During a private members speech in the Legislature last week, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis drew attention to the Provincial Short-Term Rental (STR) Registry.

McInnis began his speech by highlighting two important points. First, tourism is the lifeblood of our communities, and these dollars support local businesses across the region. Second, STR operators in small resort municipalities aren’t “faceless corporations who buy up local real estate to boost shareholder profits.” McInnis added: “These are young families…and seniors supplementing their incomes.”

McInnis highlighted the unnecessary scope of the fees associated with the registry itself: “Local government already addressed the STR Registration issue. Regional districts and municipalities implemented licensing and registration fees some time ago.”

Local government has licensing fees of up to $1,500/unit based on location and the type of rental. This allows for local government to monitor STR’s locally and to ensure there is compliance with local bylaws. The new B.C.  government registry fee adds up to an additional $600/unit.

McInnis argued that the provincial fee provides “no return for rental operators…none.”

McInnis said his office has received dozens of complaints from across the riding from local operators who will be taking down their listings, some immediately. This will be devastating for local tourism, as cancelled bookings will result in tourists going elsewhere for vacation.

“Short term rentals aren’t just an option, they’re a necessity,” McInnis said.  “These towns rely on tourism to survive, and there simply aren’t enough accommodation options for communities thaat boast populations of 5,000-8,000 people.”

McInnis didn’t mince words when describing his perspective on why individual communities and their unique needs weren’t considered with the STR registry policy. “This is a shakedown, plain and simple,” he said.

Although he understands there is a housing and STR challenge province-wide, he advised the government to look at other policies to make housing more affordable and available.

McInnis will be sending a letter to Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon’s office in opposition to this policy, as well as setting up a meeting to discuss the issue.

Please reach out to MLA McInnis if you are an STR operator facing this challenge: [email protected]

e-KNOW file photo

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