I support short-term rentals, with clear and reasonable rules. From the conversations I have had with residents, there seems to be considerable support for Saanich aligning with the provincial approach. When municipalities choose to create different rules, the associated licensing, compliance and enforcement responsibilities, and potentially additional costs, can shift to the municipality. I would want to understand those costs and benefits before adding another layer of municipal regulation.
Short-term rentals are one-way homeowners can make housing costs more manageable. One father I spoke with told me that renting his home to students during the school year helps with his mortgage, while allowing his family to use the home during the summer. I have also heard from seniors on fixed incomes who see this as a way to supplement their income. While these are individual circumstances, they illustrate why I think it is important for Council to consider the people affected by policies, not just the policy itself.
In my experience, keeping rules simple, clear and consistent is in everyone’s interest; homeowners, neighbours, visitors and the municipality.