Tofino votes to opt in to B.C.'s new short-term rental restrictions, despite exemption

Tofino's district council has voted to opt in to B.C.'s new short-term rental regulations, despite previously being exempt from them.

Tofino's district council has voted to opt in to B.C.'s new short-term rental regulations, despite previously being exempt from them.

The vote passed 5-2 at a meeting Tuesday night, with councillors saying urgent action is needed to protect the town's current housing stock.

Coun. Duncan McMaster, who put forward the motion to opt in to the regulations, said the "commercialization of real estate" has turned homes into short-term rentals.

"This has resulted in a lack of homes to purchase and a lack of long-term rental accommodations," he said, adding he feels there is a "strong possibility of Tofino turning into a short-term rental ghetto."

While all councillors were in favour of taking action against short-term rentals, some disagreed with immediately opting in to a province-mandated restriction.

"I personally believe the opting in doesn't go strong enough," Coun. Tom Steere said during the meeting. Steere said he didn't think the legislation would help the city achieve its housing goals, adding he thinks the city has better tools to regulate short-term rentals, like zoning.

Community member Tia Traviss spoke before council at Tuesday's meeting saying she doesn't believe the new legislation will have the impact council is hoping for.