Cortes Islanders have the chance to have their say when it comes to Short Term Vacation Rentals.
The Strathcona Regional District is looking for feedback on a proposed STVR zoning bylaw with a community survey that will be open until the end of the month.
In 2017 and 2018, the community went through a review and update process for the island’s zoning bylaw as a whole. However, the growth of vacation rentals since that time has prompted a re-examination of that particular kind of property. A relaunch of the update process will be coming this year, however the regional district wants to get community feedback on short term rentals to help inform the discussion.
Between 2016 and 2022, the number of short term rentals on the island doubled from 41 to 82, according to the SRD’s 2022 housing needs report. These properties are defined as places where visitors stay for 30 days or less, and are often facilitated through websites like AirBnB or VRBO.
According to the SRD’s website, the rentals can have various effects on housing and rental stocks.
“Short-Term Rentals reduce the number of long-term rental units available, therefore limiting the rental housing supply and often contributing to the increasing cost of rental housing,” it says, adding that it can also “provide flexible housing options for part-time residents.”
Other factors are that short term rentals can increase competition with more traditional hotel-style accommodations, as well as provide income to property owners.
Printed copies of the survey have been sent to Cortes residents and are also available at the Cortes Market. An online version of the survey is at srd.ca/cortes-zoning-bylaw-review.
Completed surveys can be dropped off at the Cortes Market, 809 Sutil Point Rd., Manson’s Landing, or mailed to Strathcona Regional District– Planning Services, 990 Cedar St. Campbell River, BC V9W 7Z8.
The survey period closes July 31, 2023.
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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
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