Where I stand on Short-Term Rentals (STRs)

I support homeowners being able to offer short-term accommodation at their principal residence, including in a secondary suite, provided they meet safety and licensing requirements and respect their neighbours.

For some families and seniors, this income helps cover the mortgage and makes it possible to stay in their home. Others need to keep a suite available for visiting family, including grandparents who come to help with young children. A long-term tenant isn’t always a workable option, and our rules should recognize that.

I believe homeowners should have reasonable autonomy over how they use their home. That comes with responsibility: managing noise and parking, providing safe accommodation and having someone available to respond to concerns.

Listen Before Setting Limits

I see the proposed 120-night allowance as a step in the right direction toward giving homeowners more flexibility.

However, I don’t support an annual night cap for short-term rentals at a principal residence, and I don’t believe Council has done enough public engagement to understand how the proposed limit would affect residents.

If elected, I would work with Council to ask staff (Chief Administrative Officer) to develop a survey and engage current and prospective short-term rental providers. I would want to understand how they use their accommodation, why a long-term tenancy may not work for them, and what a 120-night cap would mean for their household.

Neighbours and long-term renters should also have an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns. That feedback, alongside housing data, would help Council make a more deeply informed decision.

Protect Housing and Respect Neighbours

As a renter myself, I understand the importance of protecting long-term rental housing.

We don’t want to repeat the rental pressures residents experienced in 2022. People need stable homes they can afford, and the risk of tenants being displaced deserves serious attention.

My support is for short-term rentals at a homeowner’s principal residence. I would want Council to consider vacancy rates, rental affordability, displacement and how provincial rules are working before adding further municipal restrictions.

Short-term accommodation also provides places for visitors to stay while supporting local shops, restaurants and other businesses.

My approach is to listen to residents, give homeowners reasonable flexibility and set clear expectations.

Short-term rentals can help homeowners manage their costs, maintain social connections and feel more secure in their homes that may otherwise be left empty if long-term renting is not an option. It also invites tourism into our communities, bringing visitors into local shops, restaurants and other businesses.

We can protect long-term housing and respect neighbours while recognizing that families use their homes in different ways.

Vote for an approachable, reasonable Councillor. Please consider voting for Alli Deelstra.