Wellesley residents bring short-term rental concerns to council
Posted Sep 10, 2026 03:40:48 PM.
A group of Crosshill residents painted a concerning picture for Wellesley council over the disruptions they say they’re facing from nearby short-term rentals.
“This is quite frankly, a bit of an eye opener for me,” said Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak after hearing several delegations at a council meeting on Tuesday.
The first delegate was Tyler Murdock, who moved from Waterloo to Crosshill two years ago to escape city life.
“I was looking for a rural community that I can join and live out the rest of my years in a quiet, relaxed township,” Murdock said, before recounting the problems he’s faced this summer from an Airbnb in his neighbourhood.
Murdock raised issue with raucous groups staying at the rental and creating excessive noise, noting he’s put up with loud music and shouting throughout the night and into the early morning.
“We’re talking up to 39 people in one house renting this for an event or a bachelor party, as it’s described online,” said Murdock. “As a homeowner, I do not believe it is reasonable that I don’t get to enjoy my own backyard.”
It’s something Anita Hergott and her family have also been struggling with this summer.
“What was once a quiet, residential neighbourhood is now subject to a constant cycle of unfamiliar visitors resulting in uncertainty, disruption, and anxiety for nearby residents,” Anita told council.
The Hergotts have lived in the area for almost 26 years and say the unpredictability from a nearby Airbnb has had a significant impact on their quality of life, including for their daughter Christina.
“As a young woman, some of my experiences have been particularly uncomfortable,” said Christina in her delegation. “I should not have to approach a group of loud, intoxicated strangers and ask them to quiet down so I can sleep in my own home.”
Tyler Murdock pointed to a lack of regulations in Wellesley for short-term rentals and asked that council examine what other local municipalities like the City of Waterloo have implemented to address the issue.
“When there are no rules, that creates a playground for havoc and uncomfort and mayhem,” said Murdock.
He also highlighted that bed-and-breakfast rentals are already heavily regulated in Wellesley with required licensing and capacity limits, but the same rules don’t apply to Airbnbs.
Both Murdock and Kevin Hergott raised additional concerns with lengthy response times from township bylaw for addressing lodged complaints because of limited resources and that police say they won’t respond unless there’s criminal activity.
“Residents should have access to timely enforcement, regardless of municipal boundaries,” Kevin said.
Mayor Nowak and Wellesley council ultimately directed staff to conduct a thorough review of possible short-term rental regulations, licensing, and enforcement options.
