Prince George city council will decide at its Dec. 4 meeting if city staff should prepare a report that could pave the way to opting out of the provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act.
“Whereas it is the will of Council to grow our city and attract much-needed personnel for industry, education and health care professionals, and to provide opportunities to grow our tourism industry, as stated in the 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, we believe that the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act may not be suitable for our city,” states the notice of motion brought forward by Councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen
“Short-term rental housing is a vital part of the options needed to provide housing for those providing their expertise to the various projects and programs in and around our city. We must do our part to ensure the required varied housing options remain available to reduce barriers to working in our city.”
The notice of motion also states that it is imperative to allow varied accommodation options to meet the needs of those the city and region.
In October, the B.C. government introduced legislation to rein in in what it says is a rapidly expanding short-term rental market.
The legislation would limit short-term rentals to within a host's own home, or a basement suite or laneway home on their property.
The changes will be phased in, with the principal residence rule to be implemented by next May and data sharing expected from platforms by next summer.
Short-term rental hosts will also have to join a provincial registry, and the government will launch a compliance and enforcement unit to make sure the rules are being followed.
Premier David Eby said the government is taking action to reduce "profit-driven mini-hotel operators."
"Without question short-term rentals have gotten out of control," he said. "This is one more step to address the housing crisis."
- with files from the Canadian Press
