City on your address, a mid term fallback of 28 days or longer that does not depend on the outcome, and records that show you asked before you listed.
Ready to Launch Your Barrie Airbnb?
The Barrie market is open today. No license, no registration, no principal residence rule, no night cap, no MAT. Just set up your property properly, get good insurance, and launch. The regulatory window will not stay this wide forever.
New to Airbnb? You can sign up for Airbnb through our referral link and get a free consultation with our team to help you optimize your listing from day one. Or if you want to skip the setup headache entirely, check out our full-service Airbnb management, our 18% management fee beats most competitors charging 20 to 25 percent.
This article contains a referral link. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to Airbnb in Barrie, Ontario?
No. As of August 2026, Barrie has no short term rental licence, no registration process, and no permit. There is no municipal application between you and a listing. That answers the licensing question only. Whether short term rental is a permitted use at your address is a zoning question, and Barrie's zoning by-law does not list the use, so confirm it with City of Barrie Development Services before you rely on it.
Can I Airbnb an investment property in Barrie?
No licensing by-law says you cannot, and that is where most guides stop. Barrie's Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2009-141 does not list short term rental as a use anywhere, and the only dwelling based overnight accommodation it names is a bed and breakfast, defined as owner occupied. Ontario zoning is permissive, so a use that is not listed is not permitted unless the City reads it into another category. Only the City can answer that for your property. Ask in writing before you buy. Stays of 28 days or longer are ordinary residential tenancies and sit outside the question entirely.
What is the STR night limit in Barrie?
There is no night limit. You can host guests 365 nights a year in Barrie. Compare that to Toronto (180 nights for entire home rentals), Oshawa (180 days), and Milton (180 days). Barrie is one of the last major Ontario cities with zero regulatory limits on STR operation.
Does Barrie have an MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax)?
Yes. Barrie charges a 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax on STR stays under 30 days. The MAT was originally 4% (effective January 1, 2019) and was increased to 6% by Council on March 27, 2024. Airbnb collects and remits the MAT automatically under a voluntary agreement with the City since June 1, 2019. HST (13%) applies on top if your annual STR revenue exceeds $30,000.
How many Airbnbs are there in Barrie?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Barrie had 503 active short-term rental listings as of December 2024 (source: April 2025 staff update to Council). Notably, only 5 complaints were received about STRs between June 2023 and December 2024, and all 5 were tied to just 2 properties. That low complaint-to-listing ratio is why Council has resisted full licensing and is leaning toward complaint-based enforcement instead.
Is Barrie going to regulate Airbnbs?
Possibly, but the direction is toward light-touch enforcement rather than full licensing. Council adopted Motion 24-G-033 (March 6, 2024) directing staff to investigate STR regulation options. At an April 2025 update, staff identified four possible approaches: a zoning bylaw, a business licensing bylaw, a fees bylaw, or a dedicated STR bylaw. Council signalled a preference for a complaint-based enforcement model rather than full licensing, citing low complaint volume (only 5 STR complaints received between June 2023 and December 2024, all tied to just 2 properties out of 503+ active listings). Monitor barrie.ca council agendas for updates.
What rules apply to Airbnbs in Barrie right now?
General municipal bylaws still apply: property standards, noise (excessive noise prohibited 11pm to 7am), parking, waste collection, and fire code. Your building must have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ontario Building Code applies to any renovations. Condo corporations can also prohibit STRs even though the city does not.
Do I need insurance for an Airbnb in Barrie?
The city does not require specific insurance, but you absolutely need it. Standard homeowner's insurance almost never covers short-term rental activity. Carry at least $2,000,000 in liability coverage that explicitly covers STR use. Airbnb's Host Protection Insurance supplements but does not replace your own policy.
How much can I earn on Airbnb in Barrie?
Earnings depend on location, property size, and seasonality. Barrie listings in the downtown waterfront or near Lake Simcoe typically generate $2,500 to $5,500 per month for a 2-bedroom unit. Larger homes near Barrie's beaches or hosting Snowmobile Winterfest and Promenade Days visitors can earn $6,000 to $9,000 in peak months. Proximity to RVH (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre) also creates steady mid-term medical traveler demand.
Should I wait for regulation before starting an Airbnb in Barrie?
Waiting is not the issue. Asking is. Get a written answer from the City on whether short term rental is a permitted use at your address, and let that decide it. If the answer is yes, proceed with $2M liability coverage and clean records. If the answer is no or unclear, furnished stays of 28 days or longer are a legal path in Barrie today and do not depend on how Council resolves Motion 24-G-033. Do not count on grandfathering: a use that was never permitted under zoning is not protected as a legal non conforming use.
Sources
- City of Barrie, official municipal website
- City of Barrie Council Motion 24-G-033, STR regulatory investigation
- Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, STR listing data (December 2024)
- Barrie Today, local news coverage of STR regulatory discussions
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bylaw and regulation details change frequently. Always verify current rules directly with the City of Barrie before making hosting decisions.
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