I am a resident of Parksville, BC, and like many others in our community, I run a legal short-term rental business out of my primary residence. This is not just a mortgage helper for me; it is also an opportunity to welcome visitors to our beautiful city and contribute to local tourism. However, the current bylaws governing short-term rentals in Parksville are not aligned with those set by the B.C. Ministry of Housing.

The provincial government recognizes the importance and legitimacy of such businesses run from primary residences. Yet, we face challenges at the local level due to restrictive bylaws that do not reflect this understanding or support our efforts.

Short-term rentals provide significant economic benefits. According to Statistics Canada, they contributed $2.8 billion to the Canadian GDP in 2018 alone (source: Statistics Canada). They also create jobs and support local businesses by attracting tourists who spend money on food, entertainment, transportation and more.

We urge the local government of Parksville to reform these outdated bylaws for short-term rentals. We need regulations that align with provincial guidelines and allow us - law-abiding citizens running legitimate businesses - to continue contributing positively to our community without unnecessary hindrance.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting small business owners like myself and fostering a thriving tourism industry in Parksville through fair regulation of short term rentals.