‘It’s aggravating’: Elora residents push for balance between tourism and community needs

One of southwestern Ontario’s most popular tourist destinations is looking for ways to balance its booming tourism industry with the needs of the people who live there year-round.

A community town hall Monday night at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre drew a packed crowd as residents voiced frustration over how Elora’s growing visitor numbers are affecting everyday life.

Concerns ranged from garbage, parking and public transit to the number of cannabis shops, but much of the discussion focused on housing and the rise of short-term rentals.

“A lot of people that I know, including myself, have been displaced from our homes that have become Airbnb’s after,” said resident Nora Crete. “Part of living in a small town and the character of it is [being] able to live in a beautiful place that isn’t just dedicated to those who are coming for a short term.”

Residents said short-term rentals are pushing out long-term renters.

“Elora is an exciting place because of the tourism, and I think it brings a lot of diversity; it brings a lot of interesting businesses,” Crete said. “It keeps things lively. I don’t have an issue with the tourists, but I do think we need to ensure that community is first. And I think regulations on Airbnb is one way to do that.”

Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters said the township is developing a short-term rental bylaw, expected to be presented within three to four months.

“We feel that the tourists, although they love coming here and we love to see them, they have to make some type of contribution, because of the needs and the infrastructure and how we have to deal with it,” Watters said. “And it’s a lot for a small community.”

He said Elora attracts about 750,000 visitors each year, and while tourism boosts the local economy, residents said it also puts strain on infrastructure and overall quality of life.

Some locals said they avoid downtown altogether on weekends because of traffic and congestion.

“I don’t come downtown to shop on the weekends, and that’s okay. It’s aggravating when you have to go to the drugstore,” said resident Gerry Crewson.

Watters said the township is working on introducing a municipal accommodation tax and paid parking for visitors to help offset those costs.

“These things help pay for things. It’s just all that pressure from tourism,” Watters said. “So, policing, garbage, parking, wear and tear on the roads... that’s got to be paid for when you have three quarters of a million people coming here. And that shouldn’t be the burden that falls on the local taxpayers.”

Centre Wellington has also been designated by the province as an area for major growth, with its population expected to rise from 34,000 to 58,000 by 2051 — putting more pressure on housing and local services.

“You know, the crazy thing is we’re dealing with it all at once,” Watters said.

While the meeting grew tense at times, with the mayor reminding residents to keep their comments respectful, the passion in the room was clear.

Many attendees said they simply want to feel heard — and to see Elora remain a place where locals and visitors can both thrive.