Can I run an Airbnb here? Do I need a licence?

Short-term rentals — St. Catharines, Ontario

In the City of St. Catharines, Ontario, licence required: True; owner occupancy required: True; zones allowed: Residential areas permitted under Zoning By-law; must be secondary use, not primary use of property; fee: $534.05. Source: Short-term Rental Licensing, verified 2026-06-09.

Short-term Rental Licensing adopted bylaw

licence required	True	"Operators must obtain a licence, like any other business, to operate a STRA"
owner occupancy required	True	"STRA is the primary residence of the operator (owner / tenant)"
zones allowed	Residential areas permitted under Zoning By-law; must be secondary use, not primary use of property	"permitted in residential areas under the City's Zoning By-law, provided they aren't the primary use of the property"
fee	$534.05	"The fee is $534.05, and licences must be renewed after two years"

scout note

Official City page for short-term rental licensing requirements.