Background:
The provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act came into effect on October 26, 2023, establishing a range of requirements for legally operating STRs across the province while also introducing new tools for local governments to enable them to effectively regulate STR use at the local level. The legislated requirements established will be rolled out in phases, providing STR operators and the online platforms with the necessary time to comply with the new requirements. Under the provincial STR legislation, local governments have a limited level of flexibility in establishing local STR regulatory requirements, based on their community need, regional context, and established housing needs.
The Town initiated the STR Regulation Review Project in early April 2024, with the following objectives:
- To inform stakeholders identified and public about the current STR-related requirements in the Zoning Bylaw, the new requirements established by the provincial STR Accommodation Act and their implication on the existing and new STR operations in the community;
- To review the Town’s existing STR regulatory framework, including Bed and Breakfast (B&B) operations, and update the current regulations, if found necessary; and
- To consult and obtain community feedback to inform the development of a comprehensive local STR regulatory framework that will aim to maximize the community benefits of STRs, while minimizing potential adverse impacts.
Community Engagement:
As part of the engagement process, community feedback was gathered in the following ways:
- Information sessions held on April 17th and 18th, at the Town Hall + virtual option for participation; a total of 32 individuals (excluding staff) participated.
- Focus Group Discussions held on May 16th and 17th, at the Town Hall, with hotel owners and apartment landlords, a total of 7 individuals representing businesses participated.
- Community Survey, open from June 7th to 27th. The survey, which could be completed online or on paper copy, was completed by 242 individuals, 29 of which were STR operators.
- Advisory Planning Commission, meeting was held on June 26th, at the Town Hall, to obtain Commission’s feedback on this matter; a total of 6 members attended the meeting. At the end, Commission also passed a motion supporting the policy changes that staff propose for regulating STR use.
Over a period of 10 weeks, the engagement process gathered a total of 287 touch points using a range of engagement tactics as displayed in the diagram below. Click here to access the Engagement Summary Report, outlining the feedback gathered from the community and stakeholders -- including the detailed comments received from participants through the community survey.
At the May 9th Special Open Meeting, Council was updated about the project progress and the engagement activities. Prior to finalizing the Town’s STR regulatory framework and the proposed amendment, staff will present the engagement summary report and the policy recommendation to Council, at its July 16th Committee of the Whole meeting.
NEXT STEPS:
- Finalize the amendment bylaws, based on Council feedback. Consequently, present the bylaws to Council at its August 13th Regular Council meeting, for its consideration for bylaw readings.
- If Council decides to proceed with the zoning amendments proposed, a public hearing will be held after 2nd reading of the Zoning Bylaw amendment, providing interested parties with another opportunity to share their viewpoint on this matter, with Council. The Town will also obtain the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI)’s approval as part of the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment. Public hearing or public opportunity is not a requirement for the other two bylaw amendments proposed.
Resources:
Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act
Short-Term Rentals: Policy Guidance for BC Local Governments
Staff Report to Council DEV 24-044 (Engagement Summary and Policy Recommendations)