The town of Smithers is working toward regulating short term rentals (STR).
Recognizing the urgency in improving the availability and affordability of housing in communities throughout British Columbia, the provincial government adopted the Homes for People Plan in April 2023.
The plan sets out four priorities, with various action items and recommendations listed under each priority. These include unlocking more homes faster; delivering better, more affordable homes; helping those with the greatest housing need; and creating a housing market for people, not speculators.
Stricter enforcement of short-term rental operations was identified as an essential action item to discourage speculative housing investments.
The town initiated the STR Regulation Update Project to inform STR operators, the developer community, and public about the current STR-related requirements in the Zoning Bylaw, the new requirements established by the provincial STR Accommodation Act and their implication on existing and new STR operations in the community.
The project also aims to review the Town’s existing STR regulatory framework, including bed and breakfast operations, and, if needed, update the current bylaws based on community feedback and good planning practices.
The project also a consultation plan to obtain community feedback to inform the development of a comprehensive Town of Smithers STR regulatory framework that will prioritize community well-being considerations while also reasonably enabling property owners and businesses to leverage economic opportunities arising from STR use.
Information sessions, focus groups, an advisory planning commission meeting and a community survey have just been completed to get more information on the status of short-term rentals and changes needed.
Town planner Deepa Chandran said STR operations in the community have steadily increased over the last few years, especially after COVID-19. She also noted that STR operations in the community have contributed to the conversion of both long-term rentals and previously owner-occupied dwelling units.
She said 60 per cent of the 30 short-term rental owners who participated in the survey said they were previously long-term and went to short-term. However, she said there are more than 100 short-term rentals in the Smithers area and that number could be much higher.
“Without regulation, this number will likely go up,” she added. “And we know that lack of housing is already impacting our community.”
Some of the draft changes to the bylaw include retaining the principal residence requirement for STRs operating from the specified residential and agricultural zones and maintain the existing parking requirement.
Another recommended change is to specify that the owner must obtain a business licence from the Town and renew it annually, in order to legally operate an STR.
Most of council agreed that regulation is necessary and there can and should be a balance between long- and short-term rentals.
The draft bylaws will be presented to council at its Aug, 13 regular meeting for consideration of bylaw readings.
An engagement summary report will be shared on the town’s website; an email blast containing a link to the engagement summary and the policy options recommended will be sent to all those who have expressed their desire to remain updated about the project's progress.
Following second reading of the zoning bylaw amendment, a public hearing will be held providing interested parties with another opportunity to share their views with council. The town will also obtain the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s approval as part of the proposed zoning bylaw amendment.
