This staff report recognizes that shared housing provides an important lower-cost option for students, workers, seniors and residents with limited incomes. Any new rules must balance housing affordability with tenant safety and neighbourhood quality of life.

The report evaluated housing trends, supply, affordability, and licencing in other Ontario municipalities. It also considered the City of Kawartha Lakes Official Plan, Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Municipal Act. A survey was conducted on Jump In, Kawartha Lakes, which found strong support for greater oversight, including annual inspections, occupancy limits and a local contact for rental properties.

Staff have been asked to develop a rooming house and shared housing licencing program, which will include a draft by-law, fees, inspection program, and enforcement procedures. The report will come back to the Regular Council Meeting of September 22, 2026.

Read the full Room House/ High Occupancy Homes report or watch the discussion in Council on YouTube at the 1:45:40 mark.