In alignment with the Homes for People Provincial Housing Plan, the Province introduced the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act in October 2023. This legislation established new requirements for operating short-term rentals (STRs), such as Airbnbs and bed & breakfasts, while empowering local governments to regulate STRs in ways that best serve their communities.
Key Provincial Changes Include:
- STR operators must obtain and display a provincial registration number and a business license number (where required locally).
- The principal residence requirement will apply to communities with populations over 10,000 as of May 1, 2024; Smithers already adopted this rule in its Zoning Bylaw in October 2022.
- Non-conforming STR operations must cease by May 1, 2024.
- Increased fines for bylaw infractions, from $1,000/day to $3,000/day.
- Requirements for online platforms to remove illegal STR listings.
- New data-sharing mechanisms and a Provincial Compliance and Enforcement Unit to support enforcement.
Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry:
Anyone operating a Short-Term Rental (STR) or Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in BC will be required to register with the Province before May 1, 2025. Hosts who don’t comply with the new requirements and don’t have a provincial registration number will have their listing taken down as of June 1, 2025.
As of October 22, 2024, the Town established new licensing requirements for STRs and B&B operations in Smithers. Compliance with the local STR regulations -- including obtaining a Business License from the Town -- is necessary to comply with the provincial STR regulation requirements.
Visit Register as a host - Province of British Columbia to complete the provincial STR registration process and/or for further details
Town of Smithers STR Regulations
To align with provincial legislation and address local needs, the Town of Smithers initiated the STR Regulation Review Project in April 2024. The project aimed to:
- Inform the public and stakeholders about the new legislation and its implications.
- Review the Town’s existing STR regulations, including bed & breakfast operations.
- Establish updated STR regulations that balance community benefits and minimize adverse impacts.
Through surveys, focus groups, and information sessions, public feedback helped shape bylaw updates for the Town of Smithers. The Bylaw Amendments to regulate short-term rental operations were adopted by Council in October 2024.
- Bylaw No. 1977 - Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw Bo. 1936 Amendment No. 24-04
- Bylaw No. 1978 - Town of Smithers Business License Bylaw No. 1850 Amendment No. 24-02
- Bylaw No. 1979 - Town of Smithers Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1941 Amendment No. 24-02.
These changes balance the benefits of STRs—like supporting tourism and the local economy—with the need to protect housing availability and minimize impacts on neighborhoods.
Key Changes to the Bylaws:
- Clear Definitions: New and updated definitions for STRs, motels, B&Bs, and permanent residents ensure consistency and clarity.
- Zoning Updates: STRs and B&Bs will be permitted as auxiliary uses in specific residential, agricultural, and commercial zones.
- Licensing Requirements:
- All STRs and B&Bs must obtain a business license and display it on listings.
- Residential STRs require proof of permanent residency (e.g., mortgage statement or homeowner grant).
- Commercial properties allow multiple STR units with one license.
- Parking Rules: STRs in downtown zones must meet minimum parking requirements to avoid congestion.
- Local Contacts: STR operators must provide two local contacts available 24/7 during guest stays.
- Fees: An annual license fee of $160 will apply to all STRs and B&Bs, with auxiliary licenses costing $50.
- Enforcement: While fines remain unchanged, the Town may revisit penalties based on future enforcement needs.
Additional resources: