What’s going on?

Starting this summer, travel will only be possible for the very rich in British Columbia thanks to new legislation banning Short Term Rentals.. Hotel prices are skyrocketing and affordable options for families and groups arel disappearing.

What is going to happen?

Effective May 1, 2024, our options will be gone. No more family stays at our favorite cabin, downtown condo or resort-like property. Our only AirBnb choices will be ein someone's principal residence.  Do you want to vacation in a basement suite where the owner is upstairs while you are relaxing?  That’s if basement vacation rentals are even allowed in the town you are visiting.  

So our only choice:

1. Pay unaffordable hotel prices or
2. Travel outside of British Columbia

Vacationers want to stay in the tourist areas or downtown cores in cabins or urban condos  with amenities (close to the water, restaurants, tourist attractions full kitchens and separate sleeping quarters for friends or children).  Short term rentals provide these home away from home experiences that we have come to know and love.

Who are we?

We are the families and groups who need affordable travel options for medical treatments, kids sports tournaments, weddings and family gatherings of all types.  We are the BC businesses that rely on tourists to thrive.

Aren’t short term rentals hurting housing affordability?

Legal short term rentals represent a marginal portion of the housing stock, in most cases never intended for anything besides short term renting, and have been unfairly scapegoated as contributors to affordable housing. The NDP government based their legislation on a study commissioned and paid for by the BC Hotel Association and didn’t consult with other affected parties. 

Call to Action

We are calling on the BC NDP government to take a fresh look at the legislation and consult with consumers and those in the tourist industry to find ways to regulate short term rentals without eliminating them. 

We believe these actions will help maintain a healthy balance between the need for affordable housing and a thriving tourism sector in British Columbia.