Smithers Council moves ahead with short term rental rules

Smithers Council held their third reading at tonight’s (Tuesday) meeting to amend bylaws around short term rentals. (STR)

The amendments being made are in response to provincial legislation around STR units introduced in May.

Part of the reason for the legislation going into effect was to help increase the supply of long-term rentals and housing.

“I’m not personally convinced that somebody who owns a building that is presently a STR is going to convert it into a long-term rental because there are a lot of challenges that aren’t present with short term ones,” said Councilor John Buikema.

Councilor Sam Raven agreed that single-detached homes should be for families.

“I fully support that they can still have the secondary suites that can still be STRs, but when I look at a house, I think that should be a home for somebody that’s living and working in our community,” she said.

While Councilor Buikema felt the legislation and bylaws wouldn’t help increase housing, he did agree with one reason behind the changes.

“I do support the notion that we do not want to have people in Vancouver or who knows where owning STRs in Smithers, but I am personally comfortable with someone living in one part of town and owning an STR in another part,” he said.

Councilor Frank Wray agreed with the benefit of owners living locally.

“I think the idea is that you’re feeling the same effects that your neighbours are feeling and are personally there,” he said.

Councilor Buikema was the lone opposing vote to the third reading and the amendments will be brought back at a later meeting for adoption.