Editorial

Indeed, resolving the concerns around short-term rentals (STRs) truly takes a ‘balanced approach’ as local resident Colleen Roberts told the RDEK recently.

There is no arguing that these rentals boost the local economy by enhancing the visitor experience. Simply put, we need tourists spending money here, and we need temporary accommodation for these people. But not at the expense of the locals and families who need long-term accommodation.

How many STRs in the community are too many? How many guests in one house is too many? These are the questions that towns and villages are struggling with. You don’t want to change the character of the neighbourhood by establishing too many STRs that see visitors coming and going at all hours. The extra traffic, parking, noise and safety risks are factors that need to be considered. It may come with the territory but this is not something that residents should be burdened with. At the same time you don’t want to be too restrictive or you defeat the purpose of allowing STRs in the first place. That’s where a happy balance is paramount.

There have been reports of STR operations running without proper permits and/or skirting the rules, which gives all STRs a bad name. There are misconceptions that these rentals attract undesirable ‘party animals’ worthy of their own reality TV show. The truth is many of these visitors are good people who just want a nice, quiet place to relax and enjoy their vacation. Many local residents hardly notice that these people are actually there.

Ideally, you want the property owner living on site or at least nearby to deal with any potential problems that may arise. 

And when the chips fall, does the town or village have a reliable enforcement program that can act quickly and decisively, having the best interests of residents in mind? 

While we can’t ignore the benefits that STRs bring to the community, we must not forget the housing crisis that plagues the Columbia Valley and many other regions. Long-term rentals appear to be in short supply, with families not able to relocate here because they can’t find homes. It’s getting to the point that businesses can’t even attract long-term employees due to the housing crunch. That has to change.

Lyonel Doherty, editor