A tourist hotspot on Vancouver Island has opted-in to the Province's short term rental (STR) restrictions.
The District of Tofino held their regular council meeting on Tuesday, where they voted to adopt STR restrictions laid out in Bill 35, which seeks to address housing concerns in communities.
Legislation introduced in the fall limits short-term rentals to the host’s principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the property.
The requirement applies to municipalities with a population of over 10,000 people and adjacent communities, with exemptions where necessary. Exempt municipalities are able to choose to opt-in before March 31, 2024.
As a resort municipality with less than 10,000 residents, Tofino is exempt from the principal residence requirement, but council voted to opt-in.
Staff had proposed that council not opt-in yet, deferring until after a bylaw zoning review can take place within the next year.
“The pressing need for more housing options within Tofino was unanimously recognized, regardless of individuals' stance on opting in,” council documents noted in regards to public feedback. “There was an agreement on the necessity for a comprehensive review of zoning regulations related to short-term rentals to address housing challenges effectively.”
“They recognized the housing crisis and expressed willingness to support measures that could ease it. Others expressed significant concerns about the potential negative impacts on existing stakeholders, the local economy, and the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of proposed measures.”
Councillors spoke out during the meeting, saying that an abundance of commercialized real estate—properties purchased for the purpose of short term rentals—has resulted in a significant lack of long term housing in Tofino.
“Not only is there a risk of a generation of people not being able to afford a home, but there’s also the strong possibility that Tofino will turn into a short-term rental ghetto,” said Councillor Duncan McMaster.
“We must ensure that housing is reserved for people to actually live in,” he added, citing past issues with addressing housing concerns with zoning.
“Is this built perfect? Definitely not, but it is a start.”
It was noted that opting in would make investors in the area consider their options—turn short term rentals into long term rentals, or sell property to locals or people wanting to move to Tofino.
Councillor Tom Stere, responded, agreeing that the restrictions are not likely to be perfect, but supported a zoning review process before opting in. Councillor Ali Sawyer was for supporting staff’s recommendation to defer as well.
Councillors Kat Thomas, Sarah Sloman, Al Anderson and Mayor Dan Law expressed that opting in now is what’s best for the community. The opt-in won in a five to two vote.
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