• A court order has been issued to enforce compliance with Stouffville’s Comprehensive Zoning By-Law concerning 6165 Vivian Road.
  • Marketed as Vivian Villa, the property is listed on short-term rental websites and is offered as a party, spa, and event space.
  • Such uses are not permitted by the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, and there is a history of neighbourhood complaints related to the venue.
  • The court order allows the Town to block or restrict access to the site and recoup costs associated with any enforcement efforts.
  • The Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued the interim injunction on June 19, 2024.

 

According to a Town spokesperson, Stouffville “received several complaints about noise, parties, and other neighbourhood-disrupting events occurring at the property.” Upon further investigation, Staff discovered the ongoing illegal land uses.

“The Town started the legal action to address and prevent the unauthorized use of the property at 6165 Vivian Road as an event and party rental venue, ensuring its use aligns with the permitted uses set out in the Town’s zoning regulations,” a recent press release explained.

Vivian Villa sits within rural Oak Ridges Moraine and Environmental zones. While an existing site specific zoning by-law does allow for a medical assessment facility, any commercial recreational and/or conference, convention, or banquet facilities are not permitted.

Staff determined a court order was the best course of action to assist with enforcement efforts. The injunction grants Stouffville permission to block access to the site by any reasonable means, and the Town can recoup associated costs by adding them to the property’s tax roll.

Large signage has also been placed at entrances to Vivian Villa warning renters of the legal action. Despite the Town’s ongoing efforts, the venue continues to be marketed as a private event space and spa and is live on short-term rental websites. An April social media post states that “the real purpose of Vivian Villa is to host parties.”

“This court order clearly demonstrates that the Town has zero tolerance for illegal short-term rentals, event venues, or spas,” Mayor Lovatt said in a recent social media post. “Council is steadfast in our commitment to ensure our by-laws are adhered to, and we will not hesitate to seek further court injunctions in the future.”

Bullet Point News reached out to Vivian Villa operators for comment but has not received a reply at the time of publishing.