Kelowna, B.C.’s waterfront is currently quiet, but that may change as tourists start arriving. The Okanagan Valley is expected to have a busy tourism season this year, partly due to many Canadians avoiding travel to the United States amid the trade war. B.C. Premier David Eby has encouraged vacationing closer to home in Canada. As a result, more Canadians are expected to vacation in B.C., leading to questions about whether provincial restrictions on short-term rentals should be loosened. At a recent council meeting, Coun. Ron Cannan suggested encouraging the province to lift the ban on short-term rentals, at least for the upcoming summer season.
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas stated that the city has already advocated for a ‘Made in Kelowna’ type of short-term rental model with the province. The city is focusing on its own municipal rules and will begin relaxing them as of April 14 by granting new licenses for short-term rentals in principal residences. This change will align municipal rules with provincial regulations, allowing for potential adjustments if the restrictions are loosened by the province. Walker-Matthews, the CEO of Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association, supports the idea of loosening the restrictions temporarily to accommodate the increased tourism demand. However, the housing minister, Ravi Kahlon, believes that the restrictions are necessary to maintain long-term housing availability and affordability.
The tourism industry in the Okanagan Valley is anticipated to benefit from the expected increase in Canadian travelers choosing to vacation closer to home. With more Canadians opting to explore local destinations, there is a growing conversation around potentially loosening provincial restrictions on short-term rentals. Coun. Ron Cannan is advocating for the province to lift the short-term rental ban in Kelowna, especially for the upcoming summer season, to accommodate the surge in tourism. Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas has already been advocating for a ‘Made in Kelowna’ rental model, and the city is set to relax its municipal rules in alignment with provincial regulations, potentially allowing for adjustments in the future.
Despite the calls for loosening the restrictions, the housing minister is standing firm on maintaining the current regulations on short-term rentals. Ravi Kahlon believes that the restrictions have been effective in improving housing availability and affordability in places like Kelowna. While acknowledging the need for flexibility, Kahlon does not anticipate making major changes to the short-term rental program. The discussion around whether to lift the ban on short-term rentals in Kelowna highlights the balancing act between accommodating tourism demand and ensuring the availability of long-term housing for residents.
The conversation around potentially relaxing provincial restrictions on short-term rentals in Kelowna reflects the broader trend of Canadians vacationing closer to home. The anticipated surge in domestic tourism presents both opportunities and challenges for destinations like the Okanagan Valley. While the tourism industry stands to benefit from increased local travelers, concerns about housing availability and affordability persist. The decision to lift the ban on short-term rentals will need to carefully consider these competing interests and find a balance that supports the local economy without compromising the long-term housing needs of residents. As the tourism season approaches, the city of Kelowna and the province will need to navigate these complexities to ensure a successful and sustainable tourism industry.
