The struggle to find affordable housing is something many people are facing both young and old in British Columbia and across Canada.

To help alleviate this stress, the provincial government recently introduced new changes to short-term rentals throughout BC. This move is meant to help bring back more long-term housing opportunities for renters. The government has stated that “B.C. is facing a housing crisis, with a shortage of all forms of attainable housing, including long-term rentals.” 

Many short-term rental listings are found on popular services such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

Starting May 1st 2024, British Columbians will legally only be able to rent out their primary residence. In addition to their primary residence, they will also be able to either rent their secondary suite or an accessory dwelling unit as a short-term rental on the same property.

Currently in Nanaimo, if you were to rent out a short-term rental you would need to obtain a business licence. Within the new rules, local governments will get stronger tools to enforce short-term rental bylaws. In regional districts, the maximum potential fine will increase from $2,000 to $50,000 dollars, in line with that of municipalities. 

Tourism Nanaimo told CHLY that currently there are around 1072 listings on Airbnb in the city and between 2018 and 2023 there has been a 70 percent increase in listings. There are also roughly 1510 rooms between hotels, motels and seasonal housing (like dorms at VIU) in the city. Hotels and Motels will not be affected by the new rules.

We reached out to Airbnb for statement. In an email, Alex Howell, Policy Manager for  Airbnb Canada, states:“The B.C. government’s proposed legislation won't alleviate the province's housing concerns, instead, it will take money out of the pockets of British Columbians, make travel more unaffordable for millions of residents who travel within B.C. and reduce tourism spending in communities where hosts are often the only providers of local accommodations”

Today I speak with Mark Holland, consultant and  VIU professor of the Masters of Community Planning program to talk us through what is happening with the new changes and what we can expect to see as it takes place. 

I also speak with Mayor of Nanaimo Leonard Krog about his thoughts and how this is going to affect residents in the city.

Finally I wrap things up with Executive Director Carly Pereboom at Tourism Nanaimo about how the loss of short-term rentals could effect the the tourism industry in Nanaimo.

Find Show Notes and Transcripts here.

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Guests:

Mark Holland — Consultant and  VIU professor of the Masters of Community Planning

Leonard Krog — Mayor of Nanaimo

Carly Pereboom — Executive Director at Tourism Nanaimo