It's a fact that small property investment is a popular choice among British Columbians looking to secure their future and retire healthily. Many of us have chosen to invest in properties, creating a source of income by offering short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. However, the extra fees and rental limitations imposed by the BC government are a severe strain on this feasible investment strategy, unfairly penalizing us and proving detrimental to the expressed need of short-term alternative residences and affordable tourist options for families.

Given that the government has routinely framed these additional fees as a revenue stream, it is only fair to demand transparency. Noticeably, there is no information on how exactly these new funds collected, or funds collected from paying guests amounting to around $80 million+ annually already collected from Airbnb and VRBO activities alone, are specifically contributing to the mitigation of the housing shortage. It isn't only about the money; shutting down short term rentals adversely affects tourism, affordability, and discourages smaller investors. Large tourist areas like Whistler and Sun Peaks are not affected by this demand, yet smaller communities that host tourist based activities are. The more financially able investor in Whistler and Sun Peaks is excluded from this tax while the smaller local investor is required to pay.

It is our right to call the BC government on this, to ensure they understand the extensive consequences of their actions. We need to demand that these extra fees and rental limitations be withdrawn, and ensure that our investment and retirement plans are not targeted unfairly. It’s important that the BC government stops viewing small Airbnb and VRBO operations as cash cows and begins to see them as integral parts of each community contributing to affordable housing and tourism - versus adding to the housing crisis. Sign our petition today and let’s level the playing field for all property investors in British Columbia.