Following the September 19 Pioneer article regarding short-term rental (STR) permit approvals in the District of Invermere (DOI), and after observing the recent outcomes of the STR temporary use permit (TUP) applications, I continue to have serious concerns about the governance and implementation of recently developed bylaws on STRs/TUPs by our mayor and council. 

What was the point of investing the valuable time and DOI resources, not to mention the time put forth by community taxpayers to help create bylaws that are then not followed? 

As a tax–paying DOI resident living in an RI residential zone, it is frustrating to witness this lack of objectivity and due process on such a contentious issue – one that will have lasting impacts to the fabric of our community. 

I recognize there are some council members doing their best to find the balance and I can only hope the rest of council members will follow suit. To the Invermere community at large, I encourage you to attend the DOI council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8 to witness another voting procedure on more STR/TUP applications being presented. 

As I have stated many times, I’m not opposed to STR operations in areas of our town that fit their unpredictable occupancy, but I definitely have concerns and fear about the inappropriate decision-making processes of STR/TUP bylaw applications that we are experiencing in Invermere’s residential zones.

Pat Bavin, Invermere